Marlboro High School (MHS) has officially welcomed a new Duke—though not the kind that carries a backpack or turns in homework. Edgar Allan Slow, a five-year-old Russian tortoise, has joined the school community as a resident of the Library Media Center, where he is already drawing crowds of curious students and staff.
Edgar was adopted from Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary in Pennsylvania through the efforts of Library Media Specialist Emily Soper and the MHS Horticulture Club. Funding for his adoption and supplies came through DonorsChoose.org and club fundraising efforts. In the weeks leading up to his arrival, students and staff participated in a schoolwide vote to choose his name. The results? A perfect literary pun: Edgar Allan Slow.
A Pet with a Purpose
Soper hoped that bringing a tortoise into the building would not only spark excitement, but also tie directly into ongoing learning. “The Horticulture Club has been exploring things like hydroponics and gardening,” she explained. “A tortoise made the most sense—we could grow his food ourselves and deepen our learning.”
Club members have already begun growing butter lettuce and wheatgrass for Edgar through indoor hydroponic systems, and they plan to continue to maintain their outdoor garden beds in the warmer months.
Growing the Club and Growing Interest
The Horticulture Club, which launched a few years ago, now has 15-20 active members. Officers include: Gwen Benninger, president; Taylor Castellani, vice president; Vanessa Lamisere, secretary; and Elizabeth Lamisere, treasurer. A dedicated PR team made up of Alia Walton and Sophia Arias helps spread the word about club activities.
A Hit with the School Community
Since arriving, Edgar has been a star attraction. Students stop by during free periods to visit him and check on his latest activity. Soper says Edgar has been a wonderful engagement tool—not only for drawing students into the library, but also for the Life Skills class she teaches, where students have been learning about tortoises and their care.
For now, Soper takes Edgar home on weekends. However, plans are in the works for students to apply for a “tortoise-to-go” program. Selected families will be able to bring Edgar home in a special travel bin, but only after a serious application and review process.
A Long-Term Duke
Russian tortoises can live 40-50 years in captivity—sometimes even longer—meaning Edgar is likely to be part of the Marlboro community for decades to come. “He’s truly a lifelong Duke,” said Soper. “We’re excited for all the opportunities he brings for learning.”
Students and staff are welcome to visit Edgar in the Library Media Center anytime. He may move slowly, but he’s making a big impact!
