Gallatin High School Unveils New Sensory Garden
Gallatin High School students have a new way to stimulate their emotions and help them manage stress with the creation of an outdoor sensory garden. The garden came as an idea presented by Mariah Beddingfield, a student member of the GHS Student Council. It came to fruition when Comprehensive Development Class (CDC) Teacher, Tabithia Graves, won two different grants - one from the Gallatin Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and another from the Tennessee Valley Authority. Graves credits the community support for the development of the West Jamel Sensory Garden. The garden is named after two former Gallatin High School Students - Tabitha West and Josh Jamel, who recently passed away.
During the dedication of the garden, Graves fought back tears as she recalled the memory of her former students.
"Tabitha West was a strong young lady that needed no words to get her points, her wants and her needs met. She put a smile on everyone's face. When her smile came across her face that was her power. She would light up this world," Gallatin High School Teacher, Tabithia Graves said. "Josh was a student that could turn your worst day into the brightest. There were many times I would walk into the classroom to hear him say WOOO Tabithia. He knew what he wanted, and he didn't let his disability hold him back from making friends, or from what he wanted to be. Thanks to the great teachers at this school, he was even able to perform in the school play."
Tabitha West's parents Micheal and Karen West were on hand for the unveiling of the garden. Karen West spoke to the crowd of students, teachers, community supporters and Gallatin Mayor, Paige Brown about her daughter's time at GHS.
"If you know me, you know that when I talk about Tabitha her time spent at this school was the happiest, I've seen her. I think that's a testament to the staff here and the resources they provided and how they care for these kids. I know for a fact that you take them home with you every night and your job doesn't end at 2:45 and I want to say thank you. I hope you all enjoy this as much as Josh and Tabitha would."
The sensory garden includes a wishing well, wind chimes, water fountains, and a garden for students to water and maintain plants.
"Though they are not here with us physically they are here with us through projects just like these," Graves said. "Every time the wind blows and the windmills go, I know that's Tabitha smiling."
Sumner County Schools would like to thank all of the community members who helped the garden come to fruition. Mrs. Graves said it best, "Without you, the dreams stay dreams and never become the reality that we see."
For more pictures, click HERE.