Project bearing fruit

POST FALLS - Lucus Fields is learning a lot more than gardening outside the classroom these days.

The New Vision High School student and some of his classmates are experiencing the satisfaction of helping seniors in need in the community.

Students planted produce on senior Mary Richardson's property along Seltice Way last spring, tended the site this summer and are harvesting the garden as a supplement for the Post Falls Senior Center's Meals on Wheels program.

"This shows that all my hard work is paying off," said Fields as he washed cabbage. "It's nice to get outside to work. It proves that, with a little sweat, everything is possible."

Fields said it's rewarding knowing where the fruit and vegetables are going.

"It feels great helping people out, especially seniors," he said. "If we can provide them with what they need, that's good."

Senior Delores Michel is among those who receive produce grown and harvested by the students.

"I think it's great that they're doing that," Michel said. "It's also nice to be thought about."

Michel said she had a garden before her health worsened, so she enjoys having fresh food again.

"It's helpful, and I appreciate everything," she said. "And the kids are so polite and nice."

Senior Frank Fish said he enjoys receiving vegetables he normally wouldn't get such as turnips and cabbage. Seeing youth during the delivery also makes his day.

Student Austin Sandoval said he likes the laid-back learning environment of the outdoors.

"It cools me down," he said. "When you're at school there can be some angry people and that's where all the drama happens.

"Yeah, it gets me out of school, but it's also fun on top of that because you're helping people."

Some of the apples will also be donated to veterans in need through the American Legion.

The alternative-to-suspension program is being funded with a $22,000 balance and restorative justice grant. Forty-three students were involved this summer.

"Sure some of them were doing court-appointed community service related to what got them in trouble, but many have come back over and above their hours to volunteer," said Mark Jones, the Post Falls School District's alternative-to-suspension coordinator.

"Some did 50 hours of community service, but they came back to volunteer 50 more. That's huge."

The program has also sprouted into other student volunteer opportunities at the Post Falls Food Bank, senior center and Head Start.

Jones said it's special to watch students realize that being productive members of society has rewards.

"It's a life experience," he said. "It strengthens them, makes them better students and reduces the chance of risky behavior."