Margaret Lawrence of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture wrote, “A name like Junior Master Gardeners (JMGs) evokes images of planting seeds with hope for a bountiful harvest. But the harvest that educators want to achieve isn’t just food crops.” “Our mission is to grow good young people,” added JMG national coordinator Lisa Whittlesey. “We want to ignite a passion for learning, for success and for giving back to the community.”

Brooks Fuquay, a junior in the International Baccalaureate program at Woodrow Wilson High School, is a shining example of how the “seeds of change” planted in the JMG lessons taught in Dallas Master Gardener (DCMG) Nicole Jones’ first grade class at Lakewood Elementary School TEN years ago have truly come to fruition. Throughout that year, Brooks enthusiastically participated in the school garden and completed the Golden Ray Award, a special recognition for completing a portion of the Level 1 JMG program. The lessons focused on creating a vegetable garden- finding the best site, choosing vegetables that will thrive in our climate, establishing space requirements and learning about plant physiology.

These JMG gardening principles served Brooks well this spring as he earned his Eagle Scout badge by designing and installing a beautiful pollinator garden at Juliette Fowler Communities, a nonprofit living center serving vulnerable children, youth and older adults in East Dallas. Representatives of the facility describe him as organized, courteous, and a “great leader” as he oversaw a team of Boy Scouts throughout the project.

In the words of Rachel Carson, “If a child is to keep his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” Kudos, Brooks, on your outstanding achievements and your commitment to sharing with your community. Thank you, Dallas County MGs, for sharing your excitement with Brooks and hundreds of Lakewood students over the years. As the new school year begins, may we continue to inspire our students to hold onto that joy as they learn and grow.

Photos used with permission courtesy of Andrea Fuquay and Juliette Fowler Communities.