Dorchester School District Four

Congratulations to Clay Hill Elementary School for winning a $2,500 Champions Grant for their innovative “Healthy Eagles” hydroponics project! This exciting initiative, led by teacher Denise Washington, will provide students hands-on experience in sustainable gardening practices while fostering a deeper understanding of water conservation and energy efficiency.

The Champions Grant, awarded by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, recognizes impactful educational projects across the state. The "Healthy Eagles" project will be featured on the Champions Recent Winners webpage and included in an upcoming news release highlighting the grant winners.

The “Healthy Eagles” project introduces students to the science of hydroponics—a method of growing plants without soil by using mineral nutrient solutions in water. Through this initiative, students will have the opportunity to experiment with adjusting nutrients and lighting conditions to maximize plant growth. They’ll also analyze the data they collect, learning to evaluate the effectiveness of this eco-friendly approach to gardening.

This project is about more than just growing plants; it’s about teaching students practical ways to support the environment. By participating, students will gain knowledge on water conservation, an essential skill in hydroponics, and will explore how sustainable gardening and energy efficiency can benefit communities and ecosystems alike.

Mrs. Washington and the team at Clay Hill Elementary School are thrilled to implement this project, knowing that it aligns with their commitment to inspiring responsible environmental stewardship in students. As future champions for sustainability, these students are learning firsthand how innovative techniques like hydroponics can play a role in protecting and preserving South Carolina’s environment.

Congratulations again to Clay Hill Elementary for this fantastic achievement! The school community and Dorchester County are eager to see the benefits of the "Healthy Eagles" project come to life in the classroom and beyond.