Newly Renovated Career Academy Home To FFA At Whitko
Newly Renovated Career Academy Home To FFA At Whitko
Posted
Staff Report-
Newly Renovated Career Academy Home To FFA At WhitkoLARWILL – As the school year kicks off, the Whitko Agricultural Program and Future Farmers of America have a new look this year.
Whitko has a long tradition of success at the local, state and national level with their agricultural programming. This year, the newly renovated Whitko Career Academy in Larwill will be home to the Whitko FFA as well as project-based ag programs, according to a news release from Whitko Community Schools.
The Agriculture Academy is being led by a new team of teachers – Matt Dice, Heather Millett, Kelley Sheiss and Roger K. Carr. Students at the academy have the opportunity to take Introduction to Agriculture as eighth-graders, and they can choose from plant science or animal science as freshmen.
Sophomores through seniors can select agriculture business or food science.
All programming places a focus on project driven curriculum with an emphasis on research and science.
"Agriculture at the Whitko Career Academy is going very well," said sophomore Jordyn Leininger. "We are learning so much in the classroom, and we are learning how to use what we learn outside of class. Working on FFA contests and fun projects are a great way to learn and enjoy learning! In addition, we are thrilled to see the barn going up. There is so much potential for greatness in Whitko FFA. This year, we are doing so many new things and pushing ourselves harder than ever before. We have so much raw talent. Whitko is going for gold this year and every year after this!"
“I’m very happy with the team of agriculture teachers we have assembled at the academy. I applaud Dr. Penrod and Mr. Luce on the support they have given to the agriculture department. I’m also very happy with the talent pool of students. It amazes me the number of students I have from former students of mine,” said Carr.
Carr taught at Whitko from 1988-2003 and returned this past year.
At the academy, a food science lab room is being designed, and they are in the completion stage of building a 8,500-square-foot animal facility, plus an 1800-square-foot greenhouse that will allow for extensive hands-on educational opportunities.
The agriculture department is hosting two informative meetings in the next month. On Wednesday, there will be a “Supporter” meeting at the Larwill Academy at 6:30 p.m. On Sept. 16, there will be a FFA meeting where they will select the 2020-21 Chapter FFA officer team in addition to a business meeting, which will include passing the Chapter Constitution.
Carr will meet with parents on Sept. 16 to provide more details on the “Supporter” group. Due to social distancing guidelines, they are asking parents of FFA members to attend the Sept. 16 meeting.
The 27th Annual Stockman Livestock Judging contest will be Oct. 31 at the academy. Over the years, teams from over 25 states have attended this prestigious event held annually in Indiana.
