VALDOSTA — On February 9th, the Lowndes County Board of Education recognized winners of the first “My Farm & Working Forest” Student Artwork Contest for original artwork illustrating their field trip educational experiences at the Raisin’ Cane working farm and working forest. Raisin’ Cane is a produce market and agri-tourism business located in Lowndes County.
The goal of Raisin’ Cane is for visitors to “experience agriculture” by touring a working farm. During the tour, visitors participate in displays and hands-on activities that demonstrate the journey food takes as it transforms from seed to kitchen table. Exhibits help students discover how tree farms produce a wide array of common consumer items that improve health and add value in everyday life. By the end of the Raisin Cane tours, students better understand where food comes from and are more aware of the products and benefits from the working forest.
Over 4,300 Pre-K through 5thgrade students from Valdosta City and Lowndes County schools participated in field trips at Raisin’ Cane during October and November 2014 which made them eligible to participate in the Artwork Contest. Teachers and students were provided Contest information, instructions, forms and related materials to encourage students to illustrate the importance of Georgia farms and working forests in their lives.
Students participated in four grade categories: Pre K – Kindergarten, 1st – 2nd Grade, 3rd – 4th Grade and 5th Grade. Each winning entry was awarded a prize, which-included $1,000 to each teacher of a winning student to use in their classroom, $250 for each winning student. The winning schools are also awarded a Project Learning Tree environmental professional development workshop, and the winning artwork will be displayed throughout the community and beyond. Winners included:
Category: Pre-K – Kindergarten
Student: Jorian Jackson
School: Clyattville Elementary
Grade: Kindergarten
Teacher: Michelle Chavarria
Category: 1st-2nd Grade
Student: Gabrielle Mays
School: Dewar Elementary
Grade: 1st
Teacher: Holly Reid
Category: 3rd-4th Grade
Student: Ciarra Ponder
School: Lake Park Elementary
Grade: 4th
Teacher: Kristin Trees
Category: 5th Grade
Student: Emilee Rowe
School: Lake Park Elementary
Grade: 5th
Teacher: Jennifer Sherouse
According to teacher Michelle Chavarria, “Jorian’s artwork portrays a working farm that shows trees cut down and new ones growing for our future. Jorian drew an animal barn, fences and a farmhouse to show different ways trees are used to help not only people, but the animals we love.” Ciarra Ponder, 4th grader, relayed, “In my drawing I chose to draw a farm scene with the time schedule to feed animals and a corn patch. The truck is our work truck only for work. We also have a few apples on the trees not picked and there are some in the crate. Matt is our helper that digs holes so we can plant our plants. Lara is our animal helper. She feeds the pigs, cows, horses and chickens. Lara and Matt are great helpers, but they leave 10:00 Friday morning. The lake we use every day to water our plants. We make sure that lake gets filled up every once in a while. Everyone is going off today with the animals to go to Indiana for Christmas.” Emilee Rowe, 5th grader, interpreted her drawing, “The farmer is taking care of the animals and planting crops for the next harvest. The horse is watching the farmer work and eating hay. The pig in the pen is rolling around in the mud and well just playing and being lazy. The small bunny is getting into mischief but still helping the farmer by digging holes and eating the rotten food. The chickens and chicks are laying eggs and eating corn. Finally, the birds are eating some of the apples but don’t eat the seeds and spreads them.”
Director of CTAE and Public Relations for Lowndes County Schools, Lynne Wilson introduced Beth Meeks, Area Marketing Coordinator for Georgia Grown. Ms. Meeks presented the winners with a letter of appreciation from Commissioner Gary Black, Georgia Department of Agriculture. She described how the Contest promotes unique education for students regarding agriculture. Jessica Lee spoke on behalf of the Georgia Forestry Commission and described several products and benefits obtained from working forests. Concluding the presentation was Jessica Bolesta, Raisin’ Cane, who provided a summary of the Contest and presented winners with financial awards. The Board recognized the educational value of the Contest and expressed appreciation to Mr. Wesley Langdale for his vision to launch the Contest. Mr. Langdale thanked everyone for their support and encouraged ongoing participation and community involvement.
Award presentation ceremonies were held at the schools of the winning students and teachers on February 12. An enlarged display of the student’s winning artwork was available for the viewing of fellow students and teachers.The winners received commemorative big checks and framed copies of their artwork.
Planning is underway for the next Contest in the spring of this year for students and teachers attending Raisin’ Cane field trips during March and April. A fall 2015 contest is also planned for student field trips in October and November.
More information about the Raisin’ Cane My Farm and Working Forest Artwork Contest can be found at their website www.raisincanevaldosta.com and Facebook page. Working forest information is available at www.forestry4rfuture.org.
Photo captions:
Winning students and their teachers are recognized at Feb. 9th Lowndes County School Board Meeting. Pictured (l to r) Jennifer Sherouse, Emilee Rowe, Kristin Trees, Ciarra Ponder, Holly Reid, Gabrielle Mays, Michelle Chavarria and Jorian Jackson.
Students at Lake Park Elementary attend award presentation ceremony.
Lynne J. Wilson:Director of CTAE and Public Relations Lowndes County Schools
