Salisbury, MD – Five Upper School students from The Salisbury School recently attended the National 4H Ignite Conference in Washington, DC, after being awarded scholarships as part of a grant-funded initiative to establish a new pollinator garden and outdoor classroom on campus.
The students—Abisha Shrestha, John Mathers, Carly Holloway, Isaiah Gary, and Wyatt Tolker—were accompanied by Dr. Jesse Mathers and participated in hands-on STEM, agriculture, and leadership workshops alongside experts in the field.
This opportunity was made possible through a partnership between The Salisbury School, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), and 4H, which secured grant funding to enhance environmental education and sustainability efforts within the school community.
Throughout the conference, students attended various interactive sessions: Carly Holloway engaged in five hands-on agricultural activities. Isaiah Gary and Wyatt Tolker explored drone safety and licensing. Wyatt also participated in a sustainability workshop, where he sampled a cricket-based food source. Abisha Shrestha participated in the community action track, focusing on developing solutions for food deserts in urban areas. John Mathers joined the STEM track, participating in “Minute to Win It” challenges to engage younger students in science and engineering concepts.
Keynote speaker Emily Calandrelli, an MIT-trained engineer and Emmy-nominated science TV host, inspired students to pursue careers in science and community leadership. The Salisbury School students will use their experiences to develop and lead educational programs for their younger peers, helping to foster sustainability, scientific curiosity, and civic engagement within The Salisbury School community. 6279 Hobbs Road Salisbury, Maryland 21804 410.742.4464 www.thesalisburyschool.org
For more information about The Salisbury School’s commitment to environmental stewardship or college preparatory initiatives, please contact Gail Carozza, Director of Admissions, at 410-742-4464 ext. 123.
ABOUT THE SALISBURY SCHOOL: The Salisbury School is an independent K-12 college preparatory school, fostering a vibrant community of learners dedicated to helping each student achieve their full potential through an experiential, college-bound curriculum. Our holistic approach nurtures compassionate and confident individuals, empowering them to thrive as global citizens. Guided by a philosophy of self-improvement and genuine achievement, The Salisbury School instills a love of learning and encourages students to embrace the world with inspired imaginations and a strong sense of inner conviction.
