Last year, Jayden Canio ’25 and Justin Paredes ’25 founded the Gardening Club. Since its inception, the club has introduced students to the importance of plant care and how rewarding garden work can be.

“Gardening Club is about planting plants and vegetables as an activity for students in Jesuit to experience how fun gardening is,” Jayden said. “It is also to bring awareness about plants and the greens of the world to Jesuit. It is a very interactive club that students can have fun with. It also gives them the chance to plant something and tend a plant, taking care of it, and watching it grow.”

Gardening Club Moderator Mr. Mario Sorrentino believes that Gardening Club allows students to learn useful skills to be used throughout their lives.

“It is hoped that we can add some beauty to the campus while also developing practical skills that our students can take into the rest of their lives,” Mr. Sorrentino said. “Having the skill to garden, plant, and grow your own food would be a tremendous skill to see our students leave here with.”

Justin was able to pursue his passions by collaborating with his friends in the club and, in the process, shared his interests with other students.

“I actually created this club with a few of my friends which has grown a bit since first creating it,” Justin said. “I have a strong passion for biology and environmental science, so I thought that combining two of my passions in the form of a club would be a great way to share my enthusiasm with others.”

Justin believes that the club’s learning curve and accomplishments have made its journey fulfilling and have helped the club thrive.

“I truly enjoy leading this club,” Justin said. “Although it has been filled with constant ups and downs and much trial and error, the feeling of accomplishment from seeing our efforts bloom makes it all worthwhile. I highly recommend that other students join this club because it is a unique opportunity to connect with nature and foster a more sustainable environment.”

Gardening Club has enhanced the Jesuit experience and is looking forward to recruiting new members.

“If you are a student who has not found a place to fit in or a club to be a part of or a passion to pursue, you are welcome to come and be a part of the gardening club,” Mr. Sorrentino said. “No experience is needed. We are welcoming and easy to get along with and we’ll always accept new members no matter the time of the year.”