For the past 28 years, Tracy High School’s Agriculture Department has kept the tradition alive by hosting its annual pumpkin patch for local elementary students.
This event, organized by AG. teacher Patrick Rooney, brings the young students from St. Bernard’s Catholic School to Tracy High for a morning engaging activity, including fun games, prizes, and painted faces.
“It’s been a tradition for 28 years,” Rooney said. “The only year we didn’t do it was during COVID. We’ve always had St. Bernard’s come, and they’re so appreciative. I like keeping that tradition alive.”
Rooney emphasized the extensive planning involved in organizing the event, which includes ordering supplies and coordinating dozens of student volunteers.
“The hardest part is getting everything together and figuring out what we need,” Rooney stated. “But it’s worth it when you see how much fun everyone’s having.”
For the students running the pumpkin patch, the experience is more than just a school project.
Angel Garcia, one of the student volunteers, shared his favorite part of working at the pumpkin patch.
“It was cool to see how everyone came together to put on something fun for the kids,” Garcia explained.
Another student, Despy Madrid, shared her role in running the “cones and ropes” game, where kids tossed loops over cones for Halloween-themed prizes.
“It was really cute when they got shy and didn’t know what to do,” Madrid said. “Then once I showed them, they got so excited. Seeing their faces light up was the best part.”
Madrid explained that she loved how the event connects the younger students with high schoolers.
“It gives them a chance to see what it’s like to be here,” she stated. “One day, they’ll be at Tracy High, so it’s nice for them to see their future.”
After weeks of careful planning, setup, and organization, the AG. Department’s efforts ended in a successful event. St. Bernard’s students ended the day with their painted faces and plenty of memories to look back on.
“It’s a lot of work,” Rooney remarked, “but when you see the students learning and the little kids having fun, it reminds you why we do it.”
For Mr. Rooney and Ag. students it was another successful year of the pumpkin patch, which will once again return next fall.
