Masco’s lobby is filled with a collection of thriving plants that welcome students and teachers each day. But have you ever wondered about the helping hands who keep them alive?
For the past seven years, World Language Department Head Dr. Jeanne O’Hearn and paraprofessional Dona Collins have been the dedicated caretakers of these plants, where they join weekly to continue a tradition started by a former school secretary before her retirement.
“We took over the practice of caring for the plants when Mrs. Aguilar retired seven years ago. We consider caring for the plants to be an important responsibility and we are happy to do it,” they said. “[She] occasionally visits and she is thrilled to see the plants thriving.”
Every Thursday after school, O’Hearn and Collins can be found tending to the plants, passionately watering each one, ensuring the greenery remains healthy and vibrant. Each plant holds its own significance for them, representing years of care and attention in the school environment.
“I don’t have a favorite,” said O’Hearn. “They all make me happy.”
Collins, however, has a particular fondness for one of the plant species.
“The Swiss cheese plant is my favorite because of its wild growth patterns,” she said.
Their passion for plant care extends beyond just their weekly watering routines. For Collins, it’s practically in her roots.
“We both love having plants around,” said O’Hearn. “Mrs. Collins is very knowledgeable about plants and it’s great to have her expertise. Her father owned plant nurseries in Florida and grew up in the business.”
Their years of experience have led to some interesting discoveries, like how some plants have the resilience and strength to thrive in the school lobby.
“The Devil’s Ivy plants are incredibly hardy and they do not need sunlight to grow,” they said. “The plants all seem very happy to be here. Some of them grow so quickly that we regularly have to trim them back or the lobby would be overtaken!”
Despite their dedication, O’Hearn and Collins are curious to know how the plants impact the atmosphere of the school.
“We’re not sure how the rest of the school community feels about having live plants in the school entrance,” they said. “We’d love to know how they affect everyone’s day as they walk through the lobby. Many people stop and comment about the plants and thank us for our efforts.”
Administrative Assistant Andrea Delafano admires the plants in the lobby and how they represent growth and nurturing.
“I believe the plants provide an inviting welcome to students, staff and guests,” she said. “I’m glad we have Mrs. Collins and Dr. O’Hearn who work so diligently every day to care for them! They both seem to genuinely enjoy this task.”
Even when the rest of the school is on summer vacation, the plants aren’t forgotten. Thanks to ongoing care, they continue to thrive– a sight that Registrar Kristy Jennings hopes will continue throughout Masco’s future.
“I enjoy seeing the plants in the lobby. During the long winter months, my least favorite season, having the greenery around helps me think that spring and summer will be here soon!” Jennings said. “Also, I have a direct line of view of them from my desk and enjoy looking at them when I need a break from my computer screen.”
Similar to Delafano and Jennings, Main Office Secretary Ann Curley loves having the plants in the lobby and feels they make the environment cozy and inviting, adding to the culture of the school.
“I remember some of the students using the plants to decorate the halls during Spirit Week, and they looked great!” she said. “I also remember being very impressed with the plants when I came in for an interview.”
Though they may be simple, the plants have a larger impact on the school environment, adding to a sense of vibrancy that resonates throughout the year.
Among the collection, one plant, in particular, has observed decades of change, a steady reminder of the passage of time, as well as a witness to the countless students, teachers, and memories that have passed through Masco’s front doors.
“The large yucca plant in the front corner is the oldest of all the plants, having been here for several decades,” said Collins.
O’Hearn and Collins have devoted themselves to the nurturing of these plants, ensuring that the lobby has a welcoming presence through the years. As time moves on, the plants will remain, quietly spectating the stories of Masco growing alongside the people that come and go, and leaving a mark of their own on the school’s legacy.
