WAFF 48 Star Student : Students of Academy of Academics and Arts - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

Heaven, Taylor, Anissa, Mya, Zachary, and Micah are a group of kids gardening for more than just fun.

"They're a great group of kids. They're hard-working. They really enjoy doing things," said teacher Shannan Hembree.

One of the things they love to do is learn, so, last fall, Hembree introduced them to a lesson in gardening.

"Some of them were a little hesitant at first because of the textures, but as they developed it, they got to the point where we'd start to go out to the greenhouse and they'd get excited," said Hembree.

They were so excited that in January, they planted over 100 different plants. However, this lesson was more than about fun and about developing communication skills. They were planting for purpose.

"Because they are so dependent for so many things, they understand what it's like to be given to," said Hembree.

They wanted to give back, and they did - to the seniors right next door at the Calvary Hill Friendship Center.

The six students, along with a little help from other AAA students and staff, specially delivered their labor of love to others. They did it with a smile. It was their unique way of expressing gratitude.

"To be given that opportunity to give to somebody else, they just get that same feeling that we do. They love it. They love the interaction. They love the work. They know that this is for somebody else and they put in that extra effort to do it," said Hembree.

So, for putting in the extra effort to simply say "thank you", Ms. Hembree's students at the Academy for Academics and Arts are WAFF 48 Star Students.