DRAGON BITES
Grow Your Mind
by Toby Chen '25
NOVEMBER 6, 2024 - 3-MINUTE READ
Mr. Barry Johnson, the middle school culinary arts teacher, stands proudly beside his garden and greenhouse. standing with his plants and garden and greenhouse
If you love gardening, cooking, and sustainability, the Grow Your Mind Club (or G.Y.M Club for short) is your little slice of paradise! Founded in 2021 by HKIS Middle School culinary arts teacher, Mr. Barry Johnson, along with a group of enthusiastic students, this club blossomed from a simple desire to plant before school. Originally known as the Healthy Eating Club, it quickly evolved when it became clear that some members were more interested in the "eating" than the "healthy" aspect.
As Mr. Johnson humorously puts it, “We had to change our club name and goals once it became clear that students were joining just for the snacks!”
Grow Your Mind club members smile enthusiastically after planting a large batch of seeds, eagerly waiting for them to sprout!
In G.Y.M Club, students dive into a variety of hands-on activities, from watering and weeding to sifting soil and dissecting vegetables. They engage in research about the crops they grow and explore different growing seasons. The journey isn’t without its hurdles—pests, birds, and unpredictable weather keep things interesting. The club even had a memorable encounter with a hungry pig that wreaked havoc in the garden! “We watched the ring cam the next morning and were disappointed,” reminisces one of the members.
But it's not just about gardening; the G.Y.M Club is a gateway to understanding where our food comes from.
But it's not just about gardening; the G.Y.M Club is a gateway to understanding where our food comes from. Students get to cultivate everything from tomatoes and radishes to watermelons and pumpkins, experiencing the joy of eating what they’ve grown. It’s a rewarding adventure that teaches the importance of sustainability. “Through planting seeds, students learn about the environment and the value of nurturing,” says Mr. Johnson.
Students are working hard in the garden: digging in the soil, planting seeds, and tending to the vibrant plants.
With support from the Jim Handrich Fund, the club has a physical structure in the form of a greenhouse, making it a standout project. They’re not just growing plants; they’re cultivating minds!
As the club flourishes, they’re looking into new methods of growing, such as hydroponics and vertical gardening—a smart move given their limited space.
With support from the Jim Handrich Fund, the club has a physical structure in the form of a greenhouse, making it a standout project. They’re not just growing plants; they’re cultivating minds! As the club flourishes, they’re looking into new methods of growing, such as hydroponics and vertical gardening—a smart move given their limited space.
Future plans include creating a Green Wall out of recycled palettes, adorned with decorative paint and butterfly houses to attract pollinators. They’re committed to making their garden not only functional but also visually appealing.
Some snapshots from the garden and around the greenhouse. Grow Plants and Grow Minds!
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