BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — One former teacher is still finding ways to give back to her community and is teaching students to become inventors and leaders.
Katherine Jordan better known to many as Grandma Whoople, a literacy coordinator, served as a teacher in Bakersfield for 36 years.
"The best part for me is when I see their eyes and excitement," said Jordan.
Now she is teaching them how to be inventors.
"I want our community to know that we have children interested in agriculture, interested whats happening around and who want to be creators and inventors," Jordan said.
For the past month, Grandma Whopple has had students create food dehydrators from scratch at the Holloway and Gonzales library.
It is a part of their exhibit they are submitting for the Kern County Fair's: Recycling in the Backyard competition.
Jordan says they will be judged on creativity and staying on the theme which is fun family and food.
"I was able to make a dehydrator out of cardboard, foil and tape it was so cool," Lisbeth Hernandez, student participant said.
The students participating are aged seven to 19 and you can find them in the children section every Wednesday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Laila Fanning, a participant says she is grateful for this opportunity.
“It's a benefit because not too many kids can do things like this," said Fanning. "So it's good for her to continue to do this because its an inspiration to kids."
Grandma Whoople is still collecting donations from the community for light bulbs, light sockets fruits and vegetable to continue their exhibit.
Fanning had this to say to Grandma Whoople for allowing her to be apart of the art of inventing.
"I appreciate you Grandma Whoopee because you are an inspiration to not just me but to everybody," Fanning said. "You do so much good and you got us kids somewhere and to do things that other kids can’t do."
If you would like to learn more information about how you can donate you can reach Grandma Whoople at this link.
