Amanda Stone

PACE Alternative Education Program is "Giving a 'GREEN THUMBS UP' to Healthy Living and the Community." Stone, a school counselor, has created the winning, interactive program for her students to share with the community. Students and faculty will grow vegetables and herbs in their new greenhouse. A team from the Madison County Career Center's horticulture department will mentor students on how to maintain a greenhouse and its contents properly. During the process, students will present monthly progress reports to faculty and parents, write recipes featuring the fresh produce from the greenhouse and explore horticulture and culinary arts careers. After harvesting, students will use the vegetables and herbs from the garden to prepare and serve meals at the local Downtown Rescue Mission. The goal is for students to learn healthy eating habits, become self-sufficient and value community service. A documentary will capture the process and will be shared with the community to show the benefits of local gardens. Stone lives in Rainsville.