It’s been said that when one gives, he also receives, and that’s a lesson Red Level Elementary School students learned on Friday.

As part of a learn and serve project through the 21st Century learning grant the school received, students have grown a wide variety of vegetables and are now giving them to senior citizens in the school’s area.

“This is a way for the students to give back to the senior citizens,” said RLES teacher Rebecca Powell. “All of them (senior citizens) are supportive of our school.”

Powell said third graders, along with their parents, were responsible for planting the vegetables and herbs.

“This is the first year that we’ve gotten this built,” she said. “Students are learning how to use the fishery to serve the community. Water from the fish tanks circulates through the gravel beds and fertilizes the plants. Then the water runs through a filter and back to the fishery.”

Students have grown, onions, lettuce basil, two types of cabbage, broccoli, strawberries, banana and bell peppers, tomatoes, parsley and spinach.

Students presented Gladys Crittenden and Pat Griggers with romaine lettuce, onions, chives and basil.

The two also shared with the students how to pick basil.

Griggers told the students if they keep a flower that grows atop the plant “pinched off” the plant will continue making.

Griggers also told the students if they would plant basil in their tomato plants, it would act as a worm repellent.

“Basil also has square stems,” she said. “And it’s wonderful in spaghetti and canned tomatoes.”