The garden at Academy School has long been a vibrant hub of growth, discovery, and community. This year, it continues to blossom under the guidance of its new Garden Coordinator, Kelsy Allan.
With her boundless enthusiasm and deep connection to the outdoors, Kelsy has quickly become a beloved figure among students and staff alike. From prepping lessons to leading hands-on activities, she is cultivating a love for nature and food that will leave a lasting impression.
Students are naturally drawn to Kelsy’s bubbly personality and adventurous spirit. Whether they’re sampling fresh basil or digging in the dirt, she meets them with infectious energy and encouragement.
One student’s delight during a recent taste test—“Mmm, I need pesto in my garden...I mean basil!”—perfectly captures the excitement she brings to the garden. With a warm smile, Kelsy responds, “I knew what you meant,” embodying the kind of playful, supportive mentorship that makes learning fun.
Kelsy stepped into a role previously held by Kathy Cassin, whose supportive presence still graces the garden.
As a familiar face to many returning students, Kathy often volunteers her time to support Kelsy in her FTS activities. Together they greet excited children flocking over from their recess and offer gentle guidance to the many tiny chefs as they craft a recipe using seasonal foods. Together, they’ve fostered a culture where cooking is an adventure, and trying new foods is an exciting part of the journey.
One recent recess cookoff showcased the magic of Academy’s FTS programing. The cooking stations buzzed with excitement as Kelsy led students at recess through making applesauce in one area and while a class pressed cider around the corner.
When the cider press broke mid-activity, she quickly improvised, rigging a solution with cheesecloth and an upbeat attitude. “Try that!” said Kelsy, securing the cheesecloth in place.
Back at the applesauce station, students took turns chopping and cooking apples. Kathy, ever supportive, peeled apples with practiced ease, while Kelsy dashed between stations, ensuring every student had a chance to contribute.
The sight of this tiny, mobile kitchen crew—armed with child-safe choppers and wide grins—is now a cherished staple of Academy recess.
Kelsy has embraced the school’s endowed FTS culture, bringing fresh energy and creativity to its traditions. Outdoor cooking, a favorite activity, continues to thrive under her leadership. Her dream of cooking with students year-round, gathered around fires and savoring meals they’ve grown, is already taking root.
When considering her own mark on the program, she envisions extending environmental learning beyond the garden, incorporating the surrounding woodlot and introducing students to wildcrafting and creative uses for invasive plants—like eating them!
This broader approach reflects her foundation in experiential learning, where students explore food and nature in playful, meaningful ways. “I want them to see food as something fun and a choice,” she explains. “It’s not just about eating healthy; it’s about enjoying the whole process.”
Kelsy’s hands-on, can-do attitude inspires students to dive into projects with gusto. Whether they’re stirring a pot of applesauce or pressing cider, they’re learning valuable lessons about teamwork, creativity, and resilience. And with the ongoing support of a terrific team, Kelsy is building on a legacy of nurturing young minds through the power of nature.
As the seasons change and the garden continues to grow, so too will the students who are lucky enough to learn from Kelsy. Under her care, the Academy School garden remains a cherished space of joy, discovery, and connection—a place where seeds of curiosity are planted, and lifelong passions for food and nature are nurtured.