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For Release: April 4, 2000

Contacts:
Mary Ann Fox
Flat Rock Community High School
734-782-1499

Barbara Nocera
Mazda Foundation
202-467-5096

FLAT ROCK COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL, MAZDA FOUNDATION DEDICATE MAZDA GARDENS

-- Ceremony Celebrates Earth Week 2000 --

FLAT ROCK, Mich. -- Flat Rock Community High School (FRCHS) and the Mazda Foundation will dedicate the Mazda Gardens at FRCHS on April 17, kicking off Earth Week 2000.

The dedication marks the completion of Phase I of the school's landscaping program. The Mazda Foundation contributed $10,000 to FRCHS to support the program and provide an opportunity for students and staff in the school's Environmental and Consortium Horticulture classes, and its Environmental Club, to research, design and plant the garden.

More than 70 FRCHS students, Mazda representatives, city planners and students from other Consortium schools developed the garden. Planning began in spring 1999 with an autumn planting. A variety of trees and flowering shrubs, including four types of indigenous pine trees and a Japanese cherry tree, were selected to provide visual appeal year-round and to symbolize the long-standing relationship between Mazda and the City of Flat Rock.

"Mazda is committed to improving the environment of the communities in which it does business," said Richard Beattie, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations and chairman of the Mazda Foundation. "I am very pleased that we not only were able to help improve the local environment, but also provide an educational opportunity for Flat Rock students."

"We are very excited to have this opportunity to develop our new school grounds," said Mary Ann Fox, principal of Flat Rock Community High School. "The Mazda Gardens serve not only as a showcase, but as a continuing center of study for students in the environmental and horticulture classes."

The Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. was established in 1990 to demonstrate Mazda's commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities in which it does business. In addition to environmental conservation, the Mazda Foundation supports charitable organizations that promote literacy, education, cross-cultural understanding and social welfare.

Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service and parts, and research and development support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has approximately 800 dealerships nationwide and is owned by Mazda Motor Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan.

Photography available upon request.

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