Tryon Garden Club President Susan Kelley presented a check at the Stearns Education Center in Columbus last week to Aaron Greene, curriculum director of Polk County Schools, to start the Learning to Grow … Growing to Learn program.

The $800 check is a starter grant dedicated to Tryon Elementary School, which Greene called “our pilot school—we’ll go from there.”

The Learning to Grow … Growing to Learn program is a part of the Tryon Garden Club’s 85th anniversary celebration.

Funds were raised at their August silent auction event “Let it Sizzle” at the Tryon Fine Arts Center at which they partnered with local artists inspired by Pearson’s Falls, Polk County’s biggest tourist attraction, owned and operated by the Tryon Garden Club.

“The whole community got involved,” Kelley said, referring to the success of the August fundraiser, chaired by club vice-president Wyndy Morehead.

Tryon Garden Club’s Education Chairperson Heidi Shull will be working with Maria Freeman, director of Polk County High School Occupational Course of Study Program, who is coordinating the program.

The high school students will work with Tryon Elementary School’s second graders in planning and implementing the gardens.

“I’m sure the whole school will participate and benefit,” said Greene.

– article submitted
by Susan McNabb