The Jane Goodall Institute has recognized Soleado Elementary School's third-grade class as the elementary school winners for the most volunteer hours under the institute's Roots & Shoots program.
The program recognizes students for bringing about positive change in their communities, the school said in a news release Tuesday.
Claire Robinson, one of the third-graders in teacher Lauren Kearns' class, will join primates researcher Jane Goodall, founder of the institute bearing her name, on the Rose Parade grand marshall float in Pasadena Jan. 1.
"I am delighted Ms. Kearns has led her third grade students in such a wonderful community program, and we are especially looking forward to watching the Rose Parade this year," said Principal Kevin Allen, head of Soleado Elementary for eight years.
At age 26, Goodall traveled to what is now Tanzania to study wild chimpanzees. She produced ground-breaking research revealing how chimpanzees live, use tools and engage in war-like activity. Her work, entering its 53rd year, has increased the world's understanding of both animals and humans.
The 124th Rose Parade will be telecast live beginning at 8 a.m. on KTLA5 and other stations.
