LHS Horticulture Project Lands Big Lowe's Grant

The support behind Lakewood High’s new Horticulture Outdoor Learning Lab continues to grow. The project, which benefitted from the Lakewood Garden Club’s super successful fund-raising efforts, recently received a $5,000 grant from Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation.

LHS Horticulture teacher Mark Rathge, who applied for the grant, was hoping for some portion of the $5,000 offered and was thrilled when he learned the project was to receive full funding from Lowe’s. “It’s amazing how this has all come together,” said Rathge. “This grant gives us some financial flexibility to do some things faster than originally planned.”

Some of those plans that the Lowe’s money will be earmarked for including purchasing plants and a few specialty trees and planting materials such as soil and mulch in the spring for the four raised beds that flank the entrance to the high school. Rathge would also like to plant some more grass and installing some stepping stone pavers around the four beds.

The grant is part of Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant program, which are awarded to school improvement projects that can be completed within a year.

Lowe’s is committed to recognizing and supporting efforts that enrich the lives of our neighbors and customers,” said Marshall Croom, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “By supporting schools like Lakewood High, we know we are contributing to a cause that’s important to our customers and employees and helping build stronger communities.”