On March 11, students from Cassville High School’s Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program gathered at the Barry County Community Garden to lend their support and skills.
The students donated tools, wheelbarrows and gloves to further the development of the garden. This collaboration not only enhanced the garden’s productivity but also provided the students with invaluable hands-on experience in community service and agricultural practices.
The JAG program at Cassville High School is dedicated to equipping students with the necessary tools to overcome potential barriers to success. By focusing on academic achievement, career readiness and leadership development, JAG prepares students for both higher education and the workforce. Participation in community service projects, such as the Barry County Community Garden initiative, is integral to the program, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and realworld experience among students.
The Barry County Community Garden, in conjunction with MU Extension, was created to promote sustainable agriculture, foster community engagement and provide fresh produce to local residents. The garden has made a commitment to help supply fresh food for the residents through the Cassville Pantry. It serves as a collaborative space where individuals, volunteers and businesses, through donations of time, space and money, can come together to cultivate a variety of fruits and vegetables.
The collaboration is vital to ensuring that Barry County community members have access to nutritious food options. The garden also functions as an educational hub, teaching participants about gardening techniques, environmental stewardship and the importance of teamwork and community involvement. For these reasons, having the involvement of groups like JAG is an exciting extension of the garden’s mandate. It is hopefully just the beginning of collaboration between our youth and the garden.
Under the guidance of their program coordinator, Christina Leach, the JAG students arrived at the garden, ready to contribute. Their tasks for the day included preparing soil beds, planting early crop seeds and spreading mulch.
These activities not only benefited the garden but also allowed students to apply classroom knowledge in a hands on setting, reinforcing lessons in biology, environmental science, community involvement and team building.
The students said the day’s work was both rewarding and educational. They appreciated the opportunity to see the immediate impact of their efforts and to collaborate outside the traditional classroom environment. The students also noted that working in the garden provided a deeper understanding of community involvement in helping their neighbors enjoy healthy food.
The involvement of the JAG students had a significant positive effect on the Barry County Community Garden. Their contributions accelerated the planting schedule, which is expected to result in a more bountiful harvest season. This increased yield will benefit the Cassville Pantry and community members who rely on the garden’s produce, thereby enhancing food security in the area.
The beds planted on March 11 will also be a teaching tool later on in the season for the YMCA day camp kids during the summer.
The success of this collaboration has paved the way for future partnerships between Cassville High School’s JAG program and the Barry County Community Garden. These ongoing projects aim to strengthen community bonds and provide continuous learning opportunities for students.
The partnership initiative exemplifies the profound impact that educational programs like JAG can have when they extend learning beyond the classroom. By participating in community-based projects, students gain practical skills, develop a sense of responsibility, and contribute positively to their communities.
The collaboration between Cassville High School’s JAG students and the Barry County Community Garden stands as a testament to the power of community engagement and experiential learning.
The Barry County Community Garden also received a $500 grant from Missouri First Lady Teresa Parson’s JAG Initiative funds.
Anyone interested in partnering with the Barry County Community Garden may reach out through their Facebook page by joining the group. People can also contact MU Extension-Barry County for further assistance.
