Emily Bennett
2022
Appleton, WI
Neenah High School
Second Place Winner
$12,000
![Second Place Unsung Hero Winner 2022](/sites/www/files/styles/unsung_hero/public/2022-11/USH_22_2ndplace_Neenah_372.jpg.webp?itok=Zjaaril9)
Bennett’s innovative teaching idea, “Hydroponics Lab,” focuses on supporting and expanding the crops in 13 hydroponics units that have provided students with the chance to see where their food comes from, while also promoting a healthy lifestyle. Through her “Hydroponics Lab” project, Bennett is expanding the existing program to everyone in the school district by installing an additional 10 hydroponics units with the funds from the Voya Unsung Heroes grant. Bennett believes that, with the expanded capacity, the school could harvest up to 60 pounds of lettuce per week and feed the students and staff with fresh, locally-grown produce. The lab will be run by students who will also receive high school and college credit through this program.