A Space Forgotten

Throughout my two years at Bob Jones, I’ve always wondered about the greenhouse across from the bus loop. It intrigued me that it was a closed-off area, even though our school is continually expanding to create more space.

The history of the greenhouse is hard to trace. Since the teachers who once cared for it have left, there’s an almost “dark age” in primary sources from that time. However, an article from Patriot Pages in 2021 explains that the original greenhouse was demolished during the expansion of E Hall, and the Environmental Club was working to rebuild it.

Looking back further, Patriot Pages in 2017 reported that the National Science Honor Society had originally run the greenhouse. Due to limited sources, it remains unclear how the Environmental Club took over or how long they were active.

The Investigation

The fact that the greenhouse is closed suggests that no club currently manages it. But when I explored it myself, I made a surprising discovery: carpentry equipment was stored inside.

Naturally, the big question was—who owned it?

I began by asking Mrs. Davis, the theatre teacher, if it belonged to tech theatre. She said no, and that she had no idea who the equipment belonged to.

Next, I emailed Mr. Landford, the carpentry teacher, but he also confirmed it wasn’t theirs.

At this point, the trail felt cold. I thought the article would end without answers.

Then a classmate, Madison Stemba, suggested, “This could be the band’s equipment!” I quickly emailed Mrs. Thomas, the band director, to ask. Moments later, the mystery was solved.

Her reply read:
“It’s ours. We were building props in there when it was raining. They’ll be moved next week.”

The band had been using the greenhouse for storage.

Student Opinions

Although the mystery was solved, a bigger question remained: Should the greenhouse be opened for student use?

To find out, I surveyed 60 students. Half of them (30) knew the greenhouse existed, while the other half did not.

I then asked students what they would like the space to become if reopened.

• Alyssa, a junior, suggested: “Get it up and running to create a garden where the produce goes to the weekend pantry to help students and families in need.”

• Kate, a senior, shared: “Make another courtyard for students.”

These responses show that students see potential in the greenhouse space, even if it’s not widely known.

What’s Next?

Right now, the greenhouse is underused. Whether it becomes a garden, a courtyard, or something new, many students agree it shouldn’t sit empty.

Even if it’s obscure, I believe the greenhouse could become a space that benefits students and gives new life to a forgotten corner of our campus.