Cross Creek agriculture teacher reaps state award

Stacey Highfill's background put her on her career path.

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Kendrick Brinson/Staff

Stacey Highfill, an agricultural teacher at Cross Creek High School, reacts after receiving the National Association of Agricultural Educators' Outstanding Young Member Award during a conference at Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites.

"I grew up on a small farm in Thomson, and most of my family is involved in agriculture in some way," said the Cross Creek High School agriculture teacher. "I also had a desire to teach when I was growing up.

"So it's kind of natural for me to be an agriculture teacher. I get both loves in one."

Mrs. Highfill is the 2008 Georgia winner of the Outstanding Young Member Award, given by the National Association of Agricultural Educators.

She was presented the award Monday during the opening meeting and awards luncheon at the Georgia Vocational Association for Agricultural Educators' conference at the Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites.

The award is given to agricultural educators who have been teaching for six years or less. Applicants are judged on criteria that include their teaching philosophy, development of partnerships, instruction and experiential learning.

"Winning the award not only makes me feel awesome, it makes me proud, because I'm representing Cross Creek, Richmond County and, most importantly, my (National FFA Organization) chapter. This award is for them," Mrs. Highfill said.

From the start, getting the pupils interested in agriculture has been key, she said.

"It provided a challenge for me because many of the students didn't know what agriculture is, or they would think of farming," she said. "Agriculture is so much more than just farming.

"My goal with every class is to teach them in a way that when they leave they realize how cool agriculture is and the opportunities it can provide."

Many of the students now look forward to learning more about the topic and going up against other students in the organization's competitions, she said.

The students have won several awards, including a gold-star standard award, which they will be awarded during the National FFA Organization's convention in October, she said

"These students are really dedicated," Mrs. Highfill said. "I'm looking forward to seeing how far we can go this school year."

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