Gardening, it is a time consuming pastime, but a useful one nonetheless. “The greatest fruit of self-sufficiency is freedom,” quotes Epicurus, and self sufficiency is something the students of Shadow Ridge High School all strive to achieve.
That is exactly what senior Levi Stewart is trying to accomplish for Shadow Ridge. Stewart, Student Body Vice President, and founder of the school’s drone soccer team, is on a mission to make a school garden. In the past, there was a garden in the front of the school, run by the Garden Club. However, the Garden Club was re-branded into the “Outdoors Club” and the original garden was abandoned. The new garden’s plans were recently approved by administration, marking a significant step forward in making the project a reality.
Stewart has attended Shadow Ridge for all four years of his high school career. Now that he is nearing the end of his time there, he has decided to make lasting changes to the school that will benefit both current and future students. One of his main goals for the community garden is to help students become more engaged with their environment rather than spending time on social media.
“I feel like the garden will give kids a chance to do something better than doom-scrolling,” stated Stewart.
“A community garden will benefit all students. For example, it will increase student engagement and the collaboration of different clubs on campus. This will also allow students to eat healthy and broaden their hobbies and interests,” Stewart explained.
The garden will be located in the outside quad, specifically in the soil box beneath the handicapped ramp. To make room for the garden, two bushes will be removed, and three wooden planter boxes will be built in their place. These planter boxes will provide students with the space necessary to grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This hands-on project will allow students to develop important life skills such as responsibility, patience, and teamwork, all while contributing to a sustainable and self-sufficient campus.
Once Stewart graduates, the Outdoors Club will inherit this garden. As of right now, their advisor, Mr. McKee, is working on growing the first plants that will be planted once this garden is up and running.
In his free time Stewart works at Namba Sushi. “While working there I’ve learned a lot about how important the different produce used in our everyday meals is,” he claims.
As his time at Shadow comes to an end, Stewart hopes to leave behind a meaningful legacy. This community garden is a step toward sustainability, engagement, and a healthier student body. With the support of administrators and students alike, Shadow Ridge’s garden will become a valuable addition to the school’s campus and culture.
