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McKinley High School students learn new skills and life lessons

The students have a plant sale underway. It runs during school hours.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — With a water and some tender loving care, McKinley High School students are finding their green thumbs and bringing new life to their horticulture department.

A student in this department is junior Saniay Mitchell. 

"I think it's inspiring and amazing," Mitchell said. "I love to see and talk to customers about plants."

She likes them so much she was thinking of starting a business selling bouquets.

"I made a bouquet for my grandma, my mom. I made bouquets for all my family," she said.

You can get something pretty for Mamma too. Saniay and her classmates are having their annual plant sale. There are vegetable plants and fruit plants. They also have flowers.

You know Mother's Day is Sunday, and you don't want to forget mom.

"We don't teach students enough the importance of kindness and compassion, and being nurturing and gentle," said Ron Callea, the horticulture teacher. 

He's one of three at the high school. He said students start planting seeds in February. He tries to start the plant sale on the same day as the Cherry Blossom Festival.  

"It's a treasure to have something like this in the city, especially stuff that's home-grown," Callea said.

There are thousands of plants on sale. It will continue until they're all gone. Prices range from $1 to $25, but the students' newly attained skills are priceless. 

Callea says the students typically raise about $15,000 to $20,000 from their sales. All of that money is given back to the school for more resources and field trips.

The plant sale runs during school hours, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

   

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