Grey Collins, Sophomore
Over the last few weeks, you might have caught a glimpse out of your classroom window of a new 17 by 22 ft concrete foundation outside of the A-wing. This foundation was dug and poured two weeks ago, but the real foundation of this project has been slowly built by Eagle Scout Tyler Earp for almost three years.
“I started this project in February of my Freshman year, and it will be finished this November,” he said. He talked about his initial passion for gardening that made him want to start this project.
“As a young kid I would always love to go to my Grandfather’s garden, and I still do that today,” he said.“That’s kinda why I wanted to start this project.”
Tyler started his journey by talking to Mr Bauer and laying out his plans. He spent the next eight months of his project planning and getting approval from the School Committee, his scout troop, and his scout district advancement committee.
“I had to create a project plan,” said Earp, “and then I presented it to the School Committee and got their approval, and then I was able to implement my plan.”
After getting approval, Tyler set up a website and began the publicity and fundraising portion of his project. He solicited donations from the community through social media and email blasts, organized a successful silent auction at the Landing, and received two hefty grants from Friends of Marblehead Public Schools and the MHS PCO totaling $15,000. An anonymous Marbleheader also donated $11,000 through a challenge grant. Over a period of about 18 months, he raised about $78,000 in cash donations, and about $22,000 in in-kind donations.
This fall, it was finally time for Tyler to hang up his business suit and get shoveling. The groundbreaking for the greenhouse was in mid September, and the foundation was poured soon after.
“(I was) glad to see a couple years worth of work finally come to fruition,” said Earp. “It was good to see everything come together and to actually begin to dig.”
The greenhouse is expected to be finished in November. Tyler hopes that the greenhouse will be utilized for different classes, such as Biology, Cooking, English, and Art. Biology classes could use the space to teach lessons about plant cells, asexual reproduction, and plant genetics. Cooking classes could teach students how to prepare the foods grown in the greenhouse. Art classes and English classes could also use the greenhouse for still life drawing and nature writing.
“Potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and herbs are all great things,” said Earp, on his future vision for the greenhouse. “And then you have some fun things like citrus trees…and maybe some tropical plants and carnivorous plants.”
Tyler plans to stay involved with the project during his remaining time at the high school. “My senior year I will make sure that everything runs smoothly, and make sure people know what to do for ongoing years.” Tyler wants to make sure that the greenhouse functions well for the next generation of students.
Throughout his time at the high school, Tyler has slowly built a legacy that will benefit students for years to come.