Seventeen high school students have volunteered to plant and tend Parrott’s new garden. (Left to right) Kat Owsley, Mary Frances Fields, Charles Harper, Killen Harper, Lucas Ouano, Jackson Crocker, Abby Turner, Hilary Raney, Vishal Bhagat, George Dismukes, Elizabeth Norris, Kingsley Dunn, Grayson Dismukes, Ashelynne Fisher, and Mackenna Fisher.

Parrott Academy is combining environmental awareness with community service in a new gardening project. 

Spearheaded by faculty member Katherine Harper, who teaches high school math and lower school character education, the garden is located near a nature trail on the back of campus. “I’m so pleased with the participation,” Harper commented. “We’ve had seventeen high school students sign up to be gardeners, and they are taking full ownership of their plots.” 

The garden uses five raised beds measuring six by three feet and eight garden buckets. One of the big challenges for students is carrying water to the beds since there is currently no irrigation. “But it’s satisfying to see the new plants perk up and grow,” said Killen Harper. Her friend Kat Owsley appreciates the opportunity to get out of the classroom and be outside as they tend the plots. 

Broccoli, cauliflower, squash, cabbage, kale, collards, Brussel sprouts, celery and Swiss chard plants are sprouting and should be ready for harvest in a couple of months. The produce will be donated to Mary’s Kitchen in Kinston.