The Patton Project was conceived by Family and Consumer Science teachers, Betsy Ballard and Kimberly Hisler, at the start of the 2010-2011 school year. It began with an idea and then raising the necessary funds to build the initial 16 raised beds, now 22, and a greenhouse. In addition, a pergola is currently being constructed next to the raised beds and greenhouse. It was conceived of by Ms. Ballard and Ms. Hisler, designed by a UHS student with help and support from Mr. Berkeihiser and is being constructed by the high school tech ed class under the guidance of Mr. Linkmeyer. Two high tunnels have also been added to the garden project and are currently under construction just off of the athletic fields. From the start, the students have been responsible for the building of the beds, filling, seeding, maintaining and harvesting the fruits and vegetables. Many of these items have been used in the FCS cooking labs, as well as over 2000 lbs being donated to the Kennett Food Cupboard. The beautifully shaped pumpkin is a result of their efforts. This is truly the fruits of their labor. The Patton Project students create lovely quilts, pillowcases, and pillow in addition to their work in the gardens. Teams of students create handmade items that will eventually be donated to sick children at AI DuPont Hospital for Children many of whom come from our own community. The pictures you see depict both the greenhouse, raised bed project and our first quilt and pillowcase donations made to AI Dupont by students and Ms. Ballard and Ms. Hisler. These two teachers are thrilled to have such caring and truly selfless students who care so much about sustainability and giving back to those in our community. In addition to their other activities, students learn about goal setting and spend time investigating possible careers. The culmination of this unit is a ten year plan where the students set realistic, achievable and measureable goals for the near and distant future. It gives them a leg up on the next four years with a clearer focus of what the time after UHS could be like for them!
