Wearing sunglasses and a hat, Lincon High School junior Skyla Thor directed customers as they entered the annual plant sale.  

The event has grown so much since its inception a decade ago that it now requires students to serve as traffic directors. From the moment the doors opened, the greenhouses were bustling with the event’s loyal followers 

“The upper greenhouse includes veggies, perennials and herbs,” Thor explained to customers. “Annuals, hanging baskets and succulents are in the lower green house.” 

Thor is among the many students who grew the plants available for purchase. But this year’s sale featured more than just plants: Multiple career and technical education (CTE) classes and clubs made products and helped plan the event.  

“This year feels way bigger because there were so many other kids who made things,” Thor said. “I think the 3D-printed pots are my favorite.” 

This year, CTE teachers expanded the sale to create an extensive CTE showcase. Engineer design students created 3D-printed pots for succulents and cacti. In the metal shop, manufacturing students designed and built wood-burning barbeques. Students in construction trades classes built wooden birdhouses and planters. Custom seed packaging and stickers were created by business and marketing students. Food science students crafted garden-inspired Oreo dirt cups. The Teach 253 club created educational activity packets for kids, and JROTC students provided support loading and unloading. 

An estimated 2,500 people shopped the sale, and by the second day, plants were sold out. The sale is a significant fundraiser for Lincoln High School; all proceeds go directly into programs and clubs.  

However, Lincoln teachers see the sale as much more than a fundraiser.  

“My philosophy is that this is the most parallel experience that we can provide to the real world,” said Lincoln agricultural and plant biology teacher, Kale Iverson. “We are growing a product, marketing that product and selling it. There is a lot that students learn through that process. I see our students showing so much leadership.” 

That collective sense of purpose and energy can be felt throughout the event. Lincoln metal shop manufacturing

teacher, Jared Foss, proudly explained to customers all the work students put into creating wood-burning barbeques.  

“The creation of these was 100 percent student-driven,” said Foss. “They created the design, cut out the pieces, welded, and even created the sales flyer. Each one of these takes seven to eight hours to make. Kids chose to volunteer their time and were dedicated to getting them finished before the sale.” 

Looking ahead, plans are already in motion to expand the sale even further next year through CTE classes and clubs. 

“There are so many innovative things our students are doing every day at school,” said Jeff Klanke, CTE Instructional Facilitator. “The best part about this sale was seeing our students share their work and creations with the community. There is so much pride and confidence gained. We’re going to take what we learned this year and keep building.”