New Hope Primary cops Westmoreland container gardening competition title
Published:Wednesday | December 18, 2024 | 12:09 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
In an inspiring display of talent and dedication, New Hope Primary School, in eastern Westmoreland, emerged as the champions of the Westmoreland Primary Schools Container Gardening Competition, which saw them being rewarded for innovation and sustainable practices they showed in three months of cultivating vegetable crops.
The announcement of New Hope’s win was made by Pius Lacan, the chairman of the Westmoreland 4-H advisory board, during Saturday night’s colourful Icon Importers and Distributors 25th anniversary gala dinner and awards banquet at Couples Swept Away, in Negril. They garnered 80 per cent for their effort.
Grange Hill Primary School, which amassed 76 per cent, was first runner-up to New Hope; while New Works Primary School and St Paul’s Primary School, with identical scores of 73 per cent, were joint third place. The innovative competition lasted for three months.
All four schools received trophies, gift baskets, and stationery supplies, as well as several cases of 500ml Chill bottled water. The 4-H leaders of the respective school were each presented with a gift basket, cases of water, a free membership card for Icon Mega Store, and gift vouchers valued at $5,000.
“Going forward, we will undertake a comprehensive container gardening programme for these four schools to help them boost their school feeding programme,” said Lacan, who heaped praise Icon Importers and Distributors Limited for sponsoring the Container Gardening Competition.
In lauding New Hope Primary for their win, Lacan said their overall performance was quite inspiring; and met the expectation of the Westmoreland 4-H advisory board.
“We must commend their vibrant displays, unique plant arrangements, and insightful presentations on the importance of container gardening among the 25 schools as the judges made their rounds with over 100 visits,” said Lacan. “The judges were impressed by the diverse array of crops and the meticulous care taken by the young gardeners.”
Erica Cooke-Ruddock, principal at New Hope, said the competition provided lifelong lessons to her students as well as the other students from the other 24 schools that participated.
“With where we want to take youth development and interest in agriculture, let me say this was an iconic move. All students who engaged in this competition benefited beyond any doubt from the engagement about farming with their 4-H leaders,classmates and assessors,” said Cooke-Ruddock.
Cooke-Ruddock also noted that the project highlighted the fact that anyone, through container gardening and, by extension, farming, can provide for their consumption needs using everyday resources.
“Getting students exposed at the primary level is forward-thinking, and the lessons learned from these experiences will have a lasting impact on our schools and should have a lasting impression on our students.”