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Buckeye forms new programs

FFA AT BUCKEYE — An agricultural education program has been established at Buckeye Local High School, with 21 students now having the opportunity to learn about land, including animals, food and natural resources. In addition, an FFA chapter has been formed. Officers include, from left, Addie Irwin, president; Maddie Krzys, secretary; Lexi Hughes, treasurer; Keira Panepucci, reporter; Colin Lindsay, sentinel; and Zoey Ralston, historian. Lexie Leach serves as vice president. -- Contributed

CONNORVILLE — Students attending Buckeye Local High School now have the opportunity to learn about land, including animals, food and natural resources, thanks to the addition of an agricultural education program. In addition, an FFA program has been incorporated at the school.

Filling the role as ag education teacher is Cameron Best, who joined students in appreciating the fact there is yet another option in the school’s current curriculum.

“This is brand new and something the district has tried to implement for years,” Best commented. “We have 21 students in four classes: Ag, food and natural resources; animal projects; the science and technology of food; and ag business.”

Erika Lyon of the Jefferson County Ohio State University Extension office visited students, who attended a field trip to United Dairy, one of many activities officials are planning in the future.

“Erika is returning in the spring with a water table workshop,” Best continued. “We are planning a field trip to Griffith Dairy in Adena. We’re in the process of forming a business advisory council with individuals from related fields. We’ll meet once or twice a year to discuss our curriculum and field trips.”

Officials are seeking grant funding to obtain a greenhouse, which would accommodate up to 20 students.

“The greenhouse would give students hands-on experience and can be used for common core classes,” Best stated. He noted he has received a $700 Best Practice Grant from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center so he can create a hybrid corn plot which the students will manage. The purpose is to plant the corn on less than an acre of land on the school campus. Then, the data will be recorded, which will ultimately be shared with local farmers to aid them in their operations.

“We plan to incubate and hatch chickens and keep them on the school property,” Best said. “The students will learn about taking care of poultry.”

The school received its charter to form an FFA chapter, with Best serving as its adviser. A chapter has been established with senior Addie Erwin serving as president, senior Lexie Leach as vice president, sophomore Maddie Krzys as secretary, sophomore Lexi Hughes as treasurer, senior Keira Panepucci as reporter, freshman Colin Lindsay as sentinel and sophomore Zoey Ralston as historian. Best said the group plans to compete in FFA contests and events, adding he is eager to see the program get underway.

“I’m excited,” he concluded. “I wish we had this when I was at school here. We have a variety of students already in 4-H who would benefit from the program, and they are good kids.”

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