Announcing the 2026 Inspired Growing Awards!
NEWARK, N.J. — Inspired Growing is thrilled to recognize Elliot Street Elementary School as the recipient of the 2026 Inspired Growing Awards!
The Inspired Growing Awards celebrate schools and educators who go above and beyond to create meaningful experiences with their farm. The staff, showing dedication, responsibility, and genuine excitement for helping students learn and grow, exhibited what it means to be apart of the Inspired Growing community.
We believe the farm can become whatever a school makes it — a science lab, a nutrition lesson, a community space, or a place where students build confidence and responsibility. Ms. Lezama at Elliot Street Elementary School embodies that spirit, encouraging her students to embrace the farm and utilize it as a multidimensional tool.
During the final days of the school year, our team visited Ms. Lezama to present her with the Green Machine Teacher Award, recognizing her commitment to making the farm a valuable part of her students' learning experience.
Just like the plants, teachers get to see their students grow throughout the year. Inspired Growing gives teachers the opportunity to recognize a student who has shown curiosity, responsibility, and enthusiasm while working with the farm through our Mad Green Scientist Award.
This year, Ms. Lezama selected Najee for the award, sharing that he was reliable, engaged, and always a joy to have working with the farm. His dedication even earned him a spot as next year's "gardener," with Ms. Lezama telling him:
"And guess what? You're going to be my gardener next year also!"
Thank you to the Elliot Street Elementary School staff for making this possible, and we can’t wait to see what you grow next year!
