Monday, May 4

SU Ag Center holds School Garden Graduation Program For Area Students

Dr. Adell Brown, Executive Vice Center and Vice Chancellor for Research at the SU Ag Center, speaks to students on April 29 during the School Garden Graduation Program.

Students listening to the keynote speaker during the ceremony.

Essay and video contest stipend winners pose with Vice Chancellor for Extension, Dr. Gina Eubanks (standing far left on the second row); Assistant Extension Specialist, Stephanie Elwood (standing far left on the front row) and School-Based Gardening Projects Coordinator, Tiffany Franklin (standing far right on the second row).

Baton Rouge, La. – More than 75 students received certificates of completion for participating in the Southern University Ag Center’s School Garden Program.

Students from Southern University Laboratory School, Scotlandville Magnet High School and Scotlandville Pre-Engineering Middle Academy, were honored during a graduation ceremony held at the SU Ag Center on April 29.

The yearlong United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) program, titled “Eradicating Food Deserts Through School Gardens,” taught students basic, transferable gardening techniques from the SU Ag Center's self-produced curriculum.

Carolyn Hill, Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) District 8 Representative, served as keynote speaker for the event. She encouraged graduates to use what they’re learned from the program to help them grow in life.

Ten students were also awarded $100 stipends for participating in an essay and video contest. Students were required to complete a written or video essay demonstrating “The effect of fast food on your health: Good or Bad.” Additionally, the students had to actively participate in at least 34 hours of the SU Ag Center’s Eradicating Food Deserts indoor classroom and outdoor garden lessons to be eligible to enter the contest.

For more information about the SU Ag Center’s School Gardening Program, contact Tiffany Franklin or Stephanie Elwood at 225-771-2242.

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