Community High students show garden’s role in hands‑on learning

Principal Greg O’Meara and student board representative Hunter Hopkins told the Pacific Grove Unified School District board on Dec. 11 that the Community High School garden has moved from storm‑damage recovery to an active instructional space.

O’Meara described a multi‑year effort to clear debris after storms, rebuild site infrastructure and work with Me Earth, a Carmel‑based environmental education partner, to develop a curriculum integrated into the garden. He thanked maintenance staff and community volunteers — naming John Anderson, Bonnie Piper and Pam Weaver — for help with tree removal, shed replacement, fencing and raised beds.

“Tonight’s purpose is twofold,” O’Meara said: to show progress in a short pictorial overview and to express gratitude to trustees and staff for continued support. He noted that students built raised planter beds and have begun cultivating soil, composting and installing irrigation systems.

Student trustee Hunter Hopkins described weekly garden lessons with Me Earth volunteer Stuart Gardner, from germination and transplanting to programming irrigation timers. “The garden has taught me about resolving problems, the importance of working as a team, and how to make use of what you have,” Hopkins said. She added that hands‑on work increased her confidence and engagement in school.

Trustees and the superintendent recognized Hopkins with a district certificate for exemplifying the district’s stated values of belonging, safety and prosperity. Superintendent Adamson said the garden work has helped make curriculum more relevant and visible to families.

The presentation concluded with trustees and staff inviting the public to tour the garden and encouraging continued volunteer involvement. No formal action was required; the presentation served as an informational report and expression of district support for continued partnership with Me Earth.