Tharptown showcases CRICKET

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Franklin County Times
THARPTOWN – The Creating Responsible Individuals and Cultivating Knowledge of Environmental Teamwork (CRICKET) project has been completed after a year of planning and hard work.
Project coordinator Melissa Cox said the project began when she decided to apply for a grant almost two years ago. Since receiving a $2,500 grant for implementation, the project has come to life.
The garden's layout was designed by Lana Horton, who altered a donated plan to meet the school's needs.
Marqueta Prince saw that the plans were followed and the result is a beautiful outdoor classroom that attracts butterflies and other insects.
"I went on maternity leave so I turned the project over to Marqueta," Cox said. "I was actually in the hospital when the planting was done."
The project stayed in budget and a few additional flowers were added to the final product, which was completed in July.
"I want to send out a special thanks to everyone who helped with this project especially Marqueta," Cox said.
The following individuals and businesses helped make CRICKET a reality: Lana Horton, Serra Horton, Tommy Murray, Jacob Murray, Heather Parrish, Katina Petree, Brady Petree, Carson Petree, Macy Petree, Tim Harrison, Melissa Harrison, Darryl Taylor, Billy Sparks, David Gaston, Clyde Hallmark, Mitchell Lane, Jessica Myrick, Mike "Pops" Franklin, Steve's Quinn's Grocery and Russellville Cutstone.
Cox added the only two items missing from the garden are two benches that need to be affixed between each wing so students and teachers can enjoy the garden.