McCurtain third grader wins contest

Submitted Report

Kynlei Dill a third grader at McCurtain Public Schools has been selected as the Oklahoma winner of the Bonnie Plants Third Grade Cabbage Program. Kynlei grew a nearly 10 pound cabbage and was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Bonnie relaunched the Cabbage Program this year as a remote-friendly learning activity to safely bring education outdoors. With so much stress surrounding learning during the pandemic, connecting with nature through gardening has never been more rewarding for the physical and mental well-being of children.
At the start of the program, Bonnie sent each participating student a starter (O.S. Cross variety) cabbage plant and the lessons needed to care for and nurture their plant every step of the way. Once fully grown, students took a photo with their cabbage and submitted it for a chance to win.
Kynlei was selected by Bonnie Plants in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry based on the student’s enthusiasm to participate and learn in addition to the size and overall appearance of their cabbage.
“The Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Program is a wonderful way for teachers and parents to introduce children to agriculture through a hands-on, engaging and memorable learning experience,” said Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur.
“It was inspiring to see the impressive cabbages that all of the students in Oklahoma were able to grow and we’re confident this is just the beginning of a lifelong gardening journey for them,” Arthur added.