SAFE South Green Thumbs Impress Rhymefest During Campus Greenhouse Tour
Rhymefest Visits SAFE South Campus Greenhouse Tour
Chicago Public School board member and Grammy winner Che “Rhymefest” Smith recently toured Safe Achieve Academy’s South Campus to meet students operating the school greenhouse.
Student Leaders Guide the Greenhouse Tour
Student leaders Clarissa Salgado and Deziyah Banks guided Smith on a tour, showing him where students grow spinach, kale, tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
During the visit, Smith questioned the group about their enrollment experiences, future goals, and how the school supports their ambitions. The artist and activist, who co-founded the nonprofit Art of Culture, formerly known as Donda’s House, felt so impressed by the students that he invited Carmoni Williams and Kenyae Franklin to help establish a new greenhouse at the former home of Kanye West’s mother. Smith recently purchased the property near the campus to expand community programming.
How the School Greenhouse Program Supports Students
The greenhouse began its first official school year this term and serves as both an educational hub and a coping space where students can take a break from their regular school routine to relax or clear their minds.
Director of Operations Tomorrio Anderson said students spend about 15-20 minutes daily planting, watering, and transplanting. He noted the work teaches responsibility and patience while providing a calm environment to reduce stress.
For many students, it makes school feel more hands-on and meaningful. One student compared the daily care of the plants to raising a child, noting, “It’s like having a kid, you have to take care of it every day.”
“Working in the greenhouse helps students learn responsibility and patience because plants require consistent care over time,” said Anderson. “It can also help reduce stress because the greenhouse provides a calm environment.”
Why the Greenhouse Tour Inspired Students
The visit provided a unique confidence boost for the student gardeners. While many students felt nervous to meet a high-profile guest, they relaxed once they began discussing their technical knowledge of the greenhouse. One student celebrated a personal milestone by tasting the produce he grew after others had previously declined it.
Future Opportunities Grow From the Greenhouse Tour
Following the invitation to work on the Donda West property, one student immediately researched greenhouse material costs to prepare for future professional conversations. He now aims to build a greenhouse at home for his own mother.
“Overall, it was an amazing experience for our two ‘green thumbs,’ said Anderson. “We’ve started a new batch of plants in the growing beds, and our new students have stepped up and into lead roles. They are doing a great job, and the garden is growing at a strong pace.”
