STATEWIDE CELEBRATION OF GROWTH!
It was a wonderful day at Conway Public Schools as Carolyn Lewis Elementary proudly hosted the 2026 Arkansas School Garden of the Year Awards! We are excited to share that Carolyn Lewis Elementary was named Best Overall School Garden in Arkansas!
We were also proud to celebrate Mr. Richard Klerk and the Master Gardeners as Mr. Richard was recognized with the Heart of the Garden Award by Arkansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward for his outstanding dedication, leadership, and service to the Carolyn Lewis Learning Garden.
The celebration also included a special moment as Secretary Ward read a proclamation from Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declaring October as Farm to School Month in Arkansas! This recognition highlights the importance of connecting students with agriculture, nutrition, and hands-on learning experiences.
The event brought together schools, community partners, and leaders from across the state to recognize the incredible work happening in school gardens. Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients!
Best Overall School Garden: Carolyn Lewis Elementary, Conway School District
Best Community Collaboration: Pulaski Heights Elementary and Nemo Vista High School – FCCLA
Best Education-Based Garden: Little Rock Christian Academy and Wild About Learning Academy (Bentonville)
Best Harvest Partnership: North Little Rock 6 – Agricultural & Veterinary Science Elementary
Champion of Sustainability: Yellville-Summit Schools
Best Start-Up Garden: Glenview Elementary (North Little Rock)
Guests enjoyed garden-to-table taste tests and beverages prepared by the Carolyn Lewis School Garden team, along with student-led garden tours showcasing the learning, teamwork, and dedication growing right here on our campus!
A special thank-you to Secretary Wes Ward and Farm to School Coordinator Leslee Tell with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture for helping make this celebration possible. We are also incredibly grateful to the Carolyn Lewis administration, staff, and students for their dedication to the garden and for making this event such a success! We also extend our appreciation to Representative Mary Bentley for joining us in celebrating the incredible work happening in our schools and communities!
This recognition is a testament to what can grow when students, educators, and community partners work together. We are so proud of our Wampus Cats and the incredible work happening at Carolyn Lewis Elementary!
