Stephen Zwolak

Steve has a passion for improving the quality of early childhood education, and he understands the importance of the outdoors in developing young minds. He has designed and created a unique and innovative curriculum at the University City Children’s Center (UCCC) in St. Louis, Missouri. UCCC is a non-profit school for 130 young children, ages six weeks to kindergarten, located in an underserved urban area. A major part of Steve’s outdoor learning approach is based on the garden at UCCC. Through the Seed to Table Program, the school’s garden provides an opportunity for children to plant seeds, nourish the plants and watch them grow, harvest and consume the plants for lunch and snacks. The Seed to Table Program won the Ann Lyon Crammond Award which is displayed proudly in the front hallway of the school – at a child’s eye level! Another major part of Steve’s outdoor learning approach is the Adventure Playground which provides a secure, happy paradise for young children to explore the outdoors.

— Proposed by Ladue Garden Club (MO), Zone XI
 

In recognition of your passion for improving the quality of childhood education and the importance of the outdoors in developing young minds. Your vision, boundless energy and innovative curriculum create in children a love of plants and an appreciation of the beauty and fragility of the environment. Proposed by Ladue Garden Club, Zone XI