By John W. Parris
(L to R) Matt Polskin,
Scott MacIntosh, Spencer Abercrombie, and Alan Goolsby
Early in 2004, Hillcrest High School Principal Steve Chamness discussed with AgriScience Teacher Mark Earle the possibility of a beautification project on the school grounds. With great excitement and determination, Mr. Earle and his students accepted the challenge of designing and installing a water garden in the courtyard.
After months of planning, the project was ready for implementation. The students began removing existing plant material including River Burch trees, Holly bushes and an abundance of Lorriapee. They took great care removing the Lorriapee so it could be sold to faculty and staff to partially fund the project. The plant material had to be moved through a hallway but a student was always on duty to keep the area clear of debris.
As summer began, a number of the AgriScience students volunteered to continue working on the project. That meant moving a considerable amount of clay. In the process they discovered underground pipes that had to be removed to make way for the water feature. “This challenge provided the students a unique opportunity to turn classroom theory into real-life experiences by solving the problem,” Earle said.
The front of the school took on the appearance of a construction site as soil and concrete were removed to make way for a pond. At this point, parents and businesses became involved by providing equipment such as loaders, dump trucks and even jackhammers.
As summer passed and the students continued to show up at school early in the morning, Mr. Chamness became more impressed with their dedication and effort to make the beautification project a reality. “I expect the courtyard with the water garden to be a very popular place for students and faculty”, he emphasized.
By the last week of July, the students saw the pond take shape as they laid the liner, added the skimmer and carefully placed each rock in place. Soon the pond was filled with water, fish and plants.
After the pond was constructed, the courtyard had to be landscaped. Jon Hanna, Horticulturalist with the City of Clemson, SC, gave up his free time to help design the plans. After much consideration and research, a landscape plan was completed and the plant materials purchased.
Administrators, faculty, support staff and students were amazed at the new courtyard when they returned for a new school year.
The beautifully landscaped area with its esthetically pleasing water garden was opened for public view on August 19.
“We are grateful to our principal who arranged for the necessary funding for the project”, Earle said. “We are also indebted to the AgriScience students for transforming the courtyard into a very special place on the Hillcrest High School campus”, he added.
These students, all active in the Hillcrest FFA Chapter, epitomize the mission of the organization which is to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through Agricultural Education. (See photos below).
