Richmond Hill Middle School was awarded a $23,000 grant through The Rayonier Community Fund to enhance the Aquaponics Greenhouse on campus allowing students to grow lettuce for a variety of purposes.

Bryan County Schools was also awarded a $14,000 grant.

The funds awarded through this project for Richmond Hill Middle School will allow the school to update the existing greenhouse and purchase additional components necessary to sustain a high-quality and consistent weekly harvest. Students at RHMS hope to bring this project to a reality through USDA’s Farm to Table Program.

With the rising costs, supply shortages, and shipping delays, students will learn how to create a local sustainable food source helping to solve a real-world problem right here in our community.

The grant for Bryan County Schools will provide students and parents with equipment on an upcoming “Rolling Resources Bus” that will be outfitted with a plethora of reading materials and technology as part of a concerted effort to increase and promote literacy; as well as, combat the digital divide many families still face. 

The bus will make stops throughout the county where parents and students will be allowed to board the bus to obtain after-hours assistance with homework, internet access, and other numerous planned activities. The project is estimated to cost $85,000 with the majority of the funding coming from Title I dollars.

Funds awarded by The Rayonier Community Fund will be used to enhance existing technology equipment, supply reading materials; as well as purchase additional furniture and equipment needed to outfit the bus.

“We appreciate the support of Rayonier and The Rayonier Community Fund to help provide programs of this nature to our students, said  Dr. Paul T. Brooksher, Bryan County Schools Superintendent.. "Opportunities such as these allow learning to extend beyond the walls of the classroom and provide support for our students and parents.”