Garden creates new opportunities for students
Michael Jackson, a freshman at Washington High School, works with Holland Jones, 7, planting peppers in the school district garden with Mike Bosnic Sr. Tuesday afternoon.
Chloe Penetzer, 7, peeks through one of the pepper plants while at the Washington School District garden Tuesday.
In an attempt to give back to the community and teach city children a thing or two about farming, Washington School District started a garden.
Their little plot, behind Washington Park Elementary School, is slowly showing signs of life as tiny, green stalks and flowers are springing up. The garden project is being overseen by Mike Bosnic Jr., a teacher and football coach at the high school. He and his father, Mike Bosnic Sr., are taking a family tradition and passing it on to high school and elementary school students.
“Gardening is special to my family,” the younger Bosnic said. “So, sharing it with these kids has been special. I wanted to provide these kids with an opportunity they are lacking. I wanted to bring some agricultural opportunities to the students.”
In April, Bosnic and his Academically Customized Education students refurbished and cleaned the garden, which was established several years ago as a memorial for Sammy Osso Jr. With the help of students from the class of Bosnic’s wife, Kathie, the group planted tomatoes, onions, peppers and an array of other vegetables.
Everything the group grows will be donated to Greater Washington County Food Bank. But in the future, the younger Bosnic hopes to expand the garden and one day sell their bounty for profit. He said students will care for the garden over the summer and plant new things in the fall.
“There are so many benefits,” he said of the garden. “I’m excited for future opportunities.”
Ross Goldstone, a freshman, said working in the garden the last few weeks has been an enjoyable experience.
“It’s something different,” he said. “It’s good to do something that helps other people.”
Freshman Michael Jackson said the garden project has taught him a valuable lesson.
“Always care for your community,” he said.