Twenty-two Hillcrest High School Key Club students recently partnered with the Shedd Aquarium for a day of service and learning at Ping Tom Memorial Park, collecting more than 80 pounds of trash from the park and riverfront.

Through the Shedd-sponsored experience, students learned about habitat restoration and the importance of protecting local waterways. Their cleanup helped remove litter that could enter the water system and harm wildlife.

Hillcrest’s Key Club has participated in this annual service experience for nearly a decade. While previous outings typically focused on the lakefront, this year’s riverfront location gave students a new setting to explore the connection between community service and environmental stewardship.

With beautiful weather and enthusiastic participation, the outing offered students a hands-on opportunity to make a difference while learning how their actions help protect natural habitats.