ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 1, 2011) - - - A River Cruise to support local agriculture education will take place Thursday, June 9, 2011.  This sunset cruise aboard the Richard Lee Tour Boat is open to the public and will depart The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center at 6:30 pm.  The cruise will include music by Up the Creek, cuisine by Herrington on the Bay, and views of the West and Rhode Rivers as the sun sets.  All proceeds from the cruise benefit the Southern High School Agriculture Program. Tickets are $70 and can be purchased by calling Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation at 410-222-7410.

 

The Southern High Schools’ (SHS) Agricultural Program follows the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE), www.CASE4learning.org, a special project of the National Council for Agriculture Education.  The program offers students a structured, challenging sequence of courses that elevate rigor and relevance in agriculture education.   SHS began the Agriculture Program in September 2010 and plans to add courses in 2011.

 

“This wonderful program had 25 students enrolled during the past school year,” said Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold.  “The money raised on the River Cruise will help support an expanded Agriculture Program at Southern High School next year.”

 

The Agriculture Program at SHS is made possible through the cooperative efforts of a Program Advisory Board consisting of representatives from Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, Anne Arundel County Board of Education, Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau, Anne Arundel County Government, Anne Arundel Soil Conservation District, Southern High School, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland and University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Maryland State Board of Education, Homestead Gardens, and Greenstreet Growers.

 

The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation manages and promotes agricultural and environmental programs on behalf of Anne Arundel County. These programs are part of AAEDC’s mission to serve business needs and to increase the County’s economic base through job growth and investment. For additional information on agriculture programs or Farmers Markets’ in Anne Arundel County please contact Lisa Barge at the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, (410) 222-7410 or visit the website at www.aaedc.org.