By EMMA HOPKINS-O’BRIEN

Indiana Correspondent

ARCADIA, Ind. — Beyond involvement in FFA, many high schools in Indiana do not cover agriculture as a class subject; however, some such as Hamilton Heights High School of Arcadia have made it a priority to involve students in the increasingly relevant industry.

Three weeks ago, Hamilton Heights dedicated its new greenhouse at an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Among the activities was a tour of the more than 2,000 square-foot facility introduced by the high school’s principal, Jarrod Mason.

“The field of agriculture is so broad and full of practical, authentic learning opportunities.” he said. “The greenhouse supports that because it really is a living, breathing learning tool where students can see the fruits of their labor in real time.”

The $800,000 structure is state-of-the-art and expected to provide interactive lessons for students in agriculture, horticulture and various science classes. Mason said the greenhouse was funded through Project Vision Bonds.

The greenhouse will be part of the school district’s agriculture studies and FFA program. Mason said the number of students enrolled in agriculture classes has increased this year.

Emilie Carson, ag educator and FFA advisor for Hamilton Heights, will be conducting most of the classes and projects using the greenhouse. She said students will learn horticulture and plant and soil sciences through a variety of labs, as well as the best methods to operate a large-scale greenhouse.

“I think the greenhouse will entice more students to take agriculture classes and increase FFA participation in horticulture, as well as encourage parents’ interest in our program,” Carson explained.

State Rep. Tony Cook (R-District 32), a former Hamilton Heights superintendent, was in attendance for the unveiling of the greenhouse. “Heights continues to set the bar through its investment in quality learning spaces, thanks to great vision and planning of its past and present board and administrative leadership,” he said.

Students may also gain business or economic skills through the new addition by managing sales of their produce. FFA students will be growing flowers and vegetables to fund field trips and conventions.

“We have talked about providing plants for our other clubs in the school for them to buy and sell as a fundraiser,” Mason said. “We already have clubs doing plant sales. It would be nice to keep that money in a cycle, of sorts, in our own building with our own students.”

Carson said students and teachers alike are anticipatory of the potential of their new greenhouse.

“I am very excited to see how much the students can learn with this facility,” Mason added. “The students are extremely excited. I've talked enough about it, and with Beck's right up the road, they see the possibilities and can't wait to begin. The small amount of plants this year shown at the open house has stirred much interest already.”