For his civics project, Joseph, an 8th grader, took the initiative to advance an innovative local agriculture idea based on BW's Mattingly Family Aquaponics Lab. The concept was originally proposed by Mr. Burkett in response to a challenge from the USDA’s Director of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Growing. It focused on expanding aquaponics and year-round food production in Cumberland, potentially by transforming unused buildings—or the Christian Brothers house on the school’s property—into indoor growing facilities. When a USDA grant for the project was paused by the new administration, Joseph stepped in and asked Mr. Burkett for permission to present the idea to the City of Cumberland. He contacted city officials and successfully arranged a presentation to the City Council. As a result, Mayor Raymond Morriss and city representatives, including Jim Furstenburg and his wife, visited the school last Monday. They were highly impressed by the school’s grow tower and aquaponics lab and expressed strong interest in the initiative. Joseph demonstrated how civic engagement and science can come together to benefit the broader community. Excellent work, Joseph! #AOBCatholicSchools #GoWalsh #knottscholar Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools Knott Scholarship Funds City of Cumberland, Local Government (fb)

Mrs. Santmyire’s PreK students released their butterflies in the courtyard! Despite the chilly weather that day, all four butterflies stayed perched on the flowers. It was a magical moment and a wonderful learning experience for the class. #GoWalsh #AOBCatholicSchools Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools (fb)