Winter Springs High School’s Gardening Club is sponsored by Ms. Lauren Freeman, and is one of the many great opportunities available for WSHS students. The club participates in many activities, all with the main goal of educating others on plant growth while adorning the school with greenery, such as crafts and games in addition to gardening.

Esther Hu and Jurnee Waddell, Co-Presidents of the Gardening Club, were first inspired to create the club last year; They wanted to “contribute to the school through a hobby they loved and shared,” (via Instagram). Alongside the Co-Presidents, cabinet members ensure the club’s procedures run smoothly. The cabinet includes Social Media Manager Maxxie Bernstein, Secretary Ryen Shearer, Treasurer Sharleen Chang, Historian Alejandro Arana, Volunteer Liaison Ashley Healy, and Schedule Specialist Morgan Lesher. The cabinet works hard to make sure that the club’s procedures run smoothly, and provide an organized, enjoyable space for their members.

Club Sponsor Ms. Freeman shared that she was not experienced in gardening, but sponsored the club after seeing Hu and Waddell’s enthusiasm. The two of them had gone to multiple teachers, asking for a sponsor, but had been turned down every time. Freeman decided to sponsor the club and let the experienced students take the lead. She said, “I wanted to do it for them…I wanted to do it for these girls.”

When asked what she loved about Gardening Club, Hu said she really loved that “a lot of people are so excited about gardening,” and she “[likes] that everybody comes together as a community.”

The organization allows WSHS students to give back to their community while making new friends and improving the look of our campus. Students with a passion for beautification and educating themselves or others on plants will feel at home in the club.

Gardening Club meets every other Friday, at 2:30. They are always accepting new members, and welcome anyone who would like to join. The club is a perfect space for those who enjoy gardening, are looking to take up the hobby, or want to connect with fellow plant enthusiasts. For further questions, students can email Ms. Freeman at [email protected].