HVRHS Ag-Ed event connects to community

FALLS VILLAGE — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s Agriculture Education program hosted their annual open house on May 17 and 18. The two-day event featured presentations of the students’ Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) projects along with activities and information in the Ag-Ed wing of the high school.

More than 200 children from across the Northwest corner attended the event during the day on May 17. Groups of students ranging from three to 14 participated in all the open house had to offer as they moved through the stations.

Led by current high school students, guests enjoyed activities such as hayrides, a petting zoo, and square dancing while learning about what the Ag-Ed program entails.

“All the kids have something to show and demonstrate,” said David Moran, Ag-Ed department head. “But tonight is what it’s all about. It’s pretty impressive.”

On the evening of May 17, more than 600 members of the community attended the open house. Students presented their SAE projects to guests and judges, including sophomore Cole Dennis’ presentation on trout.

“I’m going to be explaining trout care and a little bit about the four species of trout,” said Dennis, before providing information on how to best care for trout populations and differentiate between various types of trout.

All the presentations were evaluated by judges based on performance and knowledge of their respective topics.

The open house offered the opportunity for guests of all ages to interact with the Ag-Ed program.

“It’s really a community connection,” said Moran.