The campus pond at Cactus High School, once in disrepair, has been restored through a collaborative effort. It now serves as a peaceful retreat for students and an upgraded educational resource.
"It wasn't quite functional. So our water fountains weren't able to really work and function appropriately. This was really filled up with a lot of rocks and dirt. When we introduced the tortoise and the bunnies back here, it just kind of through the space into a little of disrepair," Breanna Malmos, a chemistry and physics teacher at the school, related in an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix. In response, the campus community, along with local businesses and Arizona Game and Fish, worked together to renovate the space.
The transformation was supported by a grant from Arizona Game and Fish, along with contributions from Banner Health and several construction firms across the Valley. Cactus High seniors also participated in the project.
"When we came here, it was nothing but dirt. The pond wasn't working, there was a lot of algae and the space was in a little bit of disarray. Now, it's something where it can serve as a lunch area, as well as a science lab for students, so that's very fulfilling," Pradeep Dugar, Banner Health's project executive, shared with FOX 10 Phoenix.
The senior class aimed for the pond project to go beyond beautification and create a lasting legacy. According to a report on Your Valley, student body officials led the initiative, addressing a budget challenge and turning it into a lasting contribution. The project was developed through the efforts of students, faculty, and the community, focusing on enhancing the educational environment for both current and future students.
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