Cascade High School Environmental Arts Club – School Winners (Oct. 31, 2016)

Cascade greenhouse project grows

Cascade High School Environmental Arts Club students continue to work on a revamped greenhouse complex, which now includes an aquaponic system.

“The students are learning to build a self-sustaining food system,” said teacher Jack Mcleod, the club’s adviser. “The nitrogen-rich water from the fish tanks will feed the plants. As the water moves through the system, bacteria will naturally break down nitrogen compounds absorbed by the plants so the water can flow back into the fish tanks as clean water.”

The club is now adding freshwater shrimp to the mini ecosystem. Both the fish and shrimp can be used as a food source as well as providers of nutrients to the plant crops.

Food the students grow, such as carrots, has been served in the school cafeteria. They also grow tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and greens.

The project began in 2012 when a then-freshman student suggested putting the structures that were overgrown with blackberry vines back into use. A school garden grant from Whole Kids Foundation, the charitable arm of Whole Foods, kicked things off.

Work began on one of the two greenhouses, followed by raised beds outside the greenhouses, and then work on the second greenhouse last spring.

The aquaponics system has been supported primarily by Lowes Community Partnership grants, along with a lot of logistical support and expertise from the nonprofit Farmer Frog.

“Every year a new group of students steps up with energy and new ideas. It’s joyful to see them take pride in building all these systems and learning how to grow food,” Mcleod said.

Rotary honors three Students of the Month

The South Everett-Mukilteo Rotary Club recently honored its Students of the Month for October.

Mary Craggs, of Kamiak High School, maintains high grades while being active in student leadership, volunteering, dance and fashion. She plans to attend Pomona College in California to pursue a double major in law and Spanish, with the goal of becoming a human rights lawyer.

Paula Butlay, of Mariner High School, is known for her strong work ethic in the classroom. She also plays violin for the orchestra, volunteers, and serves as president of the Japanese Club. She plans to attend Edmonds Community College to pursue a technology-related field.

Alexi Strike, of Cascade High School, is a student leader and varsity volleyball captain, as well as a basketball player. She founded a club as a sophomore called Project Help, and volunteers for many causes. After a yearlong program in Brazil, she plans to attend a university and pursue a political science major.

WGU scholarship winner

Theresa Johnson, of Everett, was awarded a WGU Loves Nurses Scholarship from Western Governors University Washington, an online, nonprofit university based in Kent.