Buzzing with Respect

Students sweeten their skills in Dr. Leahy’s Beekeeping Class.

At Eagle Hill School, students have the opportunity to engage in the hands-on art of beekeeping in Dr. Leahy’s Beekeeping Class, where they learn to build hives, manage honeybee colonies, and harvest wax and honey.

Last week, students took part in honey extraction from the hives on Eagle Hill’s campus. They began by carefully sanitizing their work area, then gently scraped away the thin layer of “capping” wax that seals each honey cell while taking care not to damage the comb beneath. This process helps students understand the delicate balance within a beehive, the importance of maintaining a healthy colony, and the careful handling required to prevent contamination.

Once the combs were uncapped, students used an extractor to spin out the honey by hand, gaining firsthand experience with the honey-making process. Each student took a turn operating the extractor and watched in awe as golden honey collected at the bottom of the barrel. Afterward, they scraped and cleaned the frames to prepare them for future harvests before transferring the honey into a food-grade dispenser. With smiles all around, students bottled their own jars of honey—reaping the sweet rewards of their hard work.

Beyond practical skills, Dr. Leahy’s Beekeeping Class teaches students about pollinators, the vital role bees play in the ecosystem and food chain, and the importance of sustainability. 

Beyond practical skills, Dr. Leahy’s Beekeeping Class teaches students about pollinators, the vital role bees play in the ecosystem and food chain, and the importance of sustainability. In this course, Eagle Hill students put the Core Value of Respect into action as they explore the world of beekeeping. By carefully handling the honeycombs and understanding how each bee contributes to the colony, students develop a deeper appreciation for pollinators and the delicate balance required to support them—an experience that inspires them to value and protect the natural world around them.