On Wednesday, February 24, West Chicago Community High School science teacher and Horticulture Club Sponsor, Corrie Stieglitz, cleared up rumors that one of the greenhouses was slated to be torn down, a possibility which upset some students and also talked about the greenhouse functions as part of the botany class. 

WEGO’s twin greenhouses, which have been used by a variety of students over the last several decades, stand on the west side of the school, just outside Entrance C. Stieglitz, who teaches botany classes, uses the greenhouses to cultivate different seeds. According to Stieglitz, the greenhouses have been around since before she was even born. 

The greenhouse is used for labs, but “our main goal is they can take everything they grow and then we sell the rest at Blooming Fest downtown West Chicago,” said Stieglitz. 

Although Stieglitz was familiar with the story that has been circulating around WEGO about the potential destruction of one of the greenhouses, she verified there is no fact behind the gossip.  

When asked for clarification, Stieglitz said, “I asked several administrators, and [they] said no.”

Stieglitz also talked about botany, a senior-year class. Students can take the science course to learn about plant vocabulary, functions, and structure; they also come to understand how to apply their learnings to tending live plants. The botany classes do use the greenhouses, but Stieglitz said they are not quite functional yet after construction. She mentioned the considerable maintenance the greenhouses require. She looks forward to taking her class to the greenhouses every Friday, though, for a casual time in which students can work directly with the plants.

Stieglitz said that “opening someone’s eyes” to botany, “a class you wouldn’t think you might like or sign up for” is her “accomplishment.”

Senior Jairo Ibarra described botany as a “fun experience” and explained he did not think he would end up liking the class. Ibarra connected his learning experience to the real outside world when comes into contact with nature. 

Senior Roman Fabiszak said, ”Botany is the only thing that keeps me from leaving after lunch.”

For those contemplating taking botany, Ibarra recommends the class: especially for those who love and want to learn about plants. Plus, seniors who take the course are able to spend time in the greenhouses – which is not being torn down.