By: Kemariya Perry
Oklahoma State University Institute
of Technology
2024-2025
At Okmulgee Primary School, rows of spinach, carrots, and cherry tomatoes are sprouting along with curiosity, confidence, and a new connection to healthy living. The roots of this transformation trace back to Kemariya Perry a Culinary Arts major at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) and a 2025 Newman Civic Fellow.
Motivated by Oklahoma’s rising childhood obesity rates, Kemariya saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact where it matters most: with young children. “Many kids grow up without knowing where their food comes from,” she said. “I wanted to help them experience the process—from seed to harvest—and understand that healthy food can be grown right outside their classroom.”
With support from the Newman Civic Fellowship program, OSUIT mentors, and local volunteers, Kemariya brought her vision of a school garden to life. She helped design and build raised garden beds, coordinated planting days with teachers, and secured funding for seeds, tools, and soil.
Now, students are taking ownership of the garden—learning to plant, water, weed, and harvest vegetables while gaining a deeper appreciation for nature and nutrition. The garden has become a vibrant outdoor classroom, where lessons in science and health come to life through digging, planting, and discovery.
“It’s amazing to see how excited the kids get when they see something they planted start to grow,” Kemariya said. “It’s more than just a garden—it’s a way to encourage lifelong habits that support better health.”
Teachers and parents have noticed the difference. Students are asking more questions about fruits and vegetables and showing pride in the garden they’ve helped build. For many, it’s their first hands-on experience with fresh food.
Though the garden is still young, Kemariya has big dreams for its future—including the addition of cooking demonstrations and nutrition lessons. For now, she’s proud to have planted the first seeds—of both vegetables and change.
“This is just the beginning,” she said. “Healthy habits can grow, just like gardens do—with time, care, and the right environment.”