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For nearly two decades, Monique Albright has been at the helm of the Midland High School Student Council, fostering leadership and instilling a deep sense of community engagement in her students. One of the longest-running traditions they uphold each year is their participation in Midland Blooms—a project that has been a defining part of the city’s landscape for generations. As we prepare for Give Local on May 6th, brought to you by the Midland Area Community Foundation, we wanted to share stories of our volunteers! Monique’s story is a testament to the lasting impact of this initiative.
"I took over the Student Council position 18 years ago, and my predecessor had already made Midland Blooms a part of the student service events," Monique shares. "I could have dropped it, but it was such a valuable tradition that I knew it had to continue. Now, every spring, our newly elected council members participate as their first event—it’s just what we do."
For Monique, the significance of Midland Blooms goes beyond planting flowers. It’s about creating a sense of pride and ownership in the students who take part. "We bring an army—about 40 students—to plant and assist surrounding areas that need extra help. They love it. It’s a great way to give back and be part of something bigger than themselves."
Her personal connection to Midland Blooms started long before she became an educator in the city. "I moved here 28 years ago, and the moment I drove into Midland, I knew this was home. It was Memorial Day weekend, and I saw people out with bikes, and the flowers along Eastman Avenue just stood out. I had four different job offers, three in Minnesota, but I chose this one. That first impression made all the difference."
Midland Blooms remains a unique part of the city’s identity. "People always comment on how welcoming it is. When I travel back to Minnesota, I notice how rare this kind of effort is elsewhere. Watching the evolution of the flowers over time has been fascinating. The care, the community involvement—it’s special."
Yet, Monique acknowledges that the program is at a crossroads. "I’ve noticed there aren’t as many volunteers as there used to be, and now there are donation requests, which tells me funding is tighter. It’s troubling because I hope it never goes away."
Her hope for the future is clear: "I want to see Midland Blooms continue to flourish. It’s an essential part of our town, and I would love to see even more participation. Watching the volunteers, from those delivering the flowers to the ‘cone people’ directing traffic, it’s a massive community effort."
As we approach Give Local on May 6th, Monique’s story is a reminder of why Midland Blooms matters. It’s more than flowers—it’s about connection, leadership, and a shared sense of pride in our city. Let’s keep this tradition thriving.
Keep Blooming!