All About Curb Appeal: FCHS Ag Class Adds Landscaping to Annex Building

On September 18th, the Franklin County High School Landscaping and Turf Management Class brought fresh energy and curb appeal to the Franklin County Annex Building, transforming its exterior with landscaping enhancements. The project was a collaborative effort between the mayor’s office, the ag class, and JLS Landscaping, which presented a partnership that not only provided students with valuable hands-on experience, but also gave a local business the chance to invest in the community it serves.  

              Under the heat of the early fall sun, the agriculture students rolled up their sleeves and got to work removing gravel, planting fresh foliage, and carefully replacing the gravel to complete the transformation. Their efforts were occasionally cheered on by a friendly neighborhood dog who wandered by to spectate, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the day. The project, initiated at the request of Franklin County Mayor Chris Guess, offered students a valuable hands-on learning experience while also enhancing the curb appeal of the Annex Building’s entrance. It was a labor-intensive task, but one that blended education, teamwork, and a shared commitment to community pride.

The FCHS Ag Class stop their landscaping efforts long enough to take a picture with Franklin County Mayor Chris Guess.

Kyla Pearson, agriculture teacher at Franklin County High School, showed enthusiasm to be a part of the project. 

              “This is my landscaping and turf management class.”, stated Pearson.  “We’re going to plant some bushes in and add a little color.  A little clean-up and a little color.  The mayor reached out to us, we talked it over as a class and figured out what we were going to do, went around to some different businesses, and here we are.”

              The landscaping project was entirely designed by the class and would not have been possible without the plant donations from JLS Landscaping, who graciously donated nine nandinas to the project.  The landscaping took the better part of the afternoon, but the students worked tirelessly to see it seamlessly though. 

              “I’m proud of these kids.”, stated Pearson.  “They are some really hard workers.”

              Franklin County Mayor Chris Guess also stated how grateful he was for the work the students put in and the donations that were received from JLS Landscaping. 

              “We appreciate the ag class coming over and donating their time to do that.”, stated Guess.  “We appreciate Sons Nursery for donating the material to do it with.  We’re just trying to improve the grounds a little bit as we can.  But we’ve appreciated everything Kyla’s class has done and everything Son’s Nursery has done.”

            With every push of the shovel and bead of sweat that rolled down their faces, the students were given the opportunity for landscaping experience and pride in serving their community.  The project gave them a chance to connect with local leadership in a meaningful way, reinforcing the idea that their efforts matter. Mayor Chris Guess made a point to personally greet and shake hands with each student, a gesture that underscored his commitment to investing in the youth of Franklin County. Through this partnership, the students were able to beautify a community building, while simultaneously assisting in cultivating a deeper sense of civic engagement and hometown pride.