Tiger Springs is reality! Dedicated at a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 19, this collaborative venture will be an asset to the Hollister schools and community for years to come. Hundreds of students, teachers, administrators, and community leaders were on hand to applaud Hollister’s STAR alternative high school students and the many others who made this place-based education dream a reality.
Scott Wenger, STAR teacher and project coordinator, said it couldn’t have happened without the hard work of the students and support from so many. “Our STAR students did an outstanding job of planning and making this happen.” Wenger added, “Also, without the grant assistance from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, training from The Rural School and Community Trust, support from our administration, and a lot of in-kind help from the City of Hollister and other businesses, we wouldn’t be standing here today.”
In addition to the STAR students, Hollister science students worked diligently to improve water run-off and create a positive natural habitat. The effort involved all science students and the Student Council at the Middle School, Junior High and High School (approximately 300 students) in the design and construction of a rain garden to channel drainage from a spring running from the Middle School to the highway.
A pond has been dug to catch the spring, and seedlings, bamboo, trees and flowers have been planted to absorb drainage and enhance the pond. The area now serves as a learning project for the students, a natural science classroom for the three buildings, and a demonstration project for the community. The STAR alternative school students took the lead in this project by determining necessary tasks, establishing time lines, and taking bids for materials and tracking expenses.
Tiger Springs is an exemplary place-based education project. It represents the essence of what the Rural Schools Partnership is all about. Philanthropic efforts provide valuable resources to strengthen local education. Students and teachers work together in the planning, development, and implementation of an engaging effort. A project is successfully completed that benefits everyone in the community and brings the work of thoughtful young people to the community forefront.
For more information on the Tiger Springs project or on the Coover Place-Based grants program, please contact the Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ Julie Leeth at 417-864-6199.
