U of D Jesuit Students Help Clean Up Belle Isle

DETROIT (WWJ) - The question of who can save Belle Isle from neglect is in the headlines ever day around metro Detroit, but the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy isn't just talking about it -- they're doing something about it.

The entire 880 student body will clean, remove invasive species, plant bulbs and create pathways at Belle Isle, Palmer Park and Historic Fort Wayne this weekend. Students, faculty and staff will be working from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m and over 1,600 hours will be donated.

The U of D Jesuit Student Senate created Pledge Detroit! to help fund scholarships and to fulfill a school-wide goal of service to the community.

"Simply put, this is what our school is all about," said Fr. Karl Kiser, S.J., president of U of D Jesuit.  "Our goal is to educate men for others who will go out, live successful lives and serve their communities.  I'm so proud that our students created U of D Jesuit Pledge Detroit! which serves as a tangible example of living our mission and commitment to the City of Detroit."

Through their days of service, U of D Jesuit students plan to raise over $130,000 to help pay for scholarships for their fellow students.  U of D Jesuit Pledge Detroit! activities are supported by benefactors such as the Friends of Belle Isle, People for Palmer Park, the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition, and the Trinity Transportation Group.

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing applauded the students' efforts.

"I am once again gratified by U of D Jesuit's ongoing commitment to the City of Detroit," he said. "The students' initiative to make a real difference in our community should serve as an example to organizations across metro Detroit."

University of Detroit Jesuit, Detroit's oldest high school, attracts students from more than 75 communities.