Local Nonnewaug Student Wins FFA Award

Since she was a child, Liz Cole has loved horses. It was that interest that led her to choose to attend Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury rather than the traditional experience offered at Newtown High School. When she entered high school in the fall of 2002, Liz enrolled in the Ellis Clark Regional Agri-Science Program. Her plan was to study equine management. As classes began, Liz found that the management courses were geared to students who had no background in the field and much of the information presented was repetitive for her.

She decided to switch to Agricultural Products coursework, which included studying animal science, plant science, ag mechanics, computers, and leadership training. Liz commented, “It was nice to learn something new. It gives you a different perspective.”

Liz joined Future Farmers of America (FFA). Within the program, students participate in supervised agricultural experiences (SAE). The student must have a job in an agricultural field. The program requires 200 hours of work per school year. Logs must kept of hours worked, topics the student wants to learn, and skills acquired.

When students become juniors and seniors, they can submit the work they do in SAEs for competition. Reports called proficiencies detail goals, skills, activities, earnings, and hours, and include photographs. Liz worked at a local horse farm, giving riding lessons and caring for the horses. She submitted her proficiency in the Outdoor Recreation category and won gold at the state level.

In August, state winners compete on the national level. The top four winners of nationals are judged in November when a top winner is chosen. Last year, Liz submitted her work under Ag Services, winning at the state level and taking silver at nationals.

Liz also participated in a career development event, joining the Parliamentary Procedure Team. On this team, students learn about debating and following Roberts’ Rules of Order. Her team attended a statewide competition, earning first place.

Additionally, Liz edited her high school yearbook and was a member of Envirothon II, Nonnewaug’s environmental awareness club. She rides four days per week and is graduating sixth in her class. In the fall, she will attend Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Penn. Liz plans to major in biochemistry and getting into research.

When asked about Liz’s choices, her mother, Sheila, said, “I thought Nonnewaug would be a good fit. It was a good way to see if horse management was for her. She gained a lot of life skills through the program. I am very proud of all her accomplishments and the young woman she is becoming.”

Bill Davenport, program director and one of Liz’s teachers, commented, “Liz is amazing. She’s one of those kids you wish you could clone. It’s amazing how she balances everything she does.”