Hunter Jones took home the prize for largest plant along with a little spending money in the third-grade cabbage contest held Wednesday, May 23. A statewide cabbage contest is held annually. However, Dr. David West from Alabama Cooperative Extension System suggested Piedmont have an event of their own.
“When Dr. West suggested that we have a local Piedmont third-grade cabbage contest, I thought it was a great idea for me to be involved with teachers, parents and children. It’s also great for the children to grow something from the ground and witness how to grow fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Child Nutrition Director Amber Adams.
She said all third-grade students were given a cabbage plant from Bonnie Plant Farm in February. Students had the choice of growing the plant in a pot or in the ground.
Wednesday, 21 students brought their cabbages to school in pots, bags and boxes to be judged by Dr. West.
Students, teachers and parents were in the library when Dr. West proclaimed Jones winner.
With a nine-pound whopper, Jones said, “I would like to thank my Pawpaw J.R. [Jones] for giving me the best advice on growing a cabbage in the world.”
Second place went to Kendall Presley with an eight and a half pound plant and third place went to Keshauna Jones, whose cabbage weighed seven pounds.
Adams said her original intent with the cabbage contest was to use smaller plants in homemade coleslaw to be served during lunch.
However, the contest date was pushed back due to students receiving the plants in late February. This gave students more time to grow their cabbage.
Adams said the contest was a success nonetheless.
“I think the students did a great job. We had some wonderful looking cabbages and I’m so proud of them,” she said.
