We are pleased to announce this year's recipient of the Kirk's Lawn Care Excellence in Horticulture Award, Larissa Schell. She received a $500.00 check, a personal plaque and her name added to the perpetual plaque that is hung on the walls of the Owen J. Roberts High School. Larissa has taken the horticulture elective all four years, including a double period during this school year. Larissa has been instrumental in mentoring new students, assisting with various Horticulture projects and providing overall support for the program from the floral Counter to the gardens. With her strong work ethic, dedication, and accountability, she has been a true asset to the program. She will be attending Liberty University. We would like to wish Larissa the best of luck with her future endeavors.

Kirk, owner of Kirk's Lawn Care and OJR horticulture program alumnus, created an annual scholarship award and is designated for a student who has participated in the horticulture program and has displayed an exemplary attitude and extraordinary skill development. The horticulture program teaches students on various topics such as landscape design and installation, plant, weed and pest identification, plant propagation and floral design. The program is also very hands on with students maintaining school landscapes and growing flowers in the on-site greenhouse that are then planted around campus. This program is very unique to OJR with most other districts not offering this elective option.

The program contributed to much of the passion and knowledge Kirk used to grow Kirk's Lawn Care. He was also the vice president of the horticulture club while taking the program.