Jack Segal Academy celebrated the opening of its new Stein Family Garden with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday morning, Jan. 30.
The program began with third-grade students performing two songs in Hebrew and English. The songs featured themes of gardens, growth and community, setting the tone for a meaningful morning centered on collaboration and learning. Following the student performances, head of school Jennifer LeVine expressed gratitude to the many partners who helped bring the garden to life.
Megan Uzick, principal and thought leader behind the project, also addressed the community, thanking Bruce Stein for his vision and generosity, as well as Carl Josehart, CEO of Alexander Jewish Family Service; Rori Feldman, Alexander JFS lay leader; and Jamie Weiner of Celebration Company. She credited Robert Kreuzburg of XO Design Group for thoughtful design and execution.
Immediately preceding the ribbon-cutting, conducted by Bruce Stein and Joan Alexander, Beth Yeshurun Cantor Rachel Goldman led guests in the Shehecheyanu, marking the significance of reaching this joyful milestone together.
The redesigned Stein Family Garden is now fully accessible and intentionally created to welcome all visitors. Beyond its physical transformation, the garden will serve as a hands-on learning space through a new partnership with Celebration Company, a program of Alexander JFS. Volunteers from Celebration Company will be on campus weekly, working with students in the garden.
This exciting collaboration between Celebration Company and Segal Academy is jointly funded by a Jewish Federation of Greater Houston grant and is designed to help students develop essential life skills, including teamwork, patience, inclusivity, leadership and a strong work ethic.
Reflecting on the values that inspired the garden, Stein said, “I wanted these words, ‘Labor, Learning and Love,’ because those were the values Rabbi [Jack] Segal taught me were most important.”
Uzick emphasized the deeper meaning of the work happening in the garden, noting that the lessons extend far beyond planting.
“When our students plant seeds here, they are not only planting something that will grow in the ground, but something that will grow within themselves,” said Uzick.
“These experiences teach patience, responsibility and leadership. The skills they are learning today will stay with them as they grow into future Jewish leaders, doctors, lawyers, business owners and engaged members of our community.”
With the support of its community partners and donors, Segal Academy’s Stein Family Garden will continue to grow as a place where students learn not only about nature, but also about responsibility, cooperation and community connection.
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