Blayton Receives $4,820 Grant For Completion Of School Garden Shade Structure

Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a $4,820 “Toolbox for Education” grant to J. Blaine Blayton Elementary for the completion of its school garden shade structure.  Marlene Armstrong, parent and Blayton PTA President, wrote the grant application on behalf of the School Garden Committee.  The 18-by-24-foot shade structure provides a practical teaching and meeting space for the school garden, as well as a needed respite from the sun. The structure exists, but the space underneath it is muddy and not very level; paving is needed. Gutters will help with site drainage and a rain barrel will be used to water the garden, thereby reducing water usage. An additional table is needed to accommodate larger groups (and special needs students) and a demonstration table would be useful for teachers.  Project completion is expected this summer.

Photo Shelter:  Front row: Sam Martone, left, and Aaron Adam. Back row, from left: Erin Hipple, Lexie Hiestand, Rienna Peak, Brittny Marrow and Jaelah Wyatt.