Winston Churchill High School's Gardening Program Cultivates Community Spirit in Lethbridge

Something special is taking root at Winston Churchill High School in Lethbridge.

While combines roll across the prairies, a group of dedicated students is busy with a harvest of their own, right on the school’s south lawn.

This isn't just an after-school club; it's a full-fledged agri-gardening program, and it's reshaping how students connect with their food and their community.

Students are getting their hands dirty harvesting pumpkins, butternut squash, potatoes, and onions, learning practical skills that extend far beyond the classroom walls.

The initiative is a powerful, hands-on lesson in biology, agriculture, and civic duty all rolled into one.

What makes the Winston Churchill High School gardening program unique is its integration into the curriculum.

Science and biology teacher Geoff Waugh, one of the program's co-founders, notes it's the first in the school division to offer academic credit for the gardening class.

He and fellow teacher Joel Heyland developed the idea about three years ago, transforming a simple passion for gardening into a visionary educational project.

With support from community donations, the once-empty lawn is now a flourishing hub of urban farming activity.

The impact of this student-led harvest reaches deeply into the Lethbridge community.

The program embodies a profound spirit of giving back that is inspiring to witness.

A significant portion of the produce is donated directly to the Interfaith Food Bank, providing fresh, healthy vegetables to local families in need.

The remaining harvest is used by the school's own cooking classes or given to the students who helped cultivate it.

For many students, this is their first real exposure to agriculture, sparking new interests and potential career paths in a province known for its farming heritage.

It's a practical education in food security and sustainability happening right here in North Lethbridge.

The program, which accommodates about 36 students each semester, demonstrates a powerful shift in education, prioritizing real-world skills and community involvement.

This isn't just about growing vegetables; it's about growing responsible and engaged citizens.

The enthusiasm is palpable as students see the tangible results of their hard work.

The success of the Winston Churchill High School gardening program serves as a model for what's possible when education breaks free from traditional confines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Winston Churchill High School gardening program?

It is an agri-gardening class offered by the Lethbridge high school where students earn academic credit for learning to grow, harvest, and distribute vegetables. It's a unique urban farming initiative in the Lethbridge School Division.

Who benefits from the student harvest?

The harvest is shared three ways: a portion is donated to the Interfaith Food Bank, another part is used in the school's cooking programs, and the rest is given to the students involved in the gardening program.

How did the program start?

Teachers Geoff Waugh and Joel Heyland conceived the program approximately three years ago. With the help of community donations, they established the garden on the school's property to teach students about agriculture and community service.