Occupational Course of Study Program at North Forsyth High School Starts School/Community Organic Garden

By Doris Jones

OCS Teacher at North Forsyth High School

Are you ready for fresh organic vegetables!  The answer was a resounding yes, by the North Forsyth Occupational Course of Study (OCS) Department.  They have partnered with the North Forsyth Agriculture Science Department to design a school-community organic raised garden.  The students, along with volunteers, have planted organic tomatoes, broccoli, okra and snow peas.  The project originated with an idea to provide additional opportunities for the OCS students to earn school base hours.  It would also serve as a way to connect school with community and give teachers an alternate method of integrating classroom activities to hands on learning.

On Wednesday, June 4, the OCS Department along with volunteers from Beck’s Baptist Church, teachers, parents and friends participated in a Garden Dedication Ceremony. Dr. Karl Ray Minor, Senior Pastor of Beck’s Baptist Church, officiated and one of the OCS students, Richard Fenner, shared a song.  Words of affirmation and thanks were given by Dr. Minor as he concluded the ceremony with the ribbon cutting.  Immediately after the ceremony, a reception was held to greet family and friends of the garden project.

Going forward, the raised garden project will yield not only fresh vegetables, but knowledge about food and nutrition, student/community interaction, an enjoyable project; provide opportunities for school base hours and service points and a beautiful garden. 

Finally, when the garden is complete, the students will have grown organic vegetables to sell and distribute to the community. For more information about the garden and volunteer opportunities, please contact the Mr. Brian Reynolds, Agriculture Instructor, North Forsyth High School at bkreynolds@wsfcs.k12.nc.us