Picture a beautiful healing forest in the middle of St. Peter High School, where the sound of the wind mixes with the rustling of leaves, and the scent of native plants tells stories of healing and togetherness. Thanks to the hard work and determination of two outstanding 7th-grade students, Kara and Bridget, that dream is becoming a reality!
In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation Week, the vision of a healing forest took root within the school community. Led by the dedicated eco-team and guided by the wisdom of knowledge-keeper Marlene, plans for the medicine forest began to take shape. But every dream needs nurturing, especially during the summer months.
That's where Kara and Bridget stepped in. They discovered Samsung's Solve for Tomorrow contest! On their own initiative, the girls designed a solution that could help support their garden and then independently wrote the grant application. Their project proposed leveraging Samsung's technology to create an automated system for monitoring and maintaining the school garden.
They explained that the proposed solution addresses the immediate need for more green spaces and sustainable practices within schools. Its goal is to foster a generation more attuned to the environment and sustainability. Their application was so successful that they were named one of the top five finalists in the competition!
Their dedication didn't stop there. With the guidance of their teacher, Floriane Tsering, and the support of the eco-team, Kara and Bridget, they crafted a compelling video showcasing their vision for the healing forest.
Their hard work paid off, and on June 5, they secured third place in the competition, along with the coveted title of "Fan Favourite"! However, the real triumph lies not in the awards but in their project's potential impact on their community. The possibilities are endless, and the school has a generous $20,000 prize at its disposal. From automated irrigation systems to cutting-edge technology, they are ready to take the healing forest to new heights.
As school officials await the arrival of the Samsung check, the staff and students envision what the future holds. Ms. Tsering wants to involve next year's grade 7 and 8 classes and the eco-team in researching and designing an automated irrigation system and other technology elements to make these gardens as autonomous as possible. Together, they will cultivate a legacy of reconciliation, one plant at a time.
