MOUNT OLIVE — In conjunction with National Teach Ag Day, the University of Mount Olive recognized 23 high school students who have expressed intent to become ag educators. The students were each given a $500 UMO scholarship. The students were from 11 different high schools from across North Carolina.
Each day, thousands of agriculture teachers in the United States inform students about the current issues in agriculture. With a growing population and the need for more sustainable practices, agricultural education provides the platform to educate our students and the public about the importance of agriculture in daily living. National Teach Ag Day aims to celebrate the contributions agriculture teachers are currently making in the communities they serve and encourage students to consider careers as agriculture teachers, a field that is currently experiencing a national shortage.
“Agriculture teachers do amazing things. From incorporating science, technology, engineering, and math in practical settings for their students, to developing leadership skills and teaching responsibility; agriculture teachers deserve to be celebrated for all that they do,” said Dr. Sandy Maddox, director of the Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center at UMO. “National Teach Ag Day is one way we can celebrate their accomplishments and encourage students to pursue a career in agricultural education.”