WOODBURY – Nonnewaug’s junior-senior greenhouse students prepare for ‘Vase of the Month,’ a chance to create a themed floral arrangement and earn money to keep this annual program running. This month’s theme, piloted by Leah Dorsey and Juliana Morriar, is Halloween-themed.
Every month, Eric Birkenberger, the greenhouse instructor, assigns two students to create an arrangement of their choice. Birkenberger sees many benefits in starting the whole operation.
“We’ve been doing this since seven years ago. Kids always find it beneficial and it’s interesting seeing how much it makes people smile,” Birkenberger said. “It’s therapeutic in a way. Kids get the experience and social interaction, and a chance to do public acts of kindness.”
Students have the opportunity to choose a list of flowers and materials of their own accord. Every detail is determined by them, giving students a chance to display their creativity. While the main two students guide the project, the remainder of the class produce more arrangements in the same fashion. By the end, the whole class will each have an arrangement done. This is where the money aspect plays in. Nonnewaug faculty members have the option of subscribing to ‘Vase of the Month’. Once paid for and placed on a list, students begin distributing vases.
