Hopkins, which serves a small rural Michigan community with an enrollment of approximately 1,500 students, has offered agricultural education since 1954.
In presenting the award, officials at the ceremony commented, “… students even occasionally transfer to the school to become a part of the program
“Jessica Couch, who teaches agriculture at Hopkins, designs her curriculum to address a variety of learning styles.
“’I truly believe hand- on education is what sets Agriscience apart from other classrooms,’ she said.
“Each agriscience course at Hopkins counts as an elective science credit. Ag students have access to a wide variety of facilities for experiential learning, including the L.M. Wise Preserve. The preserve, which is a tract of farmland and forest, was donated so students could study water quality, tree identification and soil science.
“The recent addition of an on-campus livestock barn has allowed students to conduct various research projects as well as practice animal handling and care. This year students conducted nutrition research with broiler chickens, studied genetics by breeding rabbits, and practiced animal husbandry with swine, cattle, and sheep.
“Another component of Hopkins’ outstanding program is its FFA chapter. At Hopkins students can become a member in seventh grade and continue through college. Participating in 70 activities, from fund-raisers to contests, members are involved at the national, state and local levels.
“Hopkins FFA prides itself on being active in the community. Packing boxes of food for families in need, helping with community landscaping, and working with the Farm Bureau to conduct a tractor safety day are just a few examples of their outreach activities.”
Jennifer Troyer, a fellow agricultural educator at Centreville High School, said, “The Hopkins FFA program has a well-developed program of activities that involves not only the members of the program, but the alumni and community. The Hopkins program sets exceptionally high standards and expectations for the students and its FFA members.”
Each of the six regional Outstanding Middle/Secondary Program Award winners was recognized at the NAAE convention in Nashville. The Outstanding Middle/ Secondary Agricultural Education Program Award is partially sponsored by Monsanto as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. NAAE is the professional association for agricultural educators. Its mission is “professionals providing agricultural education for the global community through visionary leadership, advocacy and service.”
The NAAE office is located in Lexington, Kentucky.
