In 2012, a new George Rogers Clark High School began construction in Clark County.
One of the major differences between the two schools is the new fully enclosed courtyard.
This courtyard can host outdoor classes, picnics, reward days, and other activities.
According to a 2018 article by The Winchester Sun, the courtyard once hosted an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, performed by GRC’s Fine Arts Cohort.
The courtyard has been used during dances and is a popular spot for taking group pictures.
Most recently, it was the location of a vigil in honor of McKenna Letcher.
In recent years, courtyard maintenance has become a time-consuming task with the weed sprouting, and the concrete collecting grime.
That’s where Mr. Knight’s Landscaping class is stepping in. The students are taking on the upkeep of the front of the school and the courtyard.
After owning a landscaping business for 15 years, Mr. Knight is ready to help his class tackle this big project.
“Our first goal is to give it a haircut and see what we need to replace,” he said.
He hopes the courtyard will be able to reach its full potential with the help of his class.
“I think it’s an area for kids to enjoy,” he said, “so I want to make sure it’s in the best condition and somewhere students and administrators like to be.”
Through this ag elective, Mr. Knight is teaching skills students can use in real life. “Landscape design is geometric shapes put into certain perspectives so that it’s pleasing,” he said. “They may see a potential career or job out of it.”
The class is working in the front of the school currently and eventually will work their way into the courtyard.
Mr. Knight’s main goal is to give his students the ability to make the school their own in a way everyone can see. “We want them to be invested and inspired,” he said.
Overall, Mr. Knight wants his students to be proud of their work. “I want the courtyard to be looking its absolute best,” he said, “because hopefully our school is the best in a lot of categories.”
Note: This story first appeared in our October print newspaper.
