Westminster -- More than 100 third graders from Hampstead Elementary School will present seedlings they have grown for a Take Pride in America garden at noon June 6 at the Residences at the Hampstead School, a non-profit senior living community.  The garden, made possible thanks to a seed grant from the America the Beautiful Fund, will be presented with an award from the U.S. Department of the Interior, as well as a flag that was flown over the capital in its honor by U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski.

Together, seniors and children will plant the sprouts in the garden. At harvest, vegetables and herbs that are not consumed by seniors will be given to local food banks. The event will conclude with the first Adopt-A-Grandparent day, with third graders presenting a “Readers’ Theater” to residents.

Media is welcome, and the event is open to the public. For more information, call 410-857-2294.

The service project began in February as part of a Social Work class at McDaniel College. Since that time, students have implemented various programs for the seniors, including computer training, poetry writing and exercise classes. The garden is one of these projects.

Take Pride in America Garden Award winners are selected by America the Beautiful Fund and presented to recipients whose gardening ingenuity and creativity encourages community involvement in the spirit of Take Pride in America.

Take Pride in America® is a national partnership established by the U.S. Department of the Interior that aims to engage, support and recognize volunteers who work to improve our public parks, forests, grasslands, wildlife refuges, cultural and historical sites, local playgrounds and other recreation areas.

The Hampstead School, built in 1919 and on the National Register of Historic Places, was converted to a senior living community through a grant from Interfaith Housing Alliance, a non-profit that builds affordable housing. Maintained by the Landex Corporation, it is now officially known as The Residences at the Hampstead School. More than 100 seniors call it home.