C.E. Williams—North’s Garden Club is about growing more than just plants
by Lorne Chambers | Editor
C.E. Williams—North campus welcomed students, staff, families, community members, and media outlets to a Garden Gala on Friday, May 16. The event showcased the hard work and creativity of Garden Club students, who have been growing and nurturing The Green Wolverine Sensory Garden throughout the year.
The festive, community-centered celebration featured Garden tours led by the students, including a Sensory Walk through the garden, which is located within the courtyard of the school, and interactive student-led stations. There was even a live mural sketching by local artist John Reese and refreshments for sale.
While the students do most of the “dirty” work of planting, watering, and caring for the garden, the staff helps out whenever needed. And when the vegetables and other edible plants are harvested, the staff will cook them for the students and serve them for lunch. Life Skills teacher Pamela Altman oversees the indoor gardening initiatives, while art teacher Ashley Hayden oversees the outdoor gardening.
“Everyone has a job to do, but it’s also a time—they tell me— they can cool down and relax and find a calm moment,” says Altman.
Two student members of the Garden Club, Lucinda Aleman and Perry Ann Wood, led a discussion about how the sensory Garden came into existence and how it helps teach responsibility, creativity, and joy.
There are currently more than 40 students who participate in the Garden Club at the C.E. Williams — North campus gardening club. Students can chip in and help during recess or if they have any extra time during the day.
Aleman and Wood also gave a pitch as to why the C.E. Williams—South campus also needs a garden club. The 6th graders said they would love to have a similar experience when the head over to the South campus for 7th and 8th grade. Adding that a club there would also help meet the goals for the MUSC Wellness grant, which helps fund the garden club, as well as donations from Lowe’s and Home Depot, and other community business suporters.
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