Freshman, Maria Costa

January 25, 2008

St. Mary High School freshman Maria Costa's has volunteered at the New York Botanical Garden's Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden for the past two years. This past season, Maria again volunteered her time and talent to help with the instruction of the Children's Gardening Program.

Since April 2007 Maria contributed 137 hours of volunteer service. Maria's attention to the many important details of each lesson and the gentle demeanor she employed in her interactions with young participants, allowed her to share her enthusiasm for the garden and inspire dozens of young gardeners along the way. Maria took an even

greater responsibility this year, as she was asked to substitute for her instructor and lead the class herself. Maria shined in this new role and revealed a natural talent for conducting a class.