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Contact: Alexis Henderson
Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
410-222-7410
443-336-1450
SOUTHERN HIGH SCHOOL TO PILOT NATIONAL AGRICULTURE PROGRAM
ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 27, 2010) - - - Southern High School will pilot an Introduction to Agriculture course starting in September, 2010. This course is the first step in bringing a National Agriculture program to Anne Arundel County. Numerous career paths are associated with agriculture and this program will offer students the opportunity to explore careers such as animal production, biochemistry, nutrition, and plant science.
“Agriculture is an important part of the Anne Arundel County economy,” said Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold. “This program prepares students interested in agriculture with a full selection of career opportunities.”
“This effort is another great example of partners coming together to benefit our students and our county,” said Superintendent Kevin M. Maxwell. “Through this program we will be able to offer even more opportunities for our students, and in turn more opportunities for employers in our county.”
The Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) project develops a structured sequence of courses and serves as a model for elevating rigor and relevance in agriculture education. CASE is a special project of the National Council for Agriculture Education providing resources for curriculum development and course rollout. The courses include Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) and Life Knowledge as integral connections to enhance the future growth of the students. The CASE program at Southern High School is supported by a financial contribution from the Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau and grants applied for by the Program Advisory Board.
In addition to grants and other sources of funding, a river cruise is planned for Thursday, June 10, 2010, to support the National Agriculture Program at Southern High School. The sunset cruise aboard the Richard Lee Tour Boat will depart of Discovery Village in Shady Side at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $65 and all proceeds benefit the new Southern High School Agriculture Program. For additional information on this cruise visit www.aaedc.org or call 410-222-7410.
This program is made possible at SHS from 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 the AAEDC 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 AAEDC website at www.aaedc.org. |
