Clewiston, FL – Leaders from local churches, schools, businesses, city government and U.S. Sugar were on hand Monday to dedicate benches at the Harlem Community Tree Park, which is adjacent to U.S. Sugar’s Clewiston Sugar Factory. The benches were constructed by members of Clewiston High School’s Building Trades and Construction Design Technology class and made possible through a donation by U.S. Sugar.

“This project has brought together our students, our pastors and our community leaders to help enhance a local park with a place for our neighbors to gather,” said Brannan Thomas, U.S. Sugar’s Community Relations Manager. “Building strong communities and promoting unity is part of who we are, and we were proud to work with our community partners to help make this project a reality.”

“Our students could not be more thrilled to take on a project that will provide this local park with benches that will last for many years to come,” said Cecil Harris, teacher of the Clewiston High School School’s Building Trades and Construction Design Technology class. “We appreciate the support from U.S. Sugar and the opportunity to provide our students with a lesson on the importance of community involvement.”

“As one of the local churches with our own bench, we want to show our appreciation to U.S. Sugar for helping to make this community-wide project possible,” said Gary McNealy, pastor of Greater Friendship Baptist Church in Harlem. “Our community is everything, and our church is proud to have a bench bearing our name in this park.”

Each bench includes a plaque provided by local groups, including churches, sorority chapters, and other community organizations. The project coincides with U.S. Sugar’s ongoing support for maintaining and enhancing the Harlem Community Tree Park, a place with people of the Harlem community gather for community festivals and other events.