ILWACO – “It used to be just rocks,” according to Lynn Paquin. She is referring to the special garden adjacent to the entrance to the locker rooms at Ilwaco High School.

Paquin, who is finishing the year as a substitute teacher for Ronda Hill’s special needs class, says the project was started this school year to beautify the area and more importantly to give the class a hands-on learning experience.

“When the students began moving rocks and clearing the area they discovered there was already a brick path in place. The students have planted all kinds of flowers and a pond has been donated,” Paquin relates.

“Poppies,” Kelsea Wallin says with her ever-present grin. “We planted poppies.” Wallin is one of five students working on the garden today.

“Water, water, water,” Mark Cook repeats as he sprinkles his section of the garden. He works with Kelsea and Jesse Carpenter to make sure the many flowers are properly irrigated beside the colorful mural located at the foot of Aase Gymnasium.

Mrs. Linda Shaner points out weeds that need to be pulled and Heather Vaughn who quickly kneels to help with her task. Jon Crain, another teacher at IHS also aids in supervising the crew as they expertly and noisily water and manicure the garden area.

Paquin explains that the students have just finished clearing tables in the cafeteria after lunch and part of their routine is to then work in their garden. She asks Mark what the students will be doing after they finish their jobs outside. His reply is a cheerful, “Back to class and go to work.”

Paquin tells her group that since it is Heather’s birthday tomorrow the class will be making a birthday cake instead of doing book work right away. “Do you want to crack the eggs?” she asks.

Mark’s shrieks in mock terror, but somehow you get the feeling he will cooperate by doing whatever it takes to help out.

The students complete their watering and weeding and are allowed to enjoy a few minutes in the sunshine before starting inside to bake and to study. Their enthusiasm and the care their teachers show can only be characterized as – special.