River Valley Teacher's Garden Project Gets Boost from Local Business

A River Valley fifth-grade teacher with hopes to build a flourishing garden for students was gifted with a pleasant surprise at Wednesday’s District 113A board meeting.

After coming up short in several attempts at grants to fund the living laboratory garden, Raymond learned the District 113A Educational Foundation had taken the matter into their own hands, and secured funding through a local business.

A flustered Raymond’s cheeks flushed, as Foundation President Shelley Taylor presented her with the $2,000 check.

“I have tried for quite a few grants and have not been successful in receiving them, but that has not stopped the support of the Lemont Community,” Raymond commented in an email. “ I have been honored to receive help from the Eagle Scouts, people using emails to try to help me get grants, and now being able to get this partnership grant through the Foundation! It has been wonderful to see how people are willing to help us create this space for our kids to take care of and share with the community!”

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), parent company of American River Transportation Company’s (ARTCO) location in Lemont, contributed the $2,000 to the School District 113A Educational Foundation. The donation will go toward the living laboratory garden, bringing education outside the classroom.

“ADM and ARTCO have been strong supporters of the Foundation, and we were thrilled to learn that support will continue through this grant,” said Taylor. “Such support from local businesses strengthens our schools and our community by providing a better education for all of our students.”

Grant money will be used to purchase supplies for the garden that is being built in the River Valley courtyard. The project began in 2014 with the help of supplies donated by Chad Stauber, owner of Olde English Gardens in Lemont. Local Eagle Scouts Spencer Bailey, Eric Beechen and Harrison Schatz lent their time and talent to the project as well.

The project is Raymond’s brainchild. The main goal of the program is to achieve a higher level of engagement of students of all abilities by providing outdoor learning opportunities for the environment and agriculture.

Students will learn to identify flora, fauna and wild life in the Lemont area. They will develop an awareness and respect for the environment while learning the benefits of healthy eating habits. The program will be available to over 1,300 students in kindergarten through fifth grade across two elementary schools serving Lemont and Woodridge, and has become a true community effort.

The donation was given through ADM Cares.

“We strive to make a positive difference in the communities where our employees live and work and we are happy to support a program that combines education and agriculture,” said Todd Hudson, Commercial Director at ARTCO’s facility in Lemont. ADM Cares is a social investment program that directs funds to initiatives and organizations that drive meaningful social, economic and environmental progress worldwide. The program comprises three distinct focus areas: supporting the responsible development of agriculture, improving the quality of life in ADM communities and fostering employee giving and volunteer activities.