Wingfield High School Ag Academy Students on Tour, Hosted by Alcorn Extension Program
Students of Wingfield High School Ag Academy of Jackson Mississippi, participated in 3-day tour that included visiting agricultural and cultural sites in both Mississippi and Tennessee. The tour, hosted by the Alcorn State University Extension Program Small Farm Outreach and Technical Assistance Project, was held February 18-20, 2016.
“The purpose of the tour was to introduce, educate and inform these high school ag students about the importance of farm management and the risk in farming, so they will be successful in farm planning as future ag specialists,” stated Carolyn L. Banks, director, Small Farm Outreach and Technical Assistance Project. “On the tour students had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and see some major attractions and highlights.”
While in Lorman, the students visited several Alcorn State University facilities including the Center for Biotechnology, Model Farm, Center for Conservation Research, and the Experiment Station. Other Mississippi sites included both the Alcorn State Research Technology and Transfer Center in Mound Bayou, and the Vegetable Processing Facility, in Marks. Historical sites in Greenville, were the Jewish Temple and the Greenville History and Flood Museums.
In Memphis, Tennessee the students toured the Pink Palace and National Civil Rights Museums.
“From the tours I gained knowledge and a further appreciation for agriculture, Alcorn State, and the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension, and Applied Sciences. Alcorn’s faculty and staff made it feel like home,” expressed Monterius Butler, a sophomore at Wingfield High School.
Marneisha Moore, also a sophomore, added, “I can see myself coming to Alcorn State. The school has many opportunities for its student that that could pay off in the future.”
For more information about this event and future agricultural high school tours, contact Carolyn L. Banks at [email protected] or (601) 877-6260.
