Sharon Hood Receives National Award for Environmental Education

Sharon Hood, Director of McDonogh's Roots Farm, was recently recognized by the Garden Club of America for her work in environmental education. On behalf of the organization, alumni parent Dr. Janet Brown presented Hood with The Elizabeth Abernathy Hull Award for Early Environmental Education—a prestigious, national honor given annually to those who inspire children to care deeply about the natural world.

Hood was nominated for the award for growing Roots Farm from a humble garden into a vibrant 10-acre hub for hands-on learning, service, and sustainability. Each year, thanks to her passion and dedication, McDonogh students discover the connections between food, health, society, and the environment—lessons that remain long after the harvest.

In presenting the award, Brown said the Garden Club of America selected Hood as a 2025 recipient for sparking curiosity, cultivating environmental responsibility, and helping young people grow into thoughtful stewards of the Earth.