National park service director visits Cox

XENIA — Jonathan B. Jarvis, the director of the National Park Service, visited Cox Elementary School Thursday afternoon.

Jarvis, who was appointed by President Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate on Sept. 25, 2009, is the 18th director of the park service. His visit coincided with Black History Month and the park service turning 100 years old. Jarvis told the group of assembled fourth-graders that the first park rangers were Buffalo Soldiers.

The first of which was Charles Young, whom the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Wilberforce was named after.

Jarvis also said his visit was commissioned by President Obama, who created the Every Kid in a Park Pass. The pass will allow fourth graders free admission into any national (there are 12 in Ohio) for a year.

Students took part in two projects during the visit by Jarvis: planting vegetables, which will be grown with the help of Wilberforce University and researching a park and answering questions about it.

Scott Halasz | Greene County News National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis addresses fourth-graders at Cox Elementary School Thursday.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2016/02/web1_DSC_2076.jpgScott Halasz | Greene County News National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis addresses fourth-graders at Cox Elementary School Thursday.

Students plant seeds during a Thursday afternoon project at Cox.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2016/02/web1_DSC_2082.jpgStudents plant seeds during a Thursday afternoon project at Cox.

Fourth-graders research their favorite national park. There are 12 in Ohio.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2016/02/web1_DSC_2084.jpgFourth-graders research their favorite national park. There are 12 in Ohio.