This year is the first year where 8th graders are allowed to come to the high school for agriculture classes. Students and administrators brought the idea up since 8th graders are already allowed to take other high school classes. Teacher Macy Herrunbruck is excited to have junior high students in her high school classes this year.

Here is what Herrunbruck likes about the 8th graders coming to the high school.

“I really enjoy being able to expose students to a full year of what FFA looks like at a younger age,” Herrunbruck said. “At times, there can be a difference of maturity levels within the introduction to agriculture class, which can create some challenges, but overall it has been a positive experience.”

Being in the Introduction to Agriculture class gives students earlier exposure to FFA, SAE’s, and competitions. It helps them learn how the organization works and what opportunities are available. 

There are 4 different high school agriculture classes students can take. With 8th grades coming one year early Herrunbruck explains what their high school future would look like. 

“It opens up an extra year in their schedule so they have the chance to enroll in other classes in the future,” Herrunbruck said.

8th graders Lane Brubaker and Lauren Enright explain how they think the high school class is different from the junior high class and why they like coming to the high school.

“In the junior high I feel like they don’t expect much from you but in the high school it’s all kids that want to be in the class and are eager to learn about agriculture,” Enright said.

Brubaker likes coming to the high school because it gives her the opportunity to get her credits done faster and be with older students who also like agriculture. Her favorite part of agriculture class is getting to learn more and more everyday because agriculture is her passion and she wants to learn more about it everyday so she can pursue a career in agriculture in the future.

So far the 8th graders are enjoying the experience and are excited for their future in high school next year.