Congratulations, Xochiquetzal Gardeners! We have won the Mayor’s
Landscape 1st Place Award for Schools in Region 2. The Mayor’s Landscape
Awards is an annual program that recognizes the many Chicagoans who help
make our city motto “Urbs en Horto” (Garden in the City) come alive.
The program is open to all residents and businesses located in Chicago.
Our garden was recognized with a lovely brunch event on the morning of
Saturday, Dec 3 at the Hyatt Regency on Wacker. Several dignitaries were
i, including Aaron Durnbaugh, Deputy Commissioner of Dept of
Environment. Karen Weigert Chief Sustainability Officer . The keynote
speaker was Gerald Adelmann, president and CEO of Openlands, an
organization which protects the natural and open spaces of northeastern
Illinois. We were represented by Irene Vitullo, Cliff Howard, Claudia
Greene and Miguel Espinosa, Jr.
We want to thank all the teachers, our principal, Zoila Garcia, community
members and especially students who have helped to make our garden
beautiful. Special thanks goes to Mrs. Irene Vitullo, and Kim Alamar, who
helped found the garden, teachers Allie Epstein, Maria Gallegos, Laura
Caravello, Nora Arroyo, Jose Trigueros, Martha Herrera, Martha Carbajal,
Ruth Sanchez, Amy Clark, Uriel Muro, Maria Catalan, and Claudia Greene,
parents Miguel Espinosa, Sr. and Angelica Perez and community members
Miguel Espinosa Jr., Rose Escobar and Cliff Howard.
We also would like to acknowledge GreenCorps for the reconstruction of out
garden beds and continued support. Finally, our gratitude is also offered
to Neighborspace and Alderman Danny Solis who with their collaboration
has helped sustained our garden.
January 9, 2012
Awards