ACS Hydro Bloom Society Receives National Recognition
In the fall of 2023, a group of ACS Middle School students put their green thumbs to good use by spontaneously forming a club centered around making an environmental difference. With the help and encouragement from their science department teacher, Jenny Garetto, the students vision became a reality and the Hydro Bloom Society was created. The students went to work creating an AI infused hydroponic vertical garden on campus. They grew and assortment of produce and even sponsored "smoothie days" at school where the produce grown was used to make smoothies.
In the course of one year, their inaugural project has won multiple regional and national awards including awards from these organizations:
Project Green Schools National Award Winner
From Project Green Schools.
"Project Green Schools is pleased to announce the national winners of the 2024 Green Difference Awards. Congratulations to the Middle School Hydro Bloom Society, including Gwen, Marina, Mia, and Sierra for winning a national award on their project for developing an AI infused hydroponic vertical garden and smoothie project. The winners were honored at the 16th Annual Green Difference Awards ceremony hosted at the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C., on May 29, 2024."
RISE Challenge Illinois Award Winner
Sponsored by Environmental Education Association of Illinois and Rise Challenge Earth Force
The ACS Hydro Bloom Society received fourth place and received a $1000 grant to purchase another vertical garden which will be used to mentor Lower School students interested in learning more about hydroponic gardening
National Energy Education Development (NEED) Award Winner
The ACS Hydro Bloom Society was also a 2024 NEED Youth Award Project winner, receiving the 2024 Illinois State School of the Year Award. In addition to the recognition, they also received a $4000 grant to support registration and travel for students to attend the NEED conference in Washington D.C. At this conference, students worked with other student leaders from across the country to complete STEM challenges.
At The Avery Coonley School, students are encouraged to harness a love for learning while embracing and creating outlets to embrace their interests. Group 6 students Gwen F. , Mia B., Marina Z., and Sierra A. will be continuing their ongoing interest in hydroponic gardening once they return to school in the fall with guidance from their teacher, Jennifer Garetto. We are so proud of them for their accomplishments and are excited to continue to watch them succeed while working on this engaging project.
