Cal Poly Rep Kimi Yamamoto, who was in the Agriculture Science Academy while she was a student at SPHS, provided information to students considering their options. Associates Insectary was a favorite destination, where longtime employee Bill Grant told the story of the Santa Paula company and presented a display featuring interesting posters and live insects that are beneficial to agriculture.

Agriculture Museum hosts first Agriculture Career Fair for students

March 05, 2014
Santa Paula News

By Susan Branham

Santa Paula Times

High school and college students found opportunity right on their own doorstep Saturday when the Museum of Ventura County Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula held its First Annual Agriculture Career Fair. Early farming equipment and display tables lined the rooms with exhibits that ranged from fragrant lemons to live beneficial insects. Students met with representatives from agriculture businesses, and colleges with agricultural programs to learn about promising educational and employment choices. 

Students from the Santa Paula High School Agriculture Science Academy enjoyed the chance to plan for their futures. “It’s really fun,” Brenda Soto said. “We get to learn about offerings and opportunities. We’re getting ideas and information we can use.”

Carolina Flores agreed, grateful to learn possibilities for her future school and career choices. “We’re learning what we can get into,” she explained.

The table hosted by Associates Insectary was a favorite destination, where longtime employee Bill Grant told the story of the Santa Paula company and presented a display featuring interesting posters and live insects that are beneficial to agriculture. Lots of printed handouts were available for students, as well. 

Museum Director of Education Anne Thille had a busy day, answering questions and greeting students and representatives from different schools and programs. Early arrivals included a student from Cal Lutheran University, and an ambitious younger student. “We even had a middle school student who rode here on his bike,” she said.

Four officers of the SPHS chapter of the Future Farmers of America visited each exhibit. The FFA is a national organization that promotes agricultural education. SPHS FFA President Lauren Shield explained that they work to get the word out about the FFA.

Students from SPHS gathered around the Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo tables. Juvehal Magana, whose family has an agricultural background, and some of his classmates were interested in learning about the colleges. Cal Poly Rep Kimi Yamamoto, who was in the Agriculture Science Academy while she was a student at SPHS, provided information to students considering their options.

Erynn Smith, director of education for the Abundant Table/Join the Farm organization informed students about their local five-acre farm “that provides access to fresh local veggies in Santa Paula.” The display even featured recipes for cooks. “I’m excited to be here and see interested Santa Paula students,” Smith said.





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