Forbush Agriculture Students Visit the JC Raulston Arboretum

This past Wednesday, several of our students traveled to Raleigh to participate in Green Collar Career Day at the JC Raulston Arboretum. Students had the opportunity to explore a variety of careers in horticulture by connecting with professionals in arboriculture, landscaping, and plant science at NC State University.

They also toured the beautiful arboretum and learned some fascinating facts, including the surprising similarities between Madagascar hissing cockroaches and cattle! The day also featured an engaging presentation from Bryce Lane, who brings 45 years of experience as a horticulture instructor at NC State.

Before heading home, we wrapped up the day with a sweet treat at NC State's Howling Cow Creamery! Students learned how the university's dairy farm supplies milk used to make the creamery's delicious, in-house ice cream.

It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to explore career pathways, connect with industry professionals, and experience the many ways agriculture and horticulture impact our everyday lives! – Sarah Bridges, FHS Agriculture/FFA Advisor

SHS SkillsUSA Members Attend Leadership Camp

Eight members of SkillsUSA from Starmount High School, along with their advisor, Sandy Martin, attended Leadership Camp at Camp Dixie October 4^th – 6^th.

Mr. Martin stated that he was very proud of these students.  He said it was amazing to see how much they accomplished and how well they represented Starmount.

Congratulations to these students! Awards and accomplishments are listed below.

Jose Bautista  

• Elected to be the President for NW Region 7
• 2nd Place in SkillsUSA Opening Ceremony
• 3rd Place in SkillsUSA Quiz bowl
• Earned his State Leadership Award and pen
• Jose's Group won the Dixie Cup Trophy

Addison Wooten 

• Elected to be the Treasurer for NW Region 7
• 4th place in SkillsUSA Public Service Announcement Video
• Earned her State Leadership Award and pen

Nathan Cox

• Elected to be the Reporter for NW Region 7
• 2nd place in SkillsUSA Public Service Announcement Video
• Earned his State Leadership Award and pen

Gavin Darnell

• 2nd place in SkillsUSA Public Service Announcement Video
• 2nd Place in SkillsUSA Quiz bowl
• Earned his State Leadership Award and pen

EmmaKate Shields

• 4th place in SkillsUSA Public Service Announcement Video
• Earned her State Leadership Award and pen

Isabella Burchette

• 4th Place in Prepared Speech
• 2nd Place in SkillsUSA Quiz bowl
• Earned her State Leadership Award and pen

Mikaela Peak

• 2nd place in SkillsUSA Poster Contest
• Earned her State Leadership Award and pen
• Mikaela's Group won the Dixie Cup Trophy

Hunter Renegar 

• 3rd place in SkillsUSA Public Service Announcement Video
• Earned his State Leadership Award and pen
• Hunter's Group won the Dixie Cup Trophy

Mrs. Matthews’ Health Science Students Learn Basic Life Support

Health Science II students at Starmount High School are learning healthcare provider basic life support and can become BLS certified through the American Heart Association.

Another example of real-life skills CTE offers! 

Agriculture Mechanics I at Starmount High

Students in Mr. Allen’s Ag Mech I class have been learning to use the OxyAcetylene cutting torch.

Another example of hands-on learning in CTE at Starmount High!

Careers on Wheels

5th grade students from across Yadkin County Schools had the opportunity to see over 20 different vehicles and trucks during the Surry Community College / Surry-Yadkin Works "Careers on Wheels" event. This event was held Friday, September 25 on the Yadkin Campus of Surry Community College.

This event was a fun, hands-on way for our students to learn more about the business opportunities in our area. Special thanks to all the businesses that participated and to Surry Community College and Surry-Yadkin Works staff for organizing this awesome event for our 5th grade students!

Environmental Days

The Yadkin County Cooperative Extension office hosted Environmental Field Days for 6th grade students from Forbush and Starmount Middle Schools on September 23 and 24. Due to rainy conditions, the event was held indoors at the Agricultural Education Building and the Yadkin YMCA Gymnasium. Students had a great time learning about a wide variety of topics, including taxidermy, farming, horticulture, honeybees, recycling, and soil composition.

Special thanks to Madaline Jones and her team for organizing this awesome event for our students!