Emily Peterson tends to Alyssa’s Giving Garden.
Courtesy photo
A high school student in Arvada is making an impact through her homegrown garden that goes far beyond produce.
Emily Peterson, a rising senior at Ralston Valley High School, created Alyssa’s Giving Garden in memory of her late sister. Peterson built the garden in the family’s front yard in 2025 as a way to honor her sister’s life.
“I wanted to take ownership of something of my own—so I came up with the idea for the garden,” Peterson said. “It’s named after my older sister, Alyssa Peterson, who passed away when I was younger. I wanted to create something positive that could give back to others, especially families who need food.
“It felt like a way to honor her and turn something really hard into something meaningful,” Peterson continued.
The garden is built from sustainable materials, including organic soil, water-efficient irrigation, and the avoidance of pesticides. Tomatoes, squash, peppers, herbs and leafy greens are some of the crops grown at the Giving Garden.
In its first year, Peterson donated all of the garden’s produce — totaling 150 pounds — to Arvada food bank Community Table. She said she wanted to donate to that organization so that it would help people in need.
“I wanted the food to go somewhere local where I knew it would really help people,” Peterson said. “I looked up places, and the Community Table came up first, and it just felt like the right fit. It supports families in our area, and it made the project feel more connected to my own community.
“I used to drop off vegetables at their old building, and now I bring them to the back door of the new one,” Peterson continued. “Everyone is always really kind. It’s usually someone different each time, so they may not know it’s me, but I’ve actually come to like that. I’ve learned that leadership doesn’t have to be big or recognized; it can be quiet and consistent, and small actions can still make a real impact.”
Peterson’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. She was recently awarded the National Society of High School Scholars Foundation (NSHSS) Earth Day Scholarship and the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) from the EPA.
Peterson said the scholarships have helped her pursue her academic goals this summer.
“The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) Foundation Earth Day scholarship has also helped my ideas feel supported,” Peterson said. “I was accepted into Boston University’s Academic Immersion (AIM) Introduction to Medicine program this summer, so it will help with the cost of that opportunity.
“It means a lot to have support for both my education and something I care about,” Peterson continued.
Peterson said she is excited for the next growing season and hopes to grow even more produce next time around.
“I want to keep growing it and donating even more vegetables each year,” Peterson said. “I’ve learned a lot from last season about what grows best — and what doesn’t. For example, the melons didn’t do very well, so I’ll adjust what I plant moving forward. I also hope it shows people that you don’t need a huge space or a lot of resources to do something like this.
“Eventually, I’d love for more people to start their own gardens too,” Peterson continued. “I also try to apply what I’ve learned about sustainability, like conserving water and supporting biodiversity. I try to keep it environmentally responsible by using a smart sprinkler system that adjusts to the weather, mulching to retain moisture, and planting in a way that supports pollinators like bees and butterflies. It really functions like its own little ecosystem.”
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