Pacifica teen Naftali Moed is one of five recipients of the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award, $36,000 given to teens who are making a difference in their communities throughout California. Moed, who will be a senior in the fall, is being honored for his work in developing the Oceana High School garden.

What was your inspiration for the garden project? I was involved in various gardening organizations including a camp that I attended, Camp Tawonga. I was also involved with the garden at my middle school, Ocean Shore School in Pacifica.

What does the garden mean to you? It is definitely a special place. I am very proud and gratified. I have watched the garden transform into a very pleasant place.

What do you hope other students will gain from the garden? I hope it gets them interested in learning about gardening and different types of food, to understand other foods besides fast food such as McDonald’s.

What are you going to do with the money? I am going to put most of the money toward my college education. I do want to donate whatever I can to give back to the garden so it can be there longer than I will.

mbaum@sfexaminer.com