Duplin County Farm Bureau presents Ag in the Classroom grants

Mr. Justin Edwards, Duplin County Farm Bureau President, attended Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting to present two Ag in the Classroom grants. His first words from the podium, however, were directed to the board and Dr. Obasohan. On behalf of all Duplin County farm families, Mr. Edwards thanked Duplin County Schools leadership for designating two Agriculture Awareness Days in the 2022-23 school calendar. “We are grateful for your willingness to acknowledge the impact of agriculture on Duplin County and the hard work and sacrifices that our farm families go through to contribute to our society and our local economy.”

Next, Rebecca Brown from Chinquapin Elementary School was presented with a $500 grant for her project titled “Crack-a-lackin” to purchase an incubator to hatch chickens.

Tanya Novakowski from Rose Hill-Magnolia was also presented a $500 grant for her project titled “A Plant in Every Classroom” that will bring agriculture into every classroom.  Middle grade students will learn about the importance of plant propagation and will learn how to propagate common household plants. As the students successfully propagate plants and share throughout the school, they will learn about different jobs in agriculture and the importance of agricultural products and be introduced to horticultural therapy.

Mr. Edwards took the opportunity to congratulate Ms. Novakowski again for being named the North Carolina Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year earlier this spring. Ms. Novakowski will compete for the national title in Saratoga Springs, New York later this month and we know she will represent Duplin County well. Ms. Novakowski presented Mr. Edwards with a jar of honey harvested from the bees at Rose Hill-Magnolia that a previous Farm Bureau grant funded.

Congratulations to Ms. Brown and Ms. Novakowski and thank you Farm Bureau for your continued partnership!