Students plant garden for those in need

The school year may have come to a close, but some students at St. Petronille School in Glen Ellyn are still working on a school project - one that will help the community even as it helps the students grow and develop.

Under the guidance of teacher Krissy Wind, the students had brainstormed about a project they could take on to help people in need in the community. Their goal was to use "what God has given us - the earth and plants - to help others."

They decided to plant a garden and share the fruits of their labor with the community.

The students posted signs and posters around campus letting other students, staff and parents know they would be planting a garden for a good cause and letting them know more children will be able to help in the future.

The students planted a large variety of crops, including cucumbers, strawberries and mint. They also sought to have the garden blessed, and arranged with the Rev. Raj Kocherla, a gardener himself, to do the blessing.

On the morning of one of the last days of the school year, Kocherla imparted a blessing not only on the garden and the ground on which it was planted, but on the students themselves. Their efforts exemplify the servant-leadership style that is part of student formation at St. Petronille School.

Before the school closed its doors for the academic year, the sixth-grade students and their families signed up to tend the garden over the summer. Any food harvested will be donated to local organizations, particularly to the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry and DuPage PADS. Some community businesses have offered their support.