At Lakewood Catholic Academy, we often tell our students that curiosity, teamwork, and creativity can take them anywhere. For two 2018 LCA graduates—Libbie McNamee and Conor McGuire—that journey has taken them from the shores of Lake Erie to the heart of Chicago, where they’re cultivating growth in more ways than one.
Now students at Loyola University Chicago, Libbie and Conor are both leaders in the university’s Urban Agriculture Program, a hands-on initiative that provides students with experience in building sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems. Through this innovative program, students learn to grow food responsibly, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen local food systems—all while sharing their harvest with the community.
As Garden Team Leader, Libbie guides interns in Loyola’s greenhouse and urban garden, teaching them how to grow food using sustainable practices. “My favorite part of the Urban Ag program,” Libbie shares, “is growing food from seed to harvest and interacting with the community at farmers markets!” Her enthusiasm for teamwork and creative problem-solving, skills she first developed at LCA, continue to shape her leadership style today.
Fellow graduate Conor serves as Mushroom Team Leader, specializing in the fascinating science of mycology. He trains interns to grow mushrooms from mycelium to maturity, helping them understand the intricate lifecycle of these remarkable organisms. “What I love most,” Conor says, “is working with a wonderful team that engages with the community in a worthwhile way.” His time at LCA sparked his early passion for “the wonderful and weird world of science,” a curiosity that continues to drive his academic path.
For both Libbie and Conor, the lessons learned at Lakewood Catholic Academy, a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School, laid a strong foundation for their success. Whether in a classroom, a greenhouse, or a community garden, their stories reflect the enduring power of an LCA education rooted in collaboration, creativity, and faith.
As these graduates help their peers and communities grow—quite literally—the seeds planted years ago at LCA continue to flourish.
