Spring into Growth

As the sun begins to shine a little bit brighter and the temperatures rise a little bit higher, Sierra Vista’s Gardening Club “springs” into action as this season marks a fresh new chapter for students eager to dig into new projects–both literally and figuratively.
According to Ms. Suara, Sierra Vista High School’s Gardening Club advisor, the club has exciting plans blooming this spring. Among their top priorities include, “organizing an online farmer’s market for parents and also attending a farmers market in the valley” she shares. These hands-on experiences not only give students a glimpse into sustainable agriculture but also connect them with the larger community in meaningful, practical ways. While some may underestimate the impact of the gardening club, Ms. Suara is quick to point out the benefits that go far beyond planting seeds and pulling weeds. “Social skills, teamwork, self esteem, confidence and problem-solving” while also teaching them, “how to love and be more patient when growing plants.” These are just a few of the essential life skills cultivated in her club; they are especially important as students prepare for life beyond high school. Gardening Club Vice President, Kyla Stewart, would agree. Stewart explains the Gardening Club does teach these life skills while also, “promotes hands-on learning and teaches students valuable life skills such as responsibility, teamwork, and patience. It also encourages a deeper connection with nature and helps students understand where their food comes from” Victoria Chua, Gardening Club’s Treasurer, backs the two of them up and describes that the biggest benefit of her work in Gardening Club was, “being able to experience working together outside of a classroom.”
The sense of ownership and independence it offers its members is what truly sets the Gardening Club apart. Unlike traditional extracurriculars where students might follow a strict teacher and her instructions, Gardening Club empowers students to take the lead. Suara elaborates, “students decide what they want to plant, care for, and organize their event.” and allowing them to, “learn specific topics that are hands-on and allow them to choose a fun activity of their choice.” in an ability to balance an educational aspect while also keeping a fun and lively environment. Vice President, Stewart, would agree that the biggest benefit of her work in gardening club is, “learning how to care for something over time and seeing the results of that effort. It also feels good to do something positive for the school as we’re helping make the campus more beautiful and sustainable.” From choosing which flowers to grow, to scheduling market events, every decision gives students a deeper sense of responsibility and pride in their work. But, there’s more to just life skills and independence, but also an improvement in the environment, Stewart explains said improvement by, “adding green space, reducing pollution, and attracting helpful insects like bees. It also helps students feel more relaxed and focused spending time in nature.” while Gardening Clubs Treasurer, Chua, explains that it’s also helpful in waste as the Gardening Club uses, “donated food from the cafeteria for the compost bin, reducing the food waste.”
Whether students join to learn more about gardening, to connect with others, or to gain real-world experience, Sierra Vista’s Gardening Club plants the seeds for a brighter, more capable future. If students are interested in joining, make sure to look around for flyers around campus and watch the announcements, then show up on their meetings hosted every Monday in room 304 and get to planting those seeds.