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Freedom High Takes On A Lowe's Profile

Tribune photo by SCOTT ISKOWITZ

Freedom High School students plant and mulch the quad area of Freedom High School Nov. 7 thanks to $1,200 from Lowe's.

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: November 19, 2008

NEW TAMPA - The manager of the Bruce B. Downs Boulevard Lowe's is proud to work for a company that rallies around the people it serves.

"I enjoy being part of this community, and I feel good that Lowe's believes in giving back," said Tom Barringer, who as top administrator of the store recently chose to help beautify the courtyard at nearby Freedom High School.

Through Lowe's annual community involvement Hero Program, the store contributed $1,200 worth of plants, mulch and gardening supplies to spruce up the stark-looking quad in the center of campus where students often gather with friends.

The in-kind donation unfolded when Tracy Ryan, Freedom's PTSA business sponsor solicitor, approached Barringer in hopes of obtaining some support toward the initiative.

To Ryan's amazement, however, Barringer agreed to not only contribute all the plants for the project but enlist the expertise of the store's nursery specialist, Tim Holichork, who created a landscape design using a variety of drought-resistant foliage to provide depth and color year-round.

Stella D'Oro daylilies, Sunshine trees, Oklahoma redbud trees, fragrant tea olive trees, August Beauty gardenias and Texas sage bushes were among them.

"When people go into Lowe's they should ask for Tim, because he really knows his stuff," Ryan said. "For our project he chose rich, vibrant colors that bloom at different times of the year, and he even helped plant them."

Donna Moffatt, Freedom's PTSA president, echoed Ryan's sentiments.

"It was just really great that Lowe's is such a good neighbor," she said. "We were especially happy that they would actually go to the school and help out with the landscaping layout and planting."

On planting day, Freedom's agri-science teacher, Kim Turner, volunteered the services of her 120 students, who spent much of their morning hours digging trenches, planting greenery and spreading several dozen bags of mulch.

"It gives them a sense of ownership and pride in their school," said Turner, who noted that in addition to caring for and showing animals in competitions, her students grow and sell their own plants, for which they receive a commission.

"It really gives them a purpose, and in high school everybody feels a need to belong," she said.

Senior Jonathan Hubiak, 18, was among them.

"I've had a lot of fun doing it, and I like the labor involvement in it," said the Lutz resident, who is contemplating starting his own landscaping business after graduating from college with a degree in horticulture.

Freshman Rebekah Moyer, also of Lutz, was all for the idea of lending a hand to help soften the look of the mainly concrete-covered courtyard.

"Before it really didn't have anything but a few small trees," said Moyer, admitting she is much more adept at caring for her horses and goats she boards at the rear of the campus than nourishing plants. "But this is a good thing, because everyone gets to see that we actually get out and help the community."

Senior Emily Cassell, 18, president of the school's Future Farmers of America organization, agreed.

"It allows a lot of people to see what we do," Cassell said, "Because we will also fertilize and water the new landscaping, I also think it's a great way to learn responsibility."

Ryan is grateful to everyone who saw the project to fruition.

"These things will take time, but they will grow to be very beautiful," she said. "It takes dedication and persistence - an important lesson for these kids to experience."

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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