Trumansburg High School’s student-run maple syrup program is getting a boost from Waterloo Container, which has pledged financial support along with glass bottles and closures for the school’s syrup production efforts.
The program, a part of Trumansburg’s STEAM initiative, offers students from kindergarten through 12th grade hands-on experience in syrup making—from identifying and tapping trees to bottling the final product. Club president Beyonca Akers, a senior, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “Our STEAM program at Trumansburg High School allows students in grades K-12 to identify, tap, and make their own syrup. We want to expand the Maple Syrup project across the state and create a data network that supports educators and learners. Waterloo Container’s donation has helped add a new level of professionalism to our project, and we are super grateful for their support.”
Waterloo Container, a family-owned business specializing in wine and beverage packaging, sees the partnership as an investment in local agriculture and education. Mark C. Pitifer, a representative from the company, emphasized the importance of supporting the next generation of maple syrup producers. “We are always looking for ways in which we can support agriculture and programs like these,” Pitifer said. “Bill Lutz is passionate about anything that will enhance, motivate, and drive the future of each special industry in the Finger Lakes and the state as a whole.”
Pitifer also pointed to consumer trends favoring glass packaging, noting that a survey by the New York Maple program found that over 75% of consumers prefer syrup in glass rather than plastic. “Maple syrup looks better in glass,” he said, reaffirming Waterloo Container’s commitment to the industry.
With continued support from state leaders, including Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball, the program aims to strengthen the state’s agricultural future while providing students with valuable, real-world skills.
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