Marblehead High seniors learn lesson in gardening

MARBLEHEAD – With 202 of this year?s 259 Marblehead High seniors taking time out from class this spring to get involved in the Senior Project program, Senior Project is really for everybody – and the projects were as varied as the students.Among the most dedicated were three seniors who will be in the VOICE Program – Vocational Opportunities Independence and Continuing Education – next year. Jordan Lane, Liz Leverone and Joe Mourad saw that the garden last year?s seniors planted in memory of former Principal John Ziergiebel and former student Allie Castner had not weathered the harsh winter very well.?Seniors planted the garden and went away to college, and the garden wasn?t maintained,” said the trio?s advisor, Barbara Dennis.Lane, Leverone and Mourad saw the damage in March and in May they went to work in the quiet location behind the school building. The rainy spring meant they frequently had to work in mud and wet weather, raking, weeding and mulching. Wood shop students came out to repair the park benches and the Parents Council and other donors helped out with the money to purchase supplies. People took before and after photos to document their efforts.Like many of the students who participate in the program, they learned something new about their field of interest. “They learned about landscaping and perennial flowers,” Dennis said.They also want to expand their efforts to other gardens at the back of the high school, which have been allowed to go to seed.The teachers and work supervisors who accept these high school students also learn lessons. For instance, Senior Project Coordinator Wendy Soucy, who is very pleased with the efforts of Shaquanda Brown, her assistant.Brown, a Metco student who plans to major in criminal justice next year at the University of New Haven, wanted to work in a law office or courthouse in Boston but couldn?t fit that in with her schedule of Advanced Placement classes.Soucy was extremely impressed with her work. “She?s a natural at organizing work,” Soucy said. “She?s faster than a speeding bullet.”The variety of interests was evident in a film produced by Josh Cohen and Marisa Forziati.Olivia Barry, who loves horses, worked at a riding stable, doing as much business office paperwork as horse care. Will Herlihy and Henry Pratt designed a website where North East Conference track coaches could post track meet results. Whitney Williams, Madeline Banderier and Laura Hackney organized the 200-piece senior art show at the Abbot Public Library, which included the first outdoor reception in the library garden area.James Gassler, who worked at Beverly Airport, shared a memory of flying over Marblehead and seeing his house. Tumbling teachers Jessica Thayer and Nicole Roberts loved working with little kids “who can bounce back from anything.” Dylan Welch, who assisted State Rep. Lori Ehrlich, D-Marblehead?s intern, liked taking notes at hearings because it reminded him that “People talk about these things and figure them out.”?It makes me feel like a professional,” he said.