First SAE Visit as a 'Co-Advisor'

When you walk through the halls and classrooms of Derry Area High School’s Agriculture – Horticulture Building the three circle model is visibly seen on multiple walls. These act as a firm reminder to the students and faculty about the opportunities that can be presented in an agriculture education program. I have had the opportunity to share in experiences with Mr. Campbell and Mrs. Rippole in implementation of the three circle model at Derry. I have realized the time and effort needed to ensure opportunities are offered to students with the three circle model in mind.

Throughout the past six week, I came to the conclusion that there is no such thing as a typical day for an agricultural educator. From course planning to FFA activities to faculty meetings, there are multiple tasks that need confronted and completed throughout the day. On Wednesday, we began the day at the Westmoreland County Food Bank with FFA members, and returned to the school for an afternoon of classroom instruction. Once school ended, Mr. Campbell and I packed up and began an adventure to Greensburg, PA to conduct a SAE visit. Greensburg is not a part of our school district, so you may wonder why we were heading that direction. The student we were visiting is a tuition student.

Lindsey attended Greensburg High School for a year, but with hopes of being a Veterinarian Technician, she realized Greensburg could not offer her the education or experience she needed to fulfill that dream. Therefore Lindsey has been a part of our program for three years. She is currently serving as the Derry FFA Chapter Vice President.

Students in the Derry Agriculture/Horticulture program have an SAE/FFA one credit course in there gradebook system that is updated based on multiple criteria. Students are graded overall on quality and completeness. In addition, students are expected to create and reach goals, so they continue to improve their programs.

Throughout Lindsey’s time in the program she has had two SAE programs. Her first was an Exploratory program for her gaming horse. Her most recent is an Entrepreneurship programs for her breeding rabbits and quail. Lindsey keeps accurate detailed records through her AET record book.

Prior to visiting Mr. Campbell and I sat down and reviewed Lindsey's records on the AET, and created questions to ask about the program. When we arrived for the SAE visit, the first thing we did was sit down and asked questions to discuss with Lindsey her goals she has for her program. Although she would be leaving for Veterinarian Technician training after graduation, she mentioned that she wanted to continue raising rabbits and quail. Once our visit came to an end the only recommendation I could provide to Lindsey's SAE program is to continue to look for areas of advancement, potentially to grow her herd and flock larger.