In their first service project meeting of the school year, “Planting in the Courtyards,” H.E.A.T. (Human, Environmental, Animal, Team) Club students planted flowers and seeds in pots and planters across the courtyard Wednesday, Nov. 5.
For some students, planting was a new experience for them.
“The president of the club taught us how to [plant] today,” junior Michelle Bordere said. “Some of us had planted before, but some of us hadn’t. I have a little planting experience but not a lot.”
H.E.A.T. Club focuses on promoting advocacy and activism for human rights, animal welfare and environmental sustainability. This project focused on environmental sustainability while offering students a fun volunteer opportunity. To choose the service project, club members met in late October to brainstorm.
“We have meetings every two weeks after school on Wednesdays,” founder Zarana Patel said. “We have one meeting to discuss our service project or future projects, and we have another meeting date where we work on our service project.”
The “Planting in the Courtyards” event taught students about more than just how to plant seeds and flowers. They learned how to keep the plants alive long-term and monitor their growth.
“You really have to make sure that the depth [and spacing] is right when you plant the seeds,” Bordere said. “You want the plant to not be smothered too much, and make sure it has the opportunity to grow.”
As students overcame challenges, they became more invested in caring for the plants.
“I learned that I need to be generous,” Bordere said. “I’m being too scarce with the watering, and if the seeds get dried out, they die, but there’s always more to learn!”
Bordere’s newfound understanding has made her more determined to keep up with her plants’ progress.
“I’m excited to see my pumpkins grow,” Bordere said. “I come to the courtyards every day for lunch, so I’m going to try to watch them grow and water them when I can.”
The club’s hands-on approach allows students to get real experiences in nature and become active in the community, something unique to H.E.A.T. club.
“I just joined the club this year,” junior Zoe Zhang, H.E.A.T. Club’s vice president, said. “I’m really into Environmental Science, and this club really helped me fulfill that passion of mine. I think our school usually doesn’t have environmental clubs or anything that people who are into that can really participate in, so I think [HEAT club] really brings a lot to the school.”
The club’s adviser and environmental science teacher, Tina Littlejohn, also recognizes the role the club has in helping the community.
“The club members, especially the leaders of the group, are really well informed, and able to manage the group fantastically,” Littlejohn said. “I like seeing students do the extra stuff for the community. Not just this Frisco High School community, but also the community at large.”
Throughout the meeting, new students entered the courtyard, curious about what was going on and joined members in planting—learning as they worked.
“This was my first meeting,” junior Yohann Lopes said. “I stopped by because I saw everyone nurturing and taking care of the environment and I really wanted to be a part of it. They welcomed me with open arms and I enjoyed getting to meet so many nice people and learning how to plant flowers.”
While the future is not set in stone for the club, more community service opportunities and donation drives are in store and it is never too late to join.
“I want students to know that H.E.A.T. club has lots of opportunities to help benefit our community and gain service hours,” Patel said. “We are always looking for new ideas and more helping hands!”
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