Eastern Elementary School students celebrated Earth Day a little early on Friday by exploring different critters, plants and recycling. Several community partners made the celebration a reality, including the Beekeepers Association, Washington High School volunteers, PotashCorp-Aurora, North Carolina State Cooperative Extension, Dr. Inken Van Cura of Pamlico Animal Hospital, the Extension Master Gardeners, Goose Creek State Park, Vernon James Research Center of Raleigh, Beaufort County Community College and Pamlico-Albemarle Wildlife Conservation. Elizabeth Picone and Lois Hoot served as co-chairs of the event. Frank’s Pizza was also a sponsor.