Tullahoma Adventist Christian School Starts Organic Agriculture Program

By PAOLA MORA ZEPEDA

Students of Tullahoma, Tenn., Adventist Christian School, learn about organic agriculture. This program was just added to the school’s curriculum in an effort to advance holistic Adventist education.

Photo Courtesy of Brian Milano

Brian Milano, pastor at Tullahoma and Murfreesboro, Tenn., churches, built a greenhouse with the help of students. The greenhouse measures 30 feet by 12 feet, and Milano says he hopes to build another one during the new school year.

Photo Courtesy of Brian Milano

Plants continue to grow in the Tullahoma greenhouse. Students, led by Brian Milano, pastor, have planted a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, pepper, and kale.

Photo Courtesy of Brian Milano

During the 2020-2021 school year, Tullahoma, Tenn., Seventh-day Adventist Christian School started an organic agriculture program. The curriculum, led by Brian Milano, pastor from Tullahoma and Murfreesboro, Tenn., churches, aims to advance holistic Adventist education.

“My understanding of what Adventist education is supposed to incorporate, as Ellen White puts it, is mind, body, and spirit,” Milano said. “[With the agriculture program] students can spend time outside, draw spiritual lessons, and learn practical skills that they’ll be able to use their entire lives.”

Together with Milano, students built a 30-foot by 12-foot greenhouse on the school’s 8-acre campus. They have planted a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, peppers, and kale.

The program was funded through the donations of church members. Milano says he hopes that the school can build another greenhouse this year and eventually transform the program into a self-supporting project.

“I’m hoping that our program can make some money to sponsor students and support the school,” Milano said. “I also want students to come out of this embracing organic agriculture and our health message.”

Kentucky-Tennessee | October 2021