The idea for the Inspiration Garden Project began in October 2021 at a meeting of the Foundation’s Innovative Programs Committee. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resiliency of students and faculty was tested in unprecedented ways. The intent of the project was not only to beautify the school grounds but also to uplift spirits by providing a place of inspiration and reflection for our students, faculty, family, friends, visitors, and members of the community. In 2021, the Foundation's Innovative Programs Committee discussed creating an Inspiration Garden. The concept was to showcase a wall of fame on the east end of the high school, featuring banners with pictures and inspirational quotes from exceptional graduates. The committee, consisting of Steve Fenstermacher, Diane Haring, Sheila Fulton, and Jody Reidenhour, was then formed to develop the project's various components.

The Education Foundation established a Special Project Committee to research the idea and develop a plan and a budget for approval and execution. The Committee was chaired by Steve Fenstermacher and included three other members: Diane Haring, Sheila Fulton and Jody Reidenhour. The committee developed a preliminary design concept which included several components: a mural, a garden, a walkway, and information kiosks or pedestals. The committee decided to approach the project in phases based on the design components to be followed by a maintenance phase.

The mural phase of the project was coordinated by Mike Miller, a former Reading school teacher who now runs Berks County Murals which is an organization that is responsible for numerous murals throughout the county such as those at the Fire Company and Young Ones. Mike worked closely with Ben Hoffman, our High School Art Teacher, who provided linkage to the Kutztown student body. The actual painting was done over the course of several weeks. Mike painted the outlines and then coordinated several group painting sessions to fill in the outlines. A community painting session was held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 followed by a student painting session on Wednesday, September 28th with high school art students painting in the morning and KU art students painting in the afternoon. Mike and Ben filled in the balance. The high school art students then designed small stencils that were blended into the background during June of 2023 creating a tapestry of images representing areas of study, local landmarks, or extracurricular activities.

The landscape phase of the project was completed during March of 2023. Kohler Landscapes was responsible for that piece. The landscaping consists of native vegetation to minimize maintenance as well as a pathway that is completely handicap accessible. The garden also has low-voltage lighting to illuminate the pathway and to highlight the landscaping.

The information pedestals were installed along the pathway in September 2023. They have both readable information and a QR Code that links to a website that will be updated regularly with historical photos, inspirational quotes, student accomplishments, and stories of local heroes.

The maintenance phase is ongoing and will be funded through the Education Foundation’s Innovative Programs budget.

All of this was made possible through your generous donations. THANK YOU!

Friday, September 1, 2023: Prepping the Garden and placing the placard posts by the Kohler Landscaping team.

Friday, September 1, 2023: Inspiration Garden placards in place. Garden is complete – except for the ribbon cutting ceremony!