ICA Cristo Rey’s Rooftop Garden

By Sandra Quilici-Oltranti ‘85, Academic Assistance Specialist

Sowing Seeds for a Healthy Change

Sandra Quilici-Oltranti ‘85 directing students on how best to plant seeds.

My love for gardening began in my 30s, but I think I inherited my green thumb from my Italian father and grandfather, who always grew their own vegetables back in Italy and then in San Francisco. I started growing my own vegetables, especially tomatoes, about five years ago, and I continue to learn new things each planting season.

When I came to teach ninth-grade religion at ICA in 2018, my office was located three flights up on the rooftop. I enjoyed all the natural light and fresh air, along with getting my cardio climbing up and down those three flights of stairs. It was then I began to envision a rooftop garden filled with a variety of beautiful flowers, herbs, and vegetables that could help inspire students.

In the last few years, I have become passionate about how our food is connected not only to our health and overall wellbeing, but also to the health of the planet. I have always been concerned about the environment, so I decided to teach a PE & Wellness course called Food & the Environment, where I could share my knowledge and passion for growing, cooking, and eating healthy food with young people.

This past summer we began the process of getting planter boxes and an untold amount of soil up to the roof, which took some time and help from staff, students, friends, and family. Even though the garden is in its early stages, I am excited that my students are now helping sow seeds for vegetables and herbs, which we can harvest and use in our cooking class.

It’s funny how just playing in the dirt and planting some small seeds can bring so much joy to young and old alike. I know gardening and cooking have been a lifesaver for me, especially through the pandemic, and I hope to pass on this passion for healthy food onto my students at ICA Cristo Rey.