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As part of the Workplace and Horticulture courses, St. John’s College Vocational Skills students spent the semester building and managing a flower business at Paris Road High School.

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After four months of research, gardening and business marketing at school, the students raised $962, which they donated to Red Cross relief efforts in Ukraine.

Using scholarship money, the students purchased and assembled a three-tier indoor greenhouse. They then researched various flowers to see how long it would take them to germinate and bloom. The students concluded that marigold, zinnias and violas would be best.

“It took a lot of patience and professional skill to do this,” said Grade 10 student Owen C. “You had to be careful with the plants that were growing. I really liked watching them grow until we sold them.

The students planted seeds, watered and supervised the growth of the plants. They also decorated terracotta flower pots in which the plants were transplanted before sale.

To sell the plants, the students promoted the business within the school by creating posters and recording announcements. A flower shop was set up at the back of the library and was open the week before Mother’s Day. Prices ranged from $1 to $10 depending on the size of the flowerpot.

“I loved doing real-world sales,” said 9th-grade student Palmer L.

Year 12 student Pauline R said: “It taught you to be patient and to work as a team. In the end it was a great success thanks to all the money we raised for Ukraine.

When asked why they chose to donate to Ukraine, Grade 11 student Elisha P. said, “Ukrainians need help…. Flowers are symbols of hope and mothers are symbols of hope. At SJC, we have great hope for all mothers and their families in Ukraine.

The students said they were grateful for this hands-on learning opportunity.

“I felt happy planting the seeds and watching them grow,” said Grade 9 student Owen W..

“It was fun. I’m grateful that we got the grant money for this project.