John Paul II Catholic School junior Archer Dewig has returned to his elementary alma mater, St. Gregory the Great Catholic School (SGGCS), to carry out a meaningful AP Research project focused on sustainable food solutions for food banks and pantries.

Archer’s project evaluates the feasibility of using hydroponic tower gardens and microgreens to supply fresh produce to food banks. He has spent the last two months growing and harvesting lettuce in a hydroponic tower at SGGCS and microgreens at home, donating several harvests to Mercy Mission food pantry in Hardeeville.

“This project is important because it’s testing whether newer methods of growing produce are more suitable for smaller-scale places like food banks,” said Archer. “It can also help provide data and offer suggestions to local food banks about hydroponics or microgreens.”

Dewig’s interest in hydroponics began years ago at SGGCS when he was first introduced to tower gardening through the school’s STEM program during its initial certification process. “When I was younger, I remember watching the plants get bigger every day,” he said. “I especially remember the joy of eating a salad we had grown as a class.”

His return to SGGCS comes at a meaningful time—it is their STEM recertification year, and Archer is now contributing to the very program that first inspired him. “We were excited to have Archer Dewig, SGGCS alumni and JPII junior, return to our halls to complete work for his AP Research class,” said SGGCS Principal Beth Kelley. “These concepts of entrepreneurship and hydroponics introduced at SGGCS have now grown into a full research project that is helping others.”

Archer’s study considers plant costs, growing success rates, overall yield, and the acceptance of these items at food pantries. His work not only connects science with service but also aims to educate youth and encourage innovation. “This project can help educate kids on how food is grown and how it can be used for good,” Archer explained. “It also shows how ideas can come to life through experimentation and dedication.”

His AP Research teacher, Wendy Lacome, praised his initiative: “Archer’s project is a powerful example of using research to address real-world challenges. He’s gone beyond theory to actively serve the community.”

As Archer concludes his research phase, Principal Kelley has invited him to help launch the next planting cycle at SGGCS, working with students to demonstrate how to set up and maintain a hydroponic garden—teaching them everything from pH balancing to proper plant care.

JPII Principal Heather Rembold applauded Archer’s dedication to service and innovation. “Archer’s project is a perfect example of the kind of servant leadership we foster at JPII. He is living out our mission by using research and science to make a positive impact on his community.”

Looking ahead, Archer is considering a future tied to agriculture. “I haven’t decided yet, but I think I want to stay around the theme of agriculture—maybe through landscape architecture, horticulture, botany, or civil engineering.”

His work bridges past and future, classroom and community, science, and service—living proof of how Catholic STEM education can plant the seeds for lifelong impact.