PAAE Outstanding Program Award Recipient Elizabethtown Area High School

Agriculture is a rich part of American culture, carrying great importance in our country's history and future. By continuing to establish outstanding agriculture programs in our communities, we are not only allowing our students to engage in agriculture on a local level, but also helping them to make connections with this American tradition while creating solutions for future challenges in the agriculture industry. In recognition of unique programs that facilitate the growth of future agriculturists, the Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators (PAAE) chooses one program each year who exemplifies the importance of this industry to future generations. The 2020 PAAE Outstanding Program Award recipient is Elizabethtown Area High School.

Elizabethtown's Agricultural Education program was founded in 1958 and is currently run by Mr. Mark Anderson and Mr. Stephen Geib. This pair of educators maintains a diverse program that offers an array of agriculture courses including Introduction to Agriculture, Animal Science, Agriculture Mechanics, Veterinary Science, Greenhouse Management, Equine Science, Aquatic Resources, and Wildlife. Students at Elizabethtown Area High School also have the opportunity to engage in hands on learning in two classrooms, a greenhouse, an aquatics laboratory, an agriculture mechanics shop, and an animal science laboratory. Additionally, Elizabethtown is home to an active FFA chapter who has produced, since the start of Mr. Anderson's career at Elizabethtown in 2005, five State FFA Officers multiple state winning teams in the areas of Horse Evaluation, Agriculture Sales, Milk Products Evaluation, and Market Plan, two state proficiency winners, many Keystone State Degree winners, and quite a few American Degree winners. The Elizabethtown FFA has also recently created a Greenhand Bootcamp where new members can learn about the opportunities that the organization has to offer on a local, state, and national level.

The agriculture program at Elizabethtown Area High School remains a vital part of the local community. In 1985, the program was named the Eastern Region BOAC Award Winner for their community service with the Elizabethtown Fair. Today, the program continues to engage with the community through a variety of events. Each year, Elizabethtown agriculture students and FFA members plan a day of workshops for local fourth graders so that they may learn more about agriculture and their environment at an event appropriately named Ag and Environmental Day. The program also hosts a Pig Roast during National FFA Week where they serve Elizabethtown Area High School faculty and staff, recognizing the community of support that helps the program remain successful in educating it's students. Elizabethtown FFA members can also be found at the annual Elizabethtown Fair offering a Farmer for a Day experience to children in the community interested in learning about the vast nature of the agriculture industry.

While Elizabethtown strives to provide each student with the opportunity to learn, lead, and grow, the program does face a few challenges with fluctuations in enrollment and seniors being unable to participate in the program when they engage in the local Career and Technical Center.  Despite these challenges however, this program continues to work towards providing more opportunities for their students and adapting to a student body increasingly dependent on technology. 

The Elizabethtown Agricultural Education program welcomes all students interested in learning about agriculture, the environment, science, and mechanics. Strong student leaders and passionate Agricultural Educators continue to drive this program towards success by offering students opportunities to take part in experiential learning, personal growth, community service, and leadership. "Being a graduate of the agriculture program at Elizabethtown, I have seen first hand the hard work that both the educators and the students put into it. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Geib teach their students to embrace challenges, and it truly shows in the difference this program makes in the community and the growth of the students it serves". The 2020 PAAE Outstanding Program Award is a testament to the fantastic opportunities being offered to the students of Elizabethtown Area High School and the positive difference it is making in preparing future agriculturists for professional careers in the industry. Be sure to congratulate Mr. Anderson and Mr. Geib on the success of their program and the contributions it continues to make to the agriculture industry.

Taylor Halbleib

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022

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

PAAE Teacher Mentor Award Recipient Mr. Mark Anderson

Each year the Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators (PAAE) recognizes an individual who has worked hard to oversee the growth of other Agricultural Educators in Pennsylvania. This individual values the different perspectives and skills that new Agricultural Educators bring to their classrooms and communities and offers to help prepare them for the challenges and triumphs that those new Agricultural Educators may face throughout their careers. The 2020 recipient of the Teacher Mentor Award has be given to Mr. Mark Anderson (@deucehorse).

Mr. Anderson was motivated to begin a career as an Agricultural Educator when he served as the 1987-1988 Pennsylvania FFA (@FFAPENN) State Vice President where his experience with his fellow students made him want to become an Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor. Mr. Anderson began his career as an Agricultural Educator by acquiring a degree in Agricultural Education from The Pennsylvania State University (@TeachAgPSU). After graduating, he served as a long term substitute for Blue Mountain High School's agriculture program. Currently, Mr. Anderson teaches at Elizabethtown Area High School where he manages the agriculture program and FFA chapter with Mr. Stephen Geib (@EtownFFA).

Being an experienced Agricultural Educator, Mr. Anderson has lived through many challenges and triumphs throughout his career. Every day he is challenged to work with students who are not motivated to learn so that he can prepare them for life after high school by helping them discover their own passions. Those challenges are all worth it though as he describes one of his proudest moments as, "Watching a former student become a State FFA Officer, then become an Agricultural Educator, and have her first State FFA Officer". In addition to watching his own students succeed, he also enjoys helping other Agricultural Educators to learn about Inquiry Based Instruction as an NAAE Agriscience Ambassador and Facilitator (@NAAE). 

Mr. Anderson has mentored seven student teachers and five of his own students who graduated from his program and earned a degree in Agricultural and Extension Education, two of them (Ms. Sarah Thoman and Ms. Sarabeth Alderfer) who are currently Agricultural Educators in Pennsylvania. Being chosen as the recipient of the PAAE Teacher Mentor Award means a great deal to Mr. Anderson as he thoroughly enjoys helping other Agricultural Educators realize their potential as teachers and advisors. Seeing his mentees succeed is rewarding to him because it is rewarding to them to be able to discover new ways to better help their own students. Mr. Anderson's advice to new Agricultural Educators would be, "Be yourself and do not try to fit into someone else's mold. Get as many hands on and practical experiences in agriculture as you can; they will help you to guide your students to a better understanding of the opportunities in the agriculture industry". 

Be sure to congratulate Mr. Mark Anderson on being recognized as the 2020 PAAE Teacher Mentor Award recipient and wish him luck as he applies to be the NAAE Region VI Teacher Mentor Award recipient.

Taylor Halbleib

Penn State CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022

Congratulations Luke Kerstetter #psuaged20 member hired!

Luke Kerstetter hired at Solanco High School

The Center for Professional Personal Development would like to congratulate Luke Kerstetter for formally being hired at Solanco High School. We asked Luke a few questions about his new job and what Solanco FFA is all about!

Luke is originally from Mount Pleasant Mills, PA, and will now be teaching down in southern Lancaster county, where he will be the third agricultural educator for the high school. Luke was involved with LEAD Society during his time at University Park, and was a member of the Altoona Ag Club and Collegiate FFA during his time at his branch campus.

Luke has spent the past few months student teaching at Solanco, where he taught Power and Machinery Technology, Hand & Power Tools, Animal Science, Welding, and Ag Business Operations. Mr. Carey Kalupson will be retiring from his position, and although Luke says he is replacing him in the position, he will no doubt have difficulty replacing the years of knowledge of one of the best ag mechanics teachers in the state.

During his time student teaching, Luke shared that one of the most memorable things he was able to do was allowing students to essentially blow up engines to see how they break (as long as the engines were not going back into service).

In his new position, Luke will mostly be teaching the ag mechanics courses, specifically Hand & Power Tools, Power and Machinery Technology, Building Construction, and Welding.

On the FFA side, Solanco has 186 FFA members on roster, and Luke shared that one of the most interesting things the chapter does is hold a community breakfast to end National FFA week, which can attract more than 150 people.

With Luke joining, we only see the program continuing to grow and evolve thanks to the leadership of himself and his fellow teachers. When asked to give some perspective on what the future holds, and this new chapter of life he is about to embark on, Luke shared “Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants.” Deuteronomy 32:2, a very fitting piece from someone more then ready to lead the next generation of agriculturalists.

Although we will miss seeing Luke around Penn State, his advice can be applied to all of our lives;

"Some days will be rough to get through on this journey, but always see it through. Never give up on your journey to your dream career. There is a student out there that needs your guidance."

Congratulations again Luke, we look forward to seeing where your future takes you!

March 2020 Agricultural & Extension Education Student of the Month: Nathan Moyer

Every month a student is recognized within the Agricultural and Extension Education program. A student is chosen who has demonstrated hard work and dedication to their education, major, and passions. The Penn State Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month for March is Nathan Moyer of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.

Nathan is a sophomore majoring in Agricultural & Extension Education here at Penn State. Nathan is currently enrolled in Student Engagement & Experiential Discovery (SEED) semester to gain experiences in his area of passion, the outdoors. Nathan spent four years as a member of the Selinsgrove FFA chapter, serving in multiple roles and offices. After graduation, he was elected as a Pennsylvania FFA State Officer where he served from 2017-2018 as State President. He has gained experiences through FFA and at Penn State that have helped him to excel as a student and we are proud to recognize his achievements.

Nathan’s favorite place to hang out on campus is the Arboretum, and although he does not have a favorite sports team, he enjoys a heated chess match now and again. His overall favorite Penn State course is RPTM 326, Natural History Interpretation, and he can be found occasionally at his favorite restaurant Irving’s.

Nathan’s favorite quote is “Life is a great adventure… accept it in such a spirit.”- Theodore Roosevelt. You can reach out to Nathan on Instagram or on Twitter @nathanmoyer_22.

Nathan continues to impress us as he works hard towards becoming an agriculture educator. We are so excited for what the future holds for Nathan! Congratulations again, on being Penn State’s Agricultural and Extension Education student of March!

Morgan Bear

Agricultural & Extension Education

Class of 2023

Honorary American Degree: Caleb Wright

At the 92nd National FFA Convention this past October, Pennsylvania was able to have one of our own FFA Alumni, Caleb Wright, was recognized as a recipient of the Honorary FFA American Degree, one of the highest honors that can be received by an Alumni.

Caleb was recognized for his role in helping Pennsylvania and the National FFA Organization through his work as a lobbyist with Versant Strategies. Caleb is one of our own Penn State Ag Ed graduates, and has dedicated much of his life post-college to furthering the interests of many agricultural organizations, with the FFA being just one on a lengthy list.

We reached out to Caleb to lean more about what drives him to do a tough job in one of our nations hardest work environments; Washington D.C.

1. What does it mean to you to receive your Honorary American degree?

It’s an amazing honor. I’m very fortunate to be able to be able to support FFA at the local, state, and national levels in varying capacities, which I take great pride in. This award is presented to a select group of individuals, and I’m humbled to be included with such great recipients from all across the country.

2. When you were wearing your blue jacket, did you ever expect that you would end up where you are today?

Absolutely not! If the life plan my younger self had determined panned out, I’d be practicing veterinary medicine with a wife and kids by now. None of those have happened! However, I wouldn’t change a single part of my life’s course. I’m especially grateful my life’s path included FFA and agricultural education to a deeper level than originally planned. It’s been a true blessing personally and professionally.

3. What part about your job do you enjoy the most?

I like the many places my  job has taken me. I know it sounds like the Dr. Seuss book, but I’ve been in fancy dinners in New York City, to tours of forests in Washington state, to our nation’s capital with FFA members, and a lot of places in between. I’ve made amazing friends and connections, all while lifting up rural America through Versant Strategies’ work and clients.

Caleb regularly donates his time to the Pennsylvania FFA Foundation, our Gold Toe SOCS leadership program, and can always be found around Harrisburg whenever anything ag occurs.

To learn more about Versant Strategies, please visit their website at versantstrategies.net

February 2020 Agricultural & Extension Education Student of the Month: Lacey Walker

Every month a student within the Agricultural and Extension Education program is chosen who has demonstrated hard work and dedication to their education, major, and passions. The Penn State Agricultural & Extension Education Student of the month for February is Lacey Walker of Glen Rock, Pennsylvania.

Lacey is a sophomore majoring in Agricultural & Extension Education with a minor in International Agriculture here at Penn State. She keeps busy as a Penn State athlete on the Women’s Rugby Team and a Global Teach Ag! Intern. Lacey has been involved with the York County 4-H for 10 years where she has dedicated her time to raising and showing market goats, dairy beef, and swine. She has gained experiences in the industry and at Penn State that have helped her to excel as a student and we are proud to recognize her accomplishments.

Lacey’s favorite place to hang out on campus is the second floor of the Agriculture Sciences and Industries Building and she can also be spotted at her favorite restaurant Wings Over. Her favorite sports team is the Pittsburgh Steelers and anything Penn State, and her favorite Penn State course is Agricultural & Extension Education (AEE) 311. Lacey’s favorite quote is “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things”- Robert Brault.

You can reach out to Lacey on Instagram @_laceywalker or on Twitter @lacey_walker13. Lacey continues to impress us as she works hard towards becoming an agriculture educator and we are so excited for what the future holds! Congratulations again, on being Penn State’s Agricultural & Extension Education student of February!

Morgan Bear

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2023