Today, the Tyler Legacy High School Beekeeping Club was excited to harvest honey from its thriving beekeeping program.
In January, the Tyler ISD Foundation recognized the potential of Legacy’s beekeeping program and awarded a generous $2,722 Grant for Great Ideas. The grant, received by teachers Whitney Cleghorn, Jerrod Tomlinson, and Christi Morton-Stepp, facilitated the acquisition of equipment necessary for the student beekeepers to harvest honey.
“The beekeeper’s grant was such a fun and exciting first-time grant to receive, and even more exciting to see it implemented,” Tyler ISD Foundation Executive Director Suzette Farr said. “We know that Tyler ISD is one of the primary economic mobility engines for the greater Tyler area and will continue to be for decades. Funding a grant that encourages and trains our students to be business entrepreneurs in a creative way is why the Tyler ISD Foundation Board invested almost three thousand dollars in this project…in our future.”
The honey harvest was the culmination of the dedication and hard work of the students, teachers, and community partners involved in Legacy High School’s beekeeping program. This initiative promotes environmental stewardship and offers valuable educational opportunities for the students involved.
The beekeeping program has been a collaborative effort, with various organizations and individuals contributing to its success. The construction class at the Career and Technology Center (CTC) played a significant role by crafting the boxes that house the bees, both at Legacy High School and the Red Cross. This valuable partnership between the construction class and the beekeeping program showcases the interdisciplinary nature of education and the practical skills students gain.
Ozarka, a steadfast supporter of Legacy High School’s beekeeping program, provided essential funds for establishing the bee colonies. The ongoing support from Ozarka continues with their collaboration with Daniel Lennon, owner of Flint Farm and Apiary. Lennon assists the program in various aspects, ensuring the students receive the guidance and resources they need.
The club intends to sell the honey and looks forward to sharing the delicious results of its beekeeping efforts with the community. The honey, produced with care and dedication, will not only provide a delightful taste but also contribute to the continued success and growth of the program.
The Beekeeping Club is sponsored by Career and Technology Teacher Whitney Cleghorn through Future Farmers of America (FFA). “FFA is the largest youth organization where students can participate in speaking contests, showing animals, building projects, and learning to run their meetings,” Cleghorn said.
The Tyler ISD Foundation is the non-profit, philanthropic partner of Tyler ISD, providing resources to inspire learning, enrich teaching, and enhance opportunities for our students through exemplary programs and scholarships. Since its creation in 1990, the Foundation has donated more than $3.6 million to the district. Tyler ISD Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax-deductible. To donate to the Tyler ISD Foundation, visit tylerisd.org/foundation.