Where were you in the fall of 1998?

If you were at Norfolk Academy in Virginia, you might have been joining the new Roots & Shoots group started by teacher Stephanie Pope.

Today, Norfolk Academy's Royster Roots & Shoots group is still going strong, but after 11 years as a Roots & Shoots group leader and 31 years as a teacher, Stephanie is retiring.

"Ms. Pope is an amazing Latin teacher, wonderful Roots & Shoots advisor and phenomenal colleague," said fellow teacher Elizabeth Glassman. "I am so excited about her new adventures during retirement, but sad for us that she will not be working in our school."

The dynamic group leader was first inspired by Dr. Jane after hearing her speak at Norfolk Academy in 1997. While Dr. Jane may have inspired Stephanie, it is Stephanie who has inspired so many students.

"Ms. Pope has been such an active, hard-working member of the Norfolk Academy community," said ninth-grader Evelyn Robertson. "She has inspired me and challenged me."

Over the years, her Roots & Shoots group has raised more than $50,000 (USD) for 28 different organizations. Where do they get all this money, you ask? During every school break period Stephanie runs a snack booth for the middle school, and all of the proceeds go to the Roots & Shoots group.

"She started our school recycling program," said eighth-grader Chandler Archbell. "I plan on continuing that program for the middle school after Ms. Pope retires."

One of the group's most popular projects has been the "angel tree." During the winter holiday season, group members make ornaments with photos of animals at the Virginia Beach SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). On the back of the ornament, they list an item the SPCA needs. Students, teachers and parents remove the ornaments and then return the requested items.

The group has also done a lot of clothing and food drives. One of the largest was for the Lost Boys of Sudan and Lost Girls of Sudan. The group filled an entire van with clothes, food, household supplies and computers to donate to the cause. They have also organized drives for the victims of September 11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 Southeast Asia tsunami.

"Ms. Pope is determined to make her students successful and achieve their full potential," Chandler said. "She has really made a difference."

"I can hardly imagine what it will be like without her," Eveyln said. "We're going to miss her."

From the entire Roots & Shoots community, we thank Stephanie for her years of Roots & Shoots service and wish her a happy retirement!

Inspired to start a group at your school? Learn how educators are getting their students involved.