Hattie Watts Elementary

Hattie Watts Elementary in Patterson planted the second American Heart Association Teaching Garden in St. Mary Parish, funded by the That Just Takes the Cake event, as part of an education initiative to help build healthy bodies and minds. The Hattie Watts Teaching Garden was created using American Heart Association science and nutrition guidelines as well as information from gardening and education experts, according to American Heart Association spokeswoman Laura Broussard. The program, used in conjunction with the garden, combines nutrition education with garden-based learning. Students learn how to plant seeds, nurture growing plants, harvest produce and understand the value of good eating habits, Broussard said. Funding for the project was made possible by That Just Takes the Cake, an event to benefit the American Heart Association. This year’s event will be at Nico Bella Feb. 7. For tickets call Gwen Luc at 985-372-8520. Included in the photo are Tonya Hills, fourth grade teacher; Jodi Grizzaffi, American Heart Association Committee; Jackie C. Blanchard, American Heart Association Committee; Julie Domino, American Heart Association Committee; Niki Fryou, Hattie Watts principal; Evelyn Ortiz, adaptive physical education teacher and grant coordinator; Joseph Hollier, Patterson High School graduate and school assistant; and Gwen Luc, American Heart Association Committee. (Submitted Photo)