MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C.,None — Occupational students at McDowell High will soon be seeing the fruits of their labor thanks to donated supplies from Banner Greenhouses.
The business recently gave students in the program supplies and a few helpful tips on how to start their gardening project.
The donations will help students in the occupational program grow their own plants in the schools new greenhouse and sell them to the general public. Money from each sell will help maintain the growing program.
Educators hope that the new program will teach students a lifelong skill that will help them learn how to create a self-sustaining business.
Banner Greenhouse’s General Manager Jeff Mast was more than happy that the business could donate so many supplies
“We’ve donated vegetable seeds, vegetable plugs for young plants, trays and pots with soil for future planning,” said Mast. “It’s important that the kids learn how to grow their own vegetables and how to maintain a garden.”
Students will soon begin growing plants in their various classes and learning how to take care of different types of greenery.
“Students will be coming in here for their occupational prep classes,” stated program specialist Teri Queen. “Math and science classes from the program will also use the greenhouse during class time.”
Before stepping foot in a greenhouse, students researched the ins and outs of the business.
“We’ve been researching this project for two years,” said Queen. “It was during that research time that one of the teachers or students found out about Banner Greenhouse.”
Once the greenhouse heard about the new venture, they volunteered their time and supplies to the youngsters as a way to promote horticulture.
“We believe it’s important to contribute to our local society,” stated Mast. “We also feel it’s important to contribute to our industry and this project. There’s a shortage of people in our industry, and if we can help develop future horticulturists that may help our company down the road.”
For now, kids will work on growing lettuce plants and in the spring months they will branch out into different types of vegetables and flowering plants.
WSOC
