Question: What led you to your interest in organics?

Answer: I have been interested in Earth Day since it started in 1970—I was in high school at the time. Plus, Earth Day is my birthday—April 22. I also attended the Governor’s Institute for Environment and Ecology last summer and had received a wealth of information that helped me with ideas for my lessons.

Question: How did you hear about the contest and why did you enter it?

Answer: I subscribe to www.earthday.net and saw the contest on their website. I saw that the prize was organic snacks for the entire school, and I assumed it would be a sample size of trail mix. Little did I know that it would be thousands of dollars worth of samples. We have received cases of organic apples, granola bars, milk, sparkling juice, raisins and graham crackers.

Question: What inspired you when you were developing the winning lesson plan?

Answer: I have been teaching Earth Day activities for years and compiled those lessons to enter the contest. I think we all need to be more environmentally aware of safe alternatives, whether that is food, cleaning products, fuel, etc.

Question: Your curriculum includes the Joni Mitchell song “Big Yellow Taxi” and information on Rachel Carson. Did incorporating music help the plans work with your students?

Answer: I have done the lessons with my 8th grade class and they really enjoyed them. I plan to use the lessons with my 11th and 12th grade students as an Earth Day activity this year.

Question: How did you learn that you won the contest?

Answer: I really did not know that I had won the contest. My principal came to my room and told me to bring my class to the auditorium. He had kept the entire event a surprise to even most of the staff. My mother had been invited and I was so pleased to have her see the presentation. (My mother raises organic red raspberries and grapes.) Monica Walch, from Music Matters, one of the sponsors, came to present the award.

Question: How did the students respond to the contest?

Answer: Not only my students, but all of the students were excited about the contest. Each student received a biodegradable bag filled with raisins, granola bars, graham crackers and milk the day of the contest. The apples and juice arrived later and were distributed through the cafeteria.

Question: Are your students “going organic” now?

Answer:My students are now more aware of organic foods. Some parents have called the cafeteria director and asked where they could purchase the foods. Some of our science teachers commented that this contest created a bridge to their teaching about organics. Many of our students did not realize—or think about—what it meant for a product to be called ‘organic.’ The contest has provided an opportunity for ALL of our staff and students to try organic food.

Question: Is your interest in organics contagious with others in the school?

Answer: I believe that it has increased awareness. Our local radio station and newspapers also covered the story and I have received many favorable comments from community members.
We have just had so much fun with this contest—it was the ‘gift that just kept giving.’ Companies would call to say they were delivering cases of juice or apples, and we would all scramble to get it unpacked and distributed. I was told that the school received the milk prior to my award and, at first, did not realize that it did not need refrigeration, and initially panicked about where to store the milk. I am so grateful to the contest sponsors for providing the food and grateful to my school for helping me to distribute it. We want our students to be healthy and to make wise choices in all aspects of their lives. OPR

Karns City High School
1446 Kittanning Pike
Karns City, PA 16041