On Saturday, October 25, PDS’s Environmental Action Club (EnAct) hosted the annual Harvest Festival in the PDS garden. Every year, the Harvest Festival is a wonderful school-wide event that welcomes students, faculty, and families across all three PDS divisions. This year’s festival once again proved to be a success, brimming with fall spirit and fostering community connection.

From Ms. Flory’s famous garlic bread to student musicians and circus games, the Harvest Festival offers something for everyone. In fact, immediately upon stepping through the garden gates, guests find every corner of the space bustling with activity. Booths from PDS clubs and local nonprofit organizations stand beside arts and crafts tables, where attendees construct nature crowns or get face paintings. Snacks like popcorn, apple cake, and pickles are available throughout the garden. Ultimately, all of these elements come together thanks to the combined efforts of PDS staff and students.

Ms. Courtney White, the PDS Director of Sustainability and EnAct faculty advisor, plays a key role in guiding the event. In her own words, Ms. White’s role within EnAct is “helping students put together the things that they’re most interested in with sustainability…and environmental issues.” According to Ms. White, the Harvest Festival has evolved over time to become “a celebration of learning” that also “[integrates] sustainability into all disciplines in various ways.” 

Senior Rhea Ajmera and senior Arden Reilly are the co-heads of EnAct. When asked about being part of the club, Ajmera explained, “This is one of the ways where we feel like we’re directly making an impact in our local community.” Reilly added that events like the Harvest Festival are important because “a lot of upper school classes won’t utilize the garden that much…it’s a way to connect to and remind us of the resources that we have.” For both co-heads, the festival provides a chance not only to enjoy fall but also to raise awareness for sustainability and the environment at PDS.

Needless to say, the Harvest Festival offers an opportunity for all PDS community members to participate in something special, celebrating not only the beautiful fall season but also the incredible school year ahead.