Habersham County’s new Agri-Science Center is open for learning. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Dec. 17 at the new facility located on the Habersham Central High School campus in Mt. Airy. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black attended along with other state and local elected officials, school administrators, faculty and students.
The $750,000, 17,600 square foot facility includes a large outdoor pavilion and 9,480 square feet of enclosed learning space.
Director of Facilities and Maintenance for Habersham County Schools Denise Gunn says “I think it is a fabulous facility because it is going to allow our students to work in the Agri-Science field. Their classes will actually be taught here.”
Gunn says the facility is more than just a classroom, it’s an instructional lab where students will be taught veterinary science and other subjects related to the field of agriculture. She says, “It’s not just a show barn, it’s a lab.”
The school system paid for the building. State funds will be used to outfit the lab. That includes paying for ultrasound equipment students will use in veterinary training. Local businesses and donors are buying bleachers and other furnishings for the building.
Many of those community partners attended last week’s ribbon cutting ceremony. They were greeted by members of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and treated to refreshments and kind words of thanks.
It’s because of those FFA members and students like them that the building was needed. School Board member Gilbert Barrett says the building became necessary after enrollment in the Agricultural Education program grew from 300 to 1,200 students. During the ribbon cutting ceremony he pointed out that agriculture is the largest industry in the nation and the largest economic force in Habersham County and the State of Georgia. He said, “It’s phenomenal,” how many jobs are opening up in the Agri-Science field, especially in the areas of marketing and research. Barrett told students, “It’s an exciting time to be Millenials because there are job opportunities that abound.”
Agriculture Commissioner Black told students, “”We’ll take the time to invest in work and encouragement. We’ll take the time to invest some treasure, too, as is in this facility (so) that we can launch you into a future where you can be successful.” He commended Habersham County for investing in its young people and challenged the students to take care of their new facility.
Habersham Central High School freshman Corey Powers of Clarkesville plans to become a farm manager one day. He says he’s glad he’ll be able to study and train for his future career in the new Agri-Science Center.
Though not all of the students in FFA and the Ag program plan to go into agricultural-related fields, they say being in the program helps teach them responsibility and leadership, among other things. They, too, are excited about the new facility and how it will enhance their learning experience and future opportunities.
HCHS Junior Jonathan Hughes of Mt. Airy says he appreciates everyone who made the new building possible, “It’s real nice. We’re real happy to have it and we’re real lucky to have it here for our show teams.”
Gunn says community groups will be able to rent the facility for special events.
