PAAE Outstanding Service Award Recipient Ms. SaraBeth Fulton

Service is a topic that all of us in the Agricultural Education realm are quite familiar with as it is an opportunity for all of us to help our students build character, learn to give back, and engage with the community. This year, the Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators (PAAE) has recognized one individual in particular that exemplifies what it means to serve. The 2020 PAAE Outstanding Service Award recipient is Ms. SaraBeth Fulton.

Ms. Fulton is one of two Agricultural Educators at Big Spring High School in Newville, Pennsylvania. Her Agricultural Education program offers sixteen different courses that include Leadership, Animal Science, Mechanics, Natural Resources, Agriculture Business, and Plant Science which approximately 240 students engage in each year. Alongside Big Spring's developed high school program is an active FFA chapter and new middle school program. Ms. Fulton says, "Our program is fortunate to be in a school district that has a very supportive school board and administration, and as a result, our students are allowed to participate in experiences outside of the classroom that helps to enhance their career skills". 

Ms. Fulton had a unique start to her career as an Agricultural Educator as she majored in Animal Science in college where she was encouraged by her academic advisor to obtain a Master's degree in Education as he believed she had a knack for teaching. While she considered Agricultural Education when she was younger, it was not until this point in her life that Ms. Fulton decided to pursue it as a career instead of working with animals. Her position as a student teacher at Big Spring was what helped her to realize that her heart belongs to Agricultural Education and she continues to serve as an Agricultural Educator with passion today. Throughout her career, Ms. Fulton has served Agricultural Education in many positions including School Union Treasurer, Big Spring High School Professional Development/Wellness Committee, and Fiscal Policy Chair - Union in her community. On a state level, she has served as PAAE President and Webpage Master and is currently a Committee Member for FFA CDE/LDE. Moving beyond Pennsylvania's borders, Ms. Fulton also serves as Marketing Committee Member for NAAE.

At Big Spring, the Agricultural Education students are given a chance to engage in service in multiple ways. The programs partners with the Chesapeake Bay multiple times a year so the students have an opportunity to work on local riparian buffers in their district. Ms. Fulton's program also partners with their county Farm Bureau to collect materials for Farmers' Care Day. Additionally, Big Spring's Agricultural Education program conducts an Agriculture Program for first grade elementary classes where they utilize books from the local library, runs a milkshake stand at their home football games and their community fair, and is planning to host an agriculture night during on of their football games this fall to promote agriculture in their community. Ms. Fulton is helping to ensure that her program exploring new avenues of service also. "For the first time, we scheduled a community night program in conjunction with the library to do an evening program about potatoes".

Having taken part in many service experiences, Ms. Fulton says to individuals hoping to strengthen service in their program, "Don't be afraid to ask for help; we wear many hats as Agricultural Educators, and it is okay to ask for help from others. Also, always remember to have an open line of communication with your administrators and school board members. Don't assume they know everything you are doing or accomplishing. Send them reports or have your FFA members/students conduct presentations to the board".

For her passion for service, congratulate Ms. Fulton on receiving this award. Additionally, wish her luck as she takes her accomplishments to a national level and applies for the NAAE Outstanding Service Award.

Taylor Halbleib

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022