Summer Garden program holds graduation | Home & Garden

The Southern University Ag Center’s 2012 Summer Garden Program recently held its  graduation ceremony. The graduation which included 16 participants was held at A.O. Williams Hall and featured a welcome address from Chancellor Leodrey Williams.

“We are what we eat,” said Williams. “If we eat well, we can live a long time and have a good quality of life with a foundation of healthy eating.”

Stephanie Elwood, extension associate and gGarden instructor for the SU Ag Center, also gave an introduction to the program by showcasing a slideshow, giving those in attendance a first-hand opportunity to see the students at work within the summer garden program. Elwood and Summer Garden graduate Sariah Rogers also showcased a youth participant video. 

“I like that I learned how to plant,” said Summer Garden participant Amare Coleman.

Learning to plant is one of the many aspects of the summer garden program, which is in its second year and sponsored by the SU Ag Center. The purpose of the program is teaching youth how to grow their own fruits and vegetables, utilize the garden for exercise and stress relief and encouraging healthier eating habits.

“In the 1800s, 97% of people grew their own food in this country. Now less than two percent of the population is growing their own food,” said Chancellor Williams.

With these statistics, programs offered at the SU Ag Center like the Summer Garden program are increasingly important because it builds a foundation for healthy living that can translate into a healthy and long life.

For further information, please contact Stephanie Elwood at 225-771-2134 or stephanie_elwood@suagcenter.com

Written by Kelli E. Palmer, 225.771.2242 or kelli_palmer@suagcenter.com

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Bridget Udoh

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bridget_udoh@suagcenter.com