For The Daily Southerner
PINETOPS —
More than 20 volunteers and farmers visited SouthWest Edgecombe High School to provide support for the new agriculture program on July 29.
“It is so wonderful that members of the community have come together to help," said FFA Advisor Tabitha Hodges. "Many members have FFA backgrounds or are farmers. One of goals for this program is to establish a program that meets the needs and serves the community.
"We look forward to developing positive community relationships, strengthening instruction, and broadening the field of Agriculture Education.”
Volunteers stretched plastic over the new greenhouse, providing insulation and completing the construction of the addition.
Assembly and construction of the new greenhouse was performed by Calhoun Construction, a local company.
Funding for the new greenhouse was provided by a $7,720 grant from the Upper Coastal Plain Learning Council.
The structure was purchased from Williamson Greenhouses in Clinton and set-up by the school’s staff, students and volunteers.
The school received the grant after Hodges and Gwen Pitt from the Farm Bureau Foundation informed the Upper Coastal Plain Learning Council about the current greenhouse’s condition.
Pitt will continue to work with SWE to purchase work tables, tools and other supplies needed in the greenhouse.
The SouthWest Edgecombe High School Agriculture and FFA Programs philosophies will parallel the FFA philosophy, which states: “We believe that the field of agriculture is a worthy endeavor. Each student who desires to participate should have the opportunity to do so.”
Daily work of students should include: cooperation, leadership, and citizenship-as they are integral components of a complete Agriculture education program. Realistic, daily learning experiences will be employed and will consist of assignments to prepare students for agricultural careers and classroom success.”
