Although it was called the Bengal Garden, the Belaire High School plot was little more than bare patches and weeds in the past.  That all changed on February 23, when Belaire High students who are members of the Volunteers In Public Schools (VIPS) EveryBody Reads Teens program put their green thumbs to work.

The Teens looked forward to creating an appealing outdoor space for Belaire High students and faculty to enjoy and to instilling a sense of pride in taking responsibility for the care of the school.  Teens members involved in the clean up and planting included (left to right):  Tyesha Coleman, Jenn Guerrero, Andre Smith and Wanda Cavalier.  Suzannah DesRoches of Baton Rouge Green (far right) gave them assistance.

The program’s juniors and seniors from Belaire High walk to LaBelle Aire Elementary School every other week to read with first, second and third graders identified as reading below grade level. The Teens serve under the guidance of VIPS’ coordinator Akitra Gardner. In addition, VIPS facilitates an EveryBody Reads Teens program between Baton Rouge High School students and Bernard Terrace Elementary.

VIPS is an independent nonprofit that works to foster student success for every child in East Baton Rouge Parish public schools by building support for public education.  For more information, contact Judy K. Bethly at VIPS, (225) 226-4704.