The agriculture department has already begun planning events for the 25-26 school year. The agriculture department is responsible for different fundraisers, examples of these fundraisers are, the citrus fruit fundraiser, a candy fundraiser, etc. They make bouquets for Homecoming, and they participate in competitions for the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization.
The FFA is one of the most well renowned clubs, and one of the most popular high school clubs in all of America.
Agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor Gwendolyn Gosney explains how the Agriculture department and FFA is important to RCHS.
“Students can pick through a wide variety of different experiences to figure out what careers are in the agriculture field,” Gosney said.
This year, they are starting off with the Rockbridge Regional Fair at the Virginia Horse Center that’s from Sept. 10-13. The FFA is responsible for Bingo for Sept. 10-12 and a Toy Tractor and Vendor show on Sept. 13.
Jaycee Hostetter is a sophomore and is a second year student in the Agriculture department. Hostetter shares her thoughts on what she has learned last year and what she’s looking forward to this year.
“Last year, I learned about plants, horses, beef, and cattle. This year, I’m looking forward to learning more about plants and animals and learning more skills,” Hostetter said.
Some other events the agriculture department is planning on doing this school year include: the forestry class planning on selling Christmas trees; the horticulture classes are planning on selling Homecoming and Prom flowers along with a vegetable sale, Citrus Fruit Sale; FFA is going to help at different community events, like the Christmas Baskets at the Virginia Horse Center, Easter Baskets at Spencer Home Center, and the Apple Butter Festival at Timber Ridge.
The agriculture department has big plans for the upcoming school year.
