Moore described her influences for becoming an ag teacher: “My father was an ag teacher and instilled the passion for FFA and ag class within me...Once I did my student teaching, I realized teaching ag is what I really loved and wanted to do.”When asked what her reasons for teaching ag are, she responded, “I enjoy teaching kids about an amazing industry that many know little about. Agriculture offers many opportunities for any person. I want kids to realize this and the need for the industry to sustain our country and world. It is a really great thing to see embraced and appreciated.”
Although new at OHS, she displayed the enthusiasm of an experienced attendee of Ag Day. “It's a blast! I have never experienced anything quite like it. I enjoyed seeing the projects students brought and displayed...Any type of event where students get to enjoy themselves and also learn more about the ag industry gets me really excited and ready to jump in with both feet.”
She is also getting involved with the NC State Fair. On Thursday, October 11, and Friday, October 12, the Ag Department is taking ten pigs and ten goats to show. “Showing an animal gives students real hands on opportunities to understand responsibility, dedication, and hard work,” Moore explained.
October 5th, Orange High School held their annual Ag Day for the students. “It was an all around good time!” exclaimed Coach Brian Grant. Throughout the day, students showed their country pride by participating in pie eating contests, barbecue cooking contests, and showing off prize winning animals.So many activities were introduced this year that have never been included in the past. Thanks to all the Ag students, this was definitely an Ag day to remember.
By gathering information from the students, Den Echoes was able to understand what Ag day was all about.
“You're going to love the farm smell!” Senior Taylor Reynolds said ironically. However, there is some truth in the statement; the air outside of the barn was filled with the sweet smell of barbecue as students brought tents to make their own meals. Some students even bring their farm animals to show off in the Ag Barn.
Aside from country pride, representing breast cancer awareness is also a big part of Ag day. For only one dollar, the cheerleaders took the liberty of spraying students' hair pink for the cause, raising money to donate to a breast cancer foundation. Almost all of the OHS clubs had an organized booth during Ag day as the Ag building was full of candies, deserts or handmade goods.
A new addition to the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) booth was a corn hole competition, which consist of throwing a bean bag on acutout plywood board and trying to get the bean bag through the hole, as well as their traditional sale of OHS apparel.
Students had the opportunity to show their strength by bench pressing their top weight, a competition supervised by Coach Bobby Shriner. Ag day did not only feature physical contests, but talent contests as well. The newly instated talent show was a hit as a crowd gathered as OHS students and teachers showed off their skills. Towards the end, students were able to get up on stage and show off the best of their abilities.
“Folks that don't usually get to experience Ag activities had a blast!” Senior Tristan Martin exclaimed, showing the enthusiasm that was mirrored by many who attended.