WOODBURY — Nonnewaug’s agriscience program is more than just a class; it’s a stepping stone to real-world careers.
Nonnewaug’s nationally recognized program provides students with hands-on experiences in various agricultural fields. Nonnewaug’s ag classes inspire students to discover their passions, and test out different fields within agriculture.
For many students, agriscience has had a clear impact between the classroom and their aspirations.
“Mr. Birk [Eric Birkenberger, Nonnewaug’s horticulture instructor] has taught me more than just skills about floral design. I learned so many ways to apply horticulture into my future,” said senior Sam Kostka. “The knowledge gained from that can help me later in life when I want to grow my own garden from seeds, or when I decide to start my own business.”
Kostka would have never discovered this passion if it wasn’t for Nonnewaug’s horticulture class. Being part of the FFA has helped with developing essential skills for her future.
“I am going to use my horticulture experience in my career,” Kostka added. “In the future I want to own a wedding venue. A big part of making a wedding special is the design, and I want to specialize in creating floral arrangements and designs to make a wedding truly amazing.”
While this program has many different paths that can be studied, it also has sparked other passions within students of the FFA.
“I want to go into agricultural education,” said senior Chloe Walsh. “My projected major in college is aquaculture and fisheries, as well as secondary education.”
Nonnewaug’s qualified ag instructors have left a large impact on their students, while simultaneously educating their students. Walsh believes her time in the school’s aquaculture class lab has given her a glimpse into her future.
“The classes here have prepared me fairly well for a career in the field, especially my aquaculture class,” said Walsh. “The lab space we have at Nonnewaug is similar to what I can expect to see in the field and in college. I’ve been extremely fortunate to gain other experiences such as Career Development Events (CDE) and Leadership Development Events (LDE). I competed in the Agriculture Education Career Development Event, which I won at the state level.”
Walsh has utilized all Nonnewaug’s FFA program had to offer, keeping her busy and expanding her talents.
Many students come to Nonnewaug with an interest in livestock and animals. Senior Chloe Weaver, has had a lot of experience with animals outside of the classroom, but has learned a lot more through Nonnewaug.
“We get to work hands-on with animals every day,” said Weaver, who plans on pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. “I want to go into a career in animal genetics and research for animal medicine. We do lots of dissections and work with animals in the lab at school.”
While Chloe always had an interest in animal research, Nonnewaug has brought a new level of depth to her future in animal science.
The Ellis Clark Regional Agriscience program at Nonnewaug High School goes beyond textbooks. It immerses students in hands-on learning experiences that mirror real-life careers. Whether it’s working in greenhouses, maintaining fish tanks in the aquaculture lab, or participating in FFA competitions, students are actively involved in their education. These experiences help them build strong foundations in agriculture, preparing them for college and beyond.
