Just weeks after planting their first seeds, students in the Wakulla High School Culinary Program are already enjoying the rewards of hands-on learning—harvesting their first crop of fresh curly lettuce and Bok choy from the school’s new hydroponic garden.
The garden, located within the CTE Hospitality and Tourism (Culinary) program, began its first planting on November 5. In just over a month, the system produced vibrant, ready-to-harvest greens, highlighting the efficiency and sustainability of hydroponic growth while giving students a direct connection to the food they prepare.
Hydroponics is a soil-free growing method that uses nutrient-rich water and controlled lighting to help plants grow efficiently year-round while using significantly less water than traditional farming.
For culinary students, the garden turns lessons about sourcing and sustainability into real-world experience. Students plant seeds, monitor growth, harvest produce, and incorporate what they grow directly into classroom recipes—reinforcing lessons about flavor, nutrition, and responsible food production.
“This initiative allows students to experience the entire process from seed to plate, right next to their classroom seats,” said Marina Mudryy, General Manager for Sodexo in Wakulla County Schools.
The hydroponic garden is the result of a collaborative effort between Wakulla County Schools and the Rotary Club of Wakulla, which provided nearly $7,000 to purchase the unit. The project was championed by Mudryy and Kathleen Newton, WCS Food Services Supervisor, with support from President Angie Bozeman and Sergeant-of-Arms Steve Sanabria of the Wakulla Rotary Club.
Superintendent Rick Myhre shared at the units ribbon-cutting ceremony in December, “Anytime someone brings forward an innovative idea, I believe in letting them run with it. This project proves what can happen when great ideas meet great collaboration.”
Culinary Instructor Ryan Warner added, “It's a powerful learning experience for our students.”
With their first harvest complete, Wakulla High School’s culinary students are already looking ahead to the next— proof that when education, sustainability, and community come together, growth happens.
