2011 Proceedings - National FFA Organization

AgrisciEncE AwArds continuEd
Ami Adams named
agriscience student
runner-up
Parts of the east coast once had large
populations of terrapins, particularly in
areas such as Maryland and New Jersey.
But because terrapins were considered a
delicacy, they were aggressively hunted
and at one point faced extinction. With
the help of Ami Adams and other conservationists,
terrapin populations could see
significant growth in the coming years.
This research has now won her national
honors.
Adams was named Agriscience
Student of the Year Runner Up at the
84th National FFA Convention during
an onstage ceremony. She is a member
of the Cape May Tech FFA Chapter in
Cape May Court House, N.J. Her chapter
advisors are JoAnn Sopchak and Hans
Soft. She is the daughter of Violanda and
Michael Adams.
Adams conducted experiments on
diamondback terrapins, which are the
only sea turtles common to southern
New Jersey. Her goal was to determine
what feed ration resulted in the best rates
of gain in young terrapins. Adams has
shared her findings with a local wetlands
institute with the goals of improving both
terrapin health and population. Currently
attending Franklin and Marshall College
in Lancaster, Pa., she is studying environmental
studies with a minor in physics.
Her long-term goal is to become an environmental
lawyer.
NAAE names the 2011 National
Agriscience Teacher of the Year
In Atwater High School in California, agriculture students are
asking questions. They follow up these questions with hypotheses, experiments,
data collection and conclusions. These students are learning the scientific method in
elizabeth Knapp’s agriculture courses. Since combining agriculture and science courses
five years ago, Atwater’s program has expanded from three sections of agricultural
biology to 16 sections of agricultural biology, agricultural life science, agricultural earth
science, and agricultural environmental science. Student enrollment soared from 344 to
824 individual students.
The program’s success is thanks to Knapp’s firm belief that agriculture courses
should be hands-on with student-led discoveries based in the scientific method. By
collaborating weekly with science teachers, Knapp has created an environment where
students apply concepts they have learned in the classroom to their own agricultural
activities. Because of her success, Knapp was selected as the 2011 National Agriscience
Teacher of the Year.
The National Agriscience Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers who have
inspired and enlightened their students through engaging and interactive lessons in the
science of agriculture.
Each year, one National Agriscience Teacher of the Year is selected from a group
of four finalists at the National FFA Convention. Along with Knapp, this year’s finalists
were Michelle Sutton, Sara Clark and Matt Eddy. Each finalist receives a plaque, a $500
award, and a $1,500 grant to purchase agriscience equipment for their school. They also
receive round-trip airfare, registration and lodging for the National Association of Agricultural
Educators convention.
As the National Agriscience Teacher of the Year award winner, Knapp receives a
school plaque, an individual plaque, an additional $2,000 award and a $1,500 grant to
purchase agriscience equipment for her school.
8 Believe Proceedings 2011