The Frances Corprew chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society has been growing vegetables for their community garden for a couple of years. The garden, the idea of NEHS advisor, Cassie George, gives the students hands-on experience in the life cycle of a plant. The students do everything from preparing the beds, planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting. The produce is available, free of charge, to anyone in the community.

This year, Corprew CIS Coordinator, Christie Ridenour, wanted to have a small stand built for their produce. “We asked Jay Silman, MPISD Career and Technology Director, if the Construction class could build a small one for us and sent them pictures of one that wouldn’t need too many materials,” said George. “But Mr. Alston, the Construction teacher, wanted to make sure we had one we could be proud of. He and his students blew away all of our expectations! They wouldn’t let us pay for any of the materials and even brought veggies to put in it so it would be all ready to go! And they all contributed money to buy new plants for our spring planting!”

The stand is located at the back of Frances Corprew Elementary. As the students harvest items, the produce will be placed in the stand and anyone in the community is welcome to take the items for free, outside of school hours. For more information on the MPHS Construction class, contact Jay Silman at 903-575-2020. For more information on the Corprew vegetable garden, contact Cassie George at 903-575-2050.

Photo –

Members of the MPHS Construction program, Construction teacher Jim Alston (left denim shirt), NEHS Advisor Cassie George (right grey shirt), and Corprew CIS Coordinator Christie Ridenour (right pink shirt)