Sherry Vaughn

As a way to help her students become self-sufficient, Vaughn came up with the winning program idea, the "GOALS Self Sufficiency Gardening Project." Students in the program will learn the process of gardening from start to finish. From erecting a greenhouse to planting seeds and cultivating garden plots, they will also get experience in landscaping, transplanting and harvesting the produce they grow. Ultimately, the students will form a business where they will be able to sell their products at local farmers markets and state fairs and learn the elements of running a business. They will learn to develop a business plan, form and follow a budget, market their business and re-invest their monies. Vaughn, a resident of Hiwassee, hopes that the program will teach students that gardening is a great source of healthy food that can improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.