Mahima Basker ‘28

REPORTER

Unionville students pride themselves on being multitalented. Our broad spectrum of activities features everything from football to a student-run theater company to a book cover design club. Over recent years, a hidden gem has begun to emerge from the pack of clubs: the UHS Growing Minds program.

Growing Minds, an environmental club, stands out for its unique characteristics not typically found in environmental programs. Although the club does promote the “green” ideals that tend to exemplify programs such as these, Growing Minds takes a step further by providing timeless knowledge and shedding light on our area’s cherished history.

Mr. Pat Crater, the district’s director of school activities, elaborated on these differences, noting that the program educates students on “local native plants and history of the land.”

The club attracts many agriculture and history enthusiasts, and most importantly, offers extensive insight into our area’s “history of local Indigenous peoples.” Through Growing Minds, students can truly understand a less explored yet key aspect of our area’s culture through opportunities such as collaborating with the local Lenape tribe; some of whom, such as Chief Coker of Delaware, have previously connected to Growing Minds.

The choice to integrate the origins of local Native American groups into their activities has made an undeniable impact on the students who have participated in Growing Minds. Despite many people’s general awareness of the tribe’s presence in the area, the program offers students the opportunity to further to explore a foundation of our culture’s heritage image. Many come from the experience of having gained a greater sense of community with their peers and the area’s roots. This new appreciation drives a fresh perspective that stays with club alums for years.