BURGAW, NC - Pender County Schools held its third annual Agriculture Day at Penderlea Farms, giving nearly 900 fifth-grade students from across the district a chance to learn more about agriculture through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
The event included every PCS fifth grader and brought together staff, students, and community partners to help students better understand how agriculture connects to daily life and to the local community.
Agriculture Day was led and coordinated by Deanna Taylor, Pender County Schools’ Special Populations Coordinator. Student leaders and teacher advisors from all three high schools were part of the day, with representation from FFA, HOSA, and FCCLA. Their involvement helped support activities and gave younger students a chance to interact with older students involved in school organizations and career-focused programs.
Students learned from a number of local and state partners, including the N.C. Department of Agriculture, NC State and NC A&T agricultural programs, NC Cooperative Extension, NCDOT, Penderlea Farms, and other vendors. Former student Austin Anderson also attended as a vendor. A Heide Trask High School sophomore participated as well and brought her horse as part of the day’s activities.
Aramark provided lunch and snacks throughout the event. Members of the Board of Education and district cabinet were also present.
Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove said events like Agriculture Day help students gain a better understanding of an important part of life in Pender County.
“Agriculture is a big part of our community, and this gives students a chance to learn about it in a real and direct way,” Breedlove said. “We appreciate the schools, staff, students, and community partners who helped make the day possible.”
Agriculture Day continues to give students an opportunity to learn outside the classroom and spend time with the people and organizations who work in agriculture across our area.
