Mauricio Sosa & The Peace Garden

(Launched today, April 25, 2018)

"Please help me finish The Peace Garden, and spread this anti-bullying message of peace and resilience around the world."

                                     ~ Mauricio Sosa, Basalt High School student

Mauricio’s Story

Mauricio Sosa was bullied for much of his young life. When he reached Basalt High School, he knew he could either stay inside a shy and timid shell or take action. He chose the latter - and decided not only to help himself, but to create something special and enduring for kids like himself, seeking a nurturing environment and confident voice.

In 2014, Mauricio got approval from the school administrators to transform an unused 40' x 73' grassy alcove of the Basalt High School into a public garden and meeting space. He raised $44,380, and the basic design and structure of the garden – with winding walkways, rocks, and planting – was completed in the spring of 2016.

He called it "The Peace Garden” - a place of harmony and refuge for young men and women, and a focus for his “anti-bullying” message. 

Mauricio graduates in June, and the Peace Garden isn't finished. There's much to be done to ensure that the garden provides a fully-usable, inviting and sustainable space for future generations of students, families and visitors, and Mauricio is determined.

Here's what's needed to make his vision complete:  

- Permanent seating and tables
- Shade structures
- Pathway and overhead lighting
- Electric wiring for lights, a gazebo, and future water feature
- Additional plants (some year-round and flowering) and an improved drip-watering system 
- Path renovation and upgraded weed guard to reduce maintenance
 
And there's more. Mauricio plans to share his message beyond Basalt High School and the Roaring Fork Valley to wide-ranging communities and kids with fears and hesitant dreams of their own. As part of his senior Capstone Project, Mauricio will create an instructional manual, complete with budget, grant applications, and process summary, plus a project video (with the help of Emmy Award-winning videographer Barry Stevenson) to share on social media and via press releases around the country. 

The total estimated Phase II Project cost is $28,574.

Through generous grants and in-kind commitments from the Eagle County Neighborhood Partnership Program, the Town of Basalt, Pitkin County, Holy Cross and CORE – plus in-kind support from Outside Adventure Media,  R&A Enterprises (electric), Mountain Greenery, and others, Mauricio has already raised $18,772.75 of the Phase II budget. All that is needed is $10,421.25 to fulfill his dream and leave a lasting legacy.

Building Community. For a young man who once could not read a poem in public, Mauricio has done the unimaginable: he’s brought a community together and raised about $63,152 so far in grants, individual donations, and in-kind support and established a legacy for all to enjoy.

Place Making.  Once finished, the Peace Garden will provide a pacific setting for  BHS students and visitors to sit quietly, converse with friends and hold classes in meditation, breathing and human interaction, along with other school functions.

Beautification and Art. Located on the school's front-facing wall, the garden's lighting and design will be visible to all entering the school, attending events, and passing by along the Rio Grande Trail. Already, students are creating colorful "peace art," with messages on rocks around the garden.

Sustainability. As much as possible, the principles of xeriscape landscaping are being applied at The Peace Garden. Drought-tolerant plants and pathways replace the former high-water-use grassy area, reducing watering, maintenance, and expense.  Included in his Capstone product will be a long-term sustainability plan.

Inspiration. Today, and in the future, the garden is a beacon of kindness and a monument to one young man’s determination to overcome mistreatment and intimidation. Amid final exams and college applications, Mauricio is doing whatever it takes to ensure its viability and longevity for future generations of young students.

Will you join Mauricio in this effort?

Imagine for a moment. Amid the tragedies of the day, the sad and troubling news, a whisper of hope. A community reaching out to offer this tangible tribute to peace and kindness. Think of the young people around the world Mauricio’s story might inspire. How many communities it can help unite in supporting the safety and well-being of our nation’s youth.

Please help today by making your contribution of $10, $25, $100 or as much you wish to share. The participation of all is welcome, and no donation too small.

For updates on Mauricio's progress and the spread of The Peace Garden, please click here to visit and like  The Peace Garden page on Facebook.

The Peace Garden has reached the hearts of many in and beyond the Roaring Fork Valley,  Colorado community who’ve provided generous support so far, including:

Mauricio wants to, again, thank the following individuals and organizations for their early contributions: 

Organizations:

Eagle County Neighborhood Partnership Program, Town of Basalt, Pitkin County, CORE, Holy Cross Energy, 5Point Film Dream Project, Schuss Foundation, Snowmass Chapel, Roaring Fork Club, Aspen Elks, Aspen Out and the Aspen Thrift Store.

Individual Donors:

Morgan Ash, Claudine Williams Austin, Tracy Bennett, John Black, Ben Bohmfalk, Barbara Bush, Commissioner Steve Child, Katie Custodio, Michelle Collins, Mary Dorflinger, Suzanne Dreyer, Jennifer Ellsperman, Robert Elmore, Carolyn’s Flowers, Frederic Guyonneau, Rob Jeffery, Geoff and Vicki Hasley, Carol and Jud Hawk,Veronica Hernandez, Julie Kolar, Charlie Jones, Katie Leonitis, Kristen Levey, Dianne and Jim Light, Juan and Daisy Magana, Kirsten Petre McDaniel, Kim McKinley, Jackie and Jay Merrill-Hughes, Matt Maier, Melissa Miller, Leah Moriarty, Peter Mueller, Lynn Nichols, Cory Potter, Ashley Richardson, Jim Rester, Rizzuto Family, Judi Simecek, Mimi Schlumberger, Mayor Jacque Whitsitt, Kara Williams, Marlene and Bill Wenk, Maggie Woods

In-Kind Donors:

R&A Enterprises (electric), Twisted Tree Landscaping Construction, Larson Trucking, Heyl, Pitkin County Landfill Grand Junction Pipe, Growing Empowerment, Mountain Greenery, United Sievers Pit, Express Carpet and Duct Cleaning, Robin Waters, Kate Bradley and Andrew Broadhurst who, through his own Capstone Program at Roaring Fork High School, is learning about and contributing the electrical installation.

And a big hug to Jim and Dianne Light who have cared about and mentored Mauricio and other young students through the years. 

“The Peace Garden is a story of mental strength and survival. Mauricio is a radiant example of a young man who transformed his unfortunate experiences into something positive, a healing project for himself and a gift to others- a place for other young people making their way in the world to find solace and inspiration. The Peace Garden at Basalt High School stands as a symbol of hope and offers a model to schools and communities in Colorado and around the country.

                                                     ~ Robin Waters, Capstone Community Mentor

"I have mentored Mauricio Sosa, the student responsible for the garden, since its inception four years ago.  It has been very rewarding to watch Mauricio's growth and commitment during this project.  He began as a shy and understandably inexperienced high school student and has become a proactive and organized project manager.  He is making his dream come true.

It has been heartwarming to watch our community's support of Mauricio's project whether through donations or awards.  Its creation has taken a village and has impacted so many, particularly our students."

                                                     ~ Kate Bradley, Librarian-Teacher 
                                                         Basalt High School