Student Endowment Grant Funds Upper School Meditation Garden

When school begins in late August, Collegiate Upper Schoolers seeking a spot to reflect can enjoy a new meditation garden located outside of the Sharp Academic Commons.
The project is the handiwork of rising seniors Quin Timmerman and Avery Maynard, who have been developing the idea, design and execution of the space for the past eight months.  

The garden is funded through the William “Bill” Reeves Renaissance Student Award, one of several endowments made possible by the generosity of Collegiate families. 

Last October at an assembly, Quin and Avery heard about the various endowments available to rising seniors to travel or explore individual areas of interest. They came up with the idea of a meditation garden in honor of former Collegiate mindfulness teacher Alex Peavey.

“We both had Mr. Peavey for mindfulness in 9th Grade and it helped us a lot,” Avery said.

Quin agreed: “We thought a meditation garden would be a nice addition to campus and a way to bring more mindfulness to the Upper School.”

The duo presented their plans to the Endowment Committee in December. After a few design tweaks, the garden was approved, and they brought Mr. Peavey to the site.

“He was thrilled,” Quin said.

With guidance from Collegiate grounds supervisor Jeremy Clark, Quin and Avery brainstormed design suggestions and came up with a plan. Mr. Clark says the two had really good ideas and were enthusiastic about the project.

“Both Avery and Quin are hardworking and passionate young men,” he said. “It has been a pleasure working with them.”

The two began digging in early June. A month later, the garden, which includes a water feature and natural boulder seating, neared completion. Quin and Avery still hope to add a few benches and other plantings.

Though the project has involved many long, hot work days, the two students feel proud of the final product and look forward to seeing it in use. 

“We hope it’s a quiet space where students can come to study and sit outdoors,” Quin said. “It will be a nice spot.” 
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