This month, we recognize Walter Wilkinson from Northwest Middle School in the Reading School District in Leesport, PA. Wally has led the efforts at his school to create a school garden as an outdoor learning laboratory. With support from parents and community members, the garden serves as a site for education and environmental awareness. The food is harvested, prepared and served in their school cafeteria, and extra food is donated to a local food pantry. Students are not only engaged in growing food, they collect water in rain barrels and compost food from their school cafeteria to sustain the garden. Members of the school’s Science Club even volunteer on Saturdays to maintain the garden.

Congratulations, Wally - for your dedication to getting students involved with your school garden, you are clearly a PAESTAR!