W.C. Handy School students enjoy annual Farm Day event

FLORENCE, Ala. — Several groups gathered on the grounds of the W.C. Handy Early Childhood Development Center Friday morning for the school's annual Farm Day.

The end-of-the-year celebration exposes the district's youngest Falcons and their families to the exciting world of agricultural science. Through collaboration with groups, like the Florence FFA chapters, W.C. Handy students can participate in hands-on activities with plants and animals.

Florence Middle School Agriscience teacher Dr. Shelby Atwood explained that the school's agriculture education program and FFA chapter reopened in 2019. She said that, at the time, she noticed many students had no exposure to agriculture and the farm lifestyle, so the Farm Day collaboration with the W.C. Handy School opened up a world of possibilities for the younger Falcons. "Growing up in the city, they don't get a lot of exposure to the farm life, and this is something that will stay with them for a very long time, and hopefully will spark an interest in agricultural education at the middle school and the high school," she said.

Dr. Atwood added that while the FFA chapter helps coordinate the event, W.C. Handy teacher Ashley Howell and her family play an integral role. "They have their own farm, and most of these animals are hers," Atwood said. "Both of her children are members of the FFA. Her son is in the high school chapter, and her daughter is a new member of the middle school chapter."

Atwood said they also coordinated with the Lauderdale County Cattlemen's Association, as well as individuals who brought their own animals.

To view photos from Farm Day, click here.

By Jeremy Jackson