May 30, 2017 2 min read

A select group of eighth-graders at Washington High School is working with a master gardener to grow vegetables and learn about healthy eating, among other life skills.

They are part of a research project to help determine if matching them up with adult mentors through 12th grade will improve their grades and the school’s graduation rate, said Marjorie Rushel, a case manager at Washington Health System Teen Outreach program.

“We’re teaching them a love of nature,” said Kathleen Madigan, who belongs to the Washington County Master Gardener Program, under the umbrella of the Penn State Extension program.

“We’re building their self-confidence in things that are hands-on,” Madigan said on a chilly May afternoon at the garden with raised beds at 410 N. Main St.

The students and mentors are enrolled in the Educate Children for Health Outcomes program that began in 1999 to help reduce teen pregnancy. This version of the program gives children access for five years to an adult who helps them develop skills including anger management, conflict resolution, assertiveness and decision-making skills. One of its aims is dropout prevention. The program receives the students’ grades and attendance records.

“We look at everything,” said Mary Jo Podgurski, director of the teen outreach program. “I hope we show that what we are doing makes a difference.”

The mentors are paid $70 a month. Each deposits some of that money into his or her student’s bank account to teach the teenager the importance of saving money.

“The kids deserve a chance,” said Bill Speer, a mentor from Houston. “I’ve raised my kids. They’re in college, and I felt compelled to give back to these kids.”

Michael Passalacqua, owner of Angelo’s Restaurant in North Franklin Township, agreed to work with the teens after they begin to harvest the garden to teach them how to prepare a meal from their bounty.

“We’re really excited,” Rushel said.

“It gets the kids outside, because we’re always in the house, and then we get food out of it,” added student Sara McCartney.

Podgurski said the program is in need of mentors, as a second class of ECHO students was organized this month.

Anyone interested in being a mentor can reach Podgurski at podmj@healthyteens.com or at her office at 724-222-2311.