The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has recognized Yellville-Summit Schools as a winner in its annual Garden of the Year contest, held during Arkansas Farm to School Month. The school earned $1,000 in the Champion of Garden Sustainability category, celebrating its efforts in sustainable gardening and education.
The contest, sponsored by Farm Credit, highlights schools that excel in garden development, education, and community engagement. Participating schools connect students with local food systems and agricultural traditions, helping young learners understand where food comes from and the work required to produce it.
“When students plant a seed and care for it through harvest, they get a lesson that goes well beyond the garden – an appreciation for the hard work it takes to put food on the table,” Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement. “These schools are bringing Arkansas’ agricultural traditions into the school day, giving kids a chance to learn hands-on, and try something they grew themselves. Congratulations to this year’s winners and the educators and community partners helping these gardens thrive.”
The contest welcomes entries from public and private K-12 schools, early childhood education facilities, and alternative learning environments across Arkansas. Entries are evaluated based on the schools’ goals, their integration of garden-based learning into their curriculum, the level of community involvement, how they use harvested produce, and their plans for ensuring the sustainability of their gardens over time.
This year’s recognition demonstrates the continued importance of farm-to-school initiatives in fostering agricultural education and engaging local communities. Yellville-Summit Schools’ efforts exemplify the impact of these programs, emphasizing practical skills and a deeper connection to Arkansas’ agricultural heritage.