CONNECT students at the Highland Falls Intermediate School got to meet two community icons when it comes to plants and flowers last week when Highland Falls residents Michael Graber and Rose Pozo stopped by to help the students get in the mood for the upcoming Spring planting season. All of the children planted tiny succulents that they then took home with them.

Graber is the long-time proprietor of Graber the Florist in Highland Falls – it was his family business for decades. Pozo owns Heavenly Creation Flowers, also based in the village. Long ago, Pozo worked for Graber at his florist.

The two worked with the students, talking about both the physical and mental benefits of gardening.

CONNECT is a free, afterschool program provided to community second through sixth graders at the HFIS. It’s run by the West Point Association of Graduates.

For more of what they do, follow them on Facebook at Hudson Valley Program.