MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas (KLTV) – A team of young gardeners is supplying fresh produce for East Texans. These children aren’t affiliated with any organizations; in fact, they have only recently completed their fourth-grade year.
“I believe everyone in our community is part of our family,” stated Kenley Collier, a fourth-grade student at Frances Corprew Elementary School.
The students from Mount Pleasant dedicated their efforts to gardening with an eye toward the future. They began cultivating plants back in September. Currently, they have bell peppers, crookneck squash, zucchini, strawberries, and even more produce growing.
Frances Corprew Elementary employs this yearly initiative as a way to engage in community service.
“The more opportunities they have to contribute, the stronger their desire becomes to keep giving back, and that’s truly what this entire initiative aims to achieve,” stated Cassie George, an elementary school counselor.
“To observe their progress. Initially, it seems like, ‘Why am I being guided during playtime?’ But when they head over to the garden, not only are they gaining knowledge, it has a soothing effect,” explained Christie Ridenour, who serves as the Communities in Schools Coordinator at the school.
It’s also available at no cost for the community to come and take.
Betty Norman and Isia Murphy arrive at the school and select produce from the garden.
“It’s been wonderful,” remarked Norman, a resident of Mount Pleasant for 77 years. “It may not always be ideal for someone like me, but overall, it’s a fantastic concept for those who truly benefit from it.”
“I believe this is beneficial for our community since there will always be people in need of food somewhere out there, and it feels like a blessing,” remarked Murphy, who has resided in Mount Pleasant for 78 years.
At a tender age, these students might carry forward what they began.
“My aspiration was to be a farmer and own a large farm where I could grow crops like wheat, canola, and soybeans,” stated Lucas Ridenour, a fourth-grade pupil at the institution.
“I’m feeling great because people can see what we’ve created. They’ll probably think it looks quite impressive,” stated Angel Paco, another fourth-grade student from Frances Corprew Elementary School.
The institution intends to enlarge the green space over the next few years. Next year, they aim to cultivate watermelons, cantaloupes, and additional veggies.
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