Pictured is JoAnn Sopchak from Cape May County Technical High School receiving the NAAE Outstanding Middle/Secondary School Ag Education Program award from past FFA Foundation president David Miller.

COURT HOUSE – The Cape May County Technical High School Agricultural Education Program is one of only six programs nationwide who received the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Outstanding Middle/ Secondary Agricultural Education Program Award on Nov. 16 at the NAAE annual convention in St. Louis.

The high school re-established the agriculture program in 2004 at the urging of community members. After much planning and collaboration the school district created a three year, three level program. Areas of focus include plant, soil, and environmental science with a high concentration in mathematics. The district stressed the fact that they wanted students who could communicate effectively, make professional decisions, and possess the basic skills necessary for success in the agriculture industry.

“The most difficult thing for an agriculture teacher to do is teach students about agriculture who have no prior knowledge, experience or exposure. As all young people are unique - so should be their education,” said JoAnn Sopchak, Agriscience and Horticulture Technology teacher at Cape May Tech.

A unique feature of their program is the horticulture career pathway, in which students “own” part of the program. Students are responsible for maintaining greenhouses, turf grass areas, and landscape beds. This offers students a sense of responsibility, and with this comes motivation to work hard and master the skills that are essential to success.

“We recognized her talents in the field of agricultural studies and resurrected our green house program. Within two years, JoAnn contributed to a fledging FFA program and since has helped our chapter become one of the most recognized in the state,” said Michael Adams, Principal of Cape May Tech.

Each of the six regional Outstanding Middle/Secondary Program Award winners received a plaque and expense paid trip to attend the NAAE convention in St Louis. National FFA Alumni Association sponsors the Outstanding Middle/ Secondary Agricultural Education Program Award as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. NAAE is the professional association for agricultural educators. Its mission is “professionals providing agricultural education for the global community through visionary leadership, advocacy and service.” For more information about Cape May Tech, visit www.capemaytech.com