Volunteers
Volunteer of the Season,
Winter 2010: Emily Callen
"Before I came to Global Gardens, I had heard of school garden programs in other cities, but had no idea that one existed in Tulsa. I found out about the Eugene Field program last year and was astounded by the enthusiasm of the students as they showed me their gardens and invited me to work alongside them. As a biology major at TU, I was also impressed by their knowledge of plant anatomy and growth. The opportunity for students to learn about organic gardening, sustainability and soil science through composting is also very cool.
Since starting in the summer, I've gotten to meet lots of new gardeners. this semester I as able to make a schedule that allows me to be at Eugene Field every Tuesday and Thursday, so I feel like I've really gotten to know that group. It's been great getting to watch the kids from the summer grow and share with less experienced gardeners. The level of dedication to winter projects has been awesome, but the itch to be back outside is palpable. I can't wait to see what surprises spring will bring!" - Emily
Volunteer of the Season,
Fall 2009: Eva Welch
"Before retirement I had a long career in banking and over the years held various positions. After retirement I wanted to be more involved in volunteer work. I like a beautiful yard and do a lot of gardening work in my own yard. After learning about Global Gardens and what they do I decided what better way to spend some of my time than working with children interested in gardening. My goal is to be a positive role model for the children and give 100% assisting the students as needed in their gardens. It is my desire to set a good example so each student can learn how to interact with one another and will have learned positive life skills to help them to succeed in whatever good things they decide to do with their lives.
I'm amazed by how knowledgeable and excited the students are about gardening, and how they're learning to share, be respectful and assist one another. I am extremely blessed to have the opportunity to work with the precious children, the wonderful staff and volunteers at Global Gardens."-Eva
Volunteer of the Season,
Summer 2009: Marshall Pritchard
"Over the course of this summer I have come to know and love these kids. I know very little when it comes to gardening, but these kids are pros! They know what is needed to be done in order to keep their garden alive. I had a great time working with them on their gardens, working with them on their various projects, and going on field trips with them. I am proud to have been a part of the Global Gardens, and truly believe that it was a summer well spent." - Marshall
Volunteer of the Season,
Spring 2009: Katherine Moncrief
"Before volunteering at Global Gardens I had very little…
basically no gardening experience. I arrived the first day at Eugene Field
feeling a bit nervous but also excited to see what this program was all
about. I spent that day and the
rest of the summer learning about gardening from 10-year-old experts. The students took me through their
gardens and excitedly told me about all they were learning and planting, they
also patiently showed me how I could best help them in their work. I have never seen kids, anywhere, as proactive and enthusiastic about their education as the kids that I have met through Global Gardens. Personally I have been blessed to witness not only how they care for the earth but also how they care for each other. The students truly are planting life, and peace, and love into their community and everyone they come in contact with.
These past few months I have had the pleasure of being the Global Gardens intern and have relished the opportunity to spend more time with these students both at Eugene Field and at Rosa Parks. The students teach, encourage and refresh my spirit on a regular basis and I am so grateful to them." - Katherine
Volunteer of the Season,
Fall 2008: Shea Eby, Junior League of Tulsa, Global Gardens Chair
"It all started with a seed.
While walking through Eugene Field's gardens last fall I was handed a seed
from a student. She went into great detail on how she picked the seed
from her sunflower and how I could take it home with me. She then told
me how to plant it, where to plant it and when to plant it. She even
included a lesson on pollination. The excitement this student had and
how knowledgeable she was about this seed was so great. So empowering. I was genuinely touched by these students and their gardens and so were
the women of the Junior League of Tulsa. This year we have teamed up
with Community Schools and Global Gardens to help Rosa Parks Elementary
build their after school program. Watching the students gain confidence
selling their herbs at the Cherry Street Farmers' Market, to having
invaluable one-on-one time with them in their gardens; it all has been
wonderful. The women of the Junior League of Tulsa are so proud to be a
part of such a neat thing. I still have that seed in my car and it makes me smile every time I see it." - Shea
Volunteer of the Season,
Summer 2008: Molly Bryant
"Global Gardens far exceeded my expectations this summer. I was astounded by the depth of education that the teachers and volunteers provide the students through the outlet of gardening. Environmental sustainability, human rights and the importance of community development were addressed with the students who grasped the concepts wholeheartedly and who now have a foundation to develop into active, engaged citizens of the world.
In May and June, I lived in Amedzofe, a small village in Ghana, West Africa where farming is the primary source of income. Miss Howard's 5th grade class exchanged hand-written letters and pictures with a local primary school in the village. The Eugene Field students were interested in the plants that were grown in Ghana, and the students in Ghana were more than willing to share about their family farms. By establishing communication with students in Africa, the children from Global Gardens have an opportunity to see the world through the eyes of their new African friends.
Overall, I feel extremely honored to be a part of such an organization as Global Gardens. To have the opportunity to be out in the sun planting flowers and learning about life with students who are craving education and global awareness is almost overwhelming. Thank you, Global Gardens!" - Molly
Volunteer of the Season,
Spring 2008: Mr. Mike
Flowers to bloomtrees to grow
You are like them
for giving us life
Sleep in the morning
work for the rest
You saved the world
by helping just us
-Crystal, 4th grade
Volunteer of the Season,
Fall 2007: Jan Bowlin
"Late last spring I learned about the Global Gardens program at Eugene Field Elementary and immediately signed up as a volunteer. Since I love to garden and planned to volunteer as a mentor, it was the perfect combination of both. What I didn't know at the time was how much I would come to love working with these children! The students are excited and enthusiastic about their gardens, eager to learn, and proud of their accomplishments, which makes it all very worthwhile. I work with the students participating in the after-school program and our time is never long enough! Global Gardens is providing these children with life lessons, not just gardening, and I feel truly blessed to be involved in it." - Jan
