Students at Notre Dame High School celebrated Earth Month by designing, building, and maintaining hydroponic vertical garden systems to grow fresh, edible plants in an urban setting. These innovative gardens transformed small spaces into thriving examples of sustainability and creativity. The vertical gardens not only produced nutritious food but also demonstrated how students could reimagine local food production and create positive change in their community.
Learning Through Sustainability
The vertical garden project was deeply interdisciplinary. Students explored plant science, financial literacy through budgeting and grant writing, and communication skills through persuasive pitches for community partnerships. They also reflected on gospel values, focusing on care for creation and community service.
Students from Art, Media, and Marketing classes helped document the project, using their creativity to design promotional materials for events such as the Mother’s Day Plant and Herb Sale. Their collaboration showed how academic learning, environmental action, and artistic expression could come together to make a difference.
Growing Together Across Schools
The project went beyond gardening. It became a way to build meaningful connections. Through a partnership with St. Elizabeth Elementary School, the initiative took on an intergenerational dimension. Students from both schools collaborated, exchanged ideas, and worked together on shared gardening activities. Older students mentored younger learners, while the younger students contributed enthusiasm and fresh perspectives. Together, they cultivated food and a shared sense of environmental responsibility.
A Shared Commitment to the Community
At the heart of the vertical garden project was a strong commitment to giving back. Like St. Elizabeth’s community garden, which supported local families, Notre Dame students shared the produce they grew with those in need. This effort helped reduce food insecurity and reminded students of the importance of compassion and service.
To extend the project’s impact, Notre Dame students created gardening guides that allowed others to replicate their vertical garden systems. By sharing their knowledge, they encouraged more schools and families to embrace sustainable practices, strengthening the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Celebrating Earth Month and Partnerships
The vertical garden project at Notre Dame High School grew into more than a temporary initiative. It became a long-term effort with lasting effects on both the environment and the community. By working together, students from Notre Dame and St. Elizabeth built a foundation for sustainability, shared knowledge, and compassion.
They grew more than plants. They grew hope, responsibility, and a sense of purpose—proving that when faith, innovation, and community come together, the seeds of change take root and flourish.
