Student's Small Deed Makes Big Difference

A senior at Kingswood Oxford High School is in the habit of making other people's day through a project she calls "Petal Power," taking discarded flowers from the grocery store and putting them to good use.

“It’s fantastic, there’s nothing like seeing someone who hasn’t smiled all day, smile for the first time. Just because you gave them flowers,” said senior Sydney Legagneur.

Whole Foods said it only keeps the freshest flowers on the floor. Flowers only last a few days, so instead of composting them, the grocery store calls Legagneur and donates them to Petal Power.

Legagneur brings the flowers to "My Sister's Place," a shelter for women and children in Hartford, and as soon as she walks into the room, the mood changes. People start to smile.

Jessilyn Cabassa, a mother who said she’s fallen on hard times, explained that Legagneur's small gesture is a big deal to her.

“I’ve had a really rough morning, so having these, really brightened up my day,” Cabassa said. “Just getting flowers, making their day was the best part of my day so whatever I can do to help.”

Legagneur has also started a club at school, which has grown to more than 40 members.

“I think its inspiring to all students,” said Kingswood Oxford’s college admission adviser, Zaira Santiago.

And even after Legagneur graduates, Petal Power will live on. Legagneur said she aims to create her own nonprofit organization.

“Taking flowers nobody was going to use and turn it into something great was just the best part of it,” Legagneur said.

Contact Us