A group of South Broward High School student leaders worked to redevelop the Reading Garden. It was primed and turned into an outdoor classroom.
Debbi Hixon, the magnet coordinator and the sponsor of the Interact Club led the effort. Her late husband Chris Hixon was killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting. Her son, Thomas Hixon a military veteran and a member of The Travis Manion Project was part of the effort. The project was known as a Legacy Project for Chis Hixon. The Rotary Club of Hollywood also provided financial support. Before the students went to work, Tom gave a presentation on the importance of good character and why it matters.
The students painted a mural, painted walls, pulled weeds, replanted trees, installed pavers and installed new benches. Some the pavers have the name Chris Hixon on them. The Interact Club, Key Club, Army JROTC, the Art Honor Society, Latinos in Action, Drama and Thespian Society Club, Student Government Association and the football team participated.
Jade Knight, president of Interact enjoyed working on the project. “I think this project is important and I like improving the school,” she said.
Amber Degregorio, a historian for the Drama Club also enjoyed working on the project.
Mia Bonet, president of the Art Honor Society said, “I enjoyed helping with the painting on this project,” she said.