Osbourn Park students inspired by tour of White House gardens

White House history came alive for students in teacher Lydia Stewart’s class at Osbourn Park High School in early October. Her students, their parents, and other teachers toured White House grounds and gardens, including the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, and Kitchen Garden; the Bee Hive; and the South Lawn of the White House.

The out-of-the-ordinary field trip was arranged by Stewart—sponsor of her students’ club, Ordinary People Doing Outstanding Things–Together—after she received a special invitation to attend the 2016 White House Garden Tour on Oct. 8.

Students came away inspired to grow vegetables for the school cafeteria in their new Tower Garden, and with a fresh appreciation for how First Families have made their mark on the landscape surrounding the nation’s most famous residence.

“Our Tower Garden won’t be anything like the First Lady’s garden, but it will teach the same lesson, the importance of healthy eating,” Stewart said.

The event also included music and a tour of commemorative plantings of trees, including a Willow Oak planted in 1988 for President Ronald Reagan and the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden which was planted in 1965.

Making a connection to the current president, Stewart shared with her students a letter she received from President Obama five years ago commending her students on their hard work. A picture of the president with the family’s pet accompanied the letter.

“We also practice civic responsibilities by teaching our students about the election process. We do this every year by having elections for their class officers,” Stewart said.

Despite not seeing President Obama or First Dog Bo, Stewart’s students were happy about their trip. “Some of them had never been to the White House,” said Stewart, “and a few of the students had never been to Washington, D.C. It was wonderful!”