Deer Park High School was recently named one of only nine finalists in the country for the nationwide TangerKids Members Choice grant program. Earlier this school year, the school’s science and family and consumer science departments teamed up and applied for a $2,500 TangerKids grant to establish a hydroponic garden. With the additional funding from Members Choice, voted on by the public, Deer Park’s total grant for the garden was $3,500.

TangerKids representatives, led by Tanger Marketing Director Amaka Muir, visited the school on Jan. 31 to present the students and teachers with a ceremonial check.

“It’s going to benefit the school tremendously,” Muir said. “Everything will be grown locally and the garden will be sustainable. We are so happy to be able to pick your school, and you all should be very proud.”  

“This garden will produce up to 384 pounds of fresh produce each year, providing FACS students direct and consistent access to fresh, nutritionally dense ingredients,” Director of Social Studies and FACS Vanessa Langdon said, “By learning about hydroponic farming, science students can understand how this method contributes to sustainable food systems, reduces our carbon footprint and human impact on the planet.”

“We are grateful for the support Tanger has shown us through this process and are very excited to bring this garden to the students of Deer Park High School,” Director of Science and Technology Alison Branca-Peterson said.

Date Added: 2/10/2025