Stephanie Stokes (Photo courtesy of Andrews ISD).
Grieving mom launches ‘Steph’s Stems’ to honor daughter tragically killed in car crash
The mother of an Andrews High teacher who was tragically killed in a car crash a year ago has launched “Steph’s Stems,” a flower farm offering flower arrangements for sale, with profits used to fund student scholarships.
Stephanie Stokes was 25 years old when her life was cut short in a two-vehicle accident on Highway 80 in Midland County, according to news reports. The accident occurred June 16 last year, just days after Stokes completed her first year as an ag science teacher. She was dedicated to her students and to the Future Farmers of America program at Andrews High, according to Andrews ISD. A video posted by the school district exhibited her goals to grow floral design education in the ag program, a Career and Technical Education program. (see video below).
One year after Stokes’ death, her mother launched Steph’s Stem with an announcement on Facebook. In the announcement, she said her daughter “fell head over heels in love with flowers” as a teacher. Just days before the accident, Stokes posted on Facebook that she decided to leave her teaching position to pursue a Masters degree in agriculture.
“She poured her heart and soul into teaching her classes and making learning hands on and fun,” her mother states. “She had decided to step away from teaching and we had lots of talks about growing some flowers and selling them from the old horse trailer we had purchased. So … I am trying to make that flower dream a reality. I am planning to give profits from the flower farm to a scholarship fund that has been set up in Stephanie’s memory.”
To support this effort, follow the Steph’s Stems Facebook page for updates, information and stories.
