Sarah Mossman, Cleveland Elementary’s garden educator, started the school’s garden nearly 10 years ago. Explaining the students’ reaction to the garden, Mossman said:
"They are enjoying tending to their own foods. And then the benefits of healthy eating from them connecting where their food comes from."
She also mentioned how pleased she would be if some of her student gardeners became farmers when they grow up and how much the children enjoy their time outdoors during the gardening sessions.
Cleveland’s curriculum starts the gardening cycle in August, at which point they learn about climate, weather, and seasonality. The students receive instruction for planting seeds in the fall and harvesting vegetables, all the while learning about healthy eating.
This was the statewide garden contest’s inaugural year and while Mossman said that they were proud to have won “Best Community Collaboration,” she and her students would continue to aim for the Best Garden award going forth.
School districts sometimes utilize banner printing services to announce awards or honors students have received
The state’s garden contest endeavors to highlight how school gardens can create teaching opportunities about agriculture and nutrition, as well as potential tie-ins with other school subjects.
"OKC Beautiful" is in partnership with Cleveland Elementary School’s school garden project and has expressed its pride in the program’s success.