Hometown Brandon - Winter 2015

“For a long time I built things with wood and steel,
Mr. White has seen the Ag program at Brandon continue to grow since
he began, thirteen years ago. There were twenty-one students enrolled his
first year and this year there are one hundred twenty-five. Students must
first complete the Ag Science course before they can advance to Agriculture
and Natural Resources I and II, both taught by Mr. White. Students in all
Ag classes learn with multiple hands-on activities and lessons. The Ag
Science students are primarily in charge of the greenhouse, while Ag I and
II students work mainly in the shop and do welding.
Students in Ag Science are chosen to advance to Ag I and II based
on their attitude, attendance, and achievement. Mr. White says, “Students
are driven and want to put out the effort to excel. I just try to provide
opportunities every day, and I have high expectations. They know what
I expect of them.”
Not only do Mr. White’s students learn lifelong skills, there are many
opportunities to interact with the community. Recently, Ag II students
welded and constructed a shed for a group in Tupelo. Preliminary work
was done at the high school and then completed in Tupelo. Not only do
students gain construction skills, they also interact with people outside the
school, and in this case, outside the city.
The Ag department also sponsors an annual plant sale that is the
result of the collaboration of Ag Science students and
community members. The students and community
members work together to care for plants year round
and then offer them for sale in the spring. Those who
know Mr. White will not be surprised to know that proceeds from the plant
sale are shared with the special education program at BHS. Mr. White said,
“Those kids [in Special Ed.] will never go without as long as I’m here.”
When one thinks of school Ag programs, visions of livestock judging
and plant care are most likely the first things that come to mind. However,
Mr. White stresses that these are not the only skills that students learn.
“There is so much about our program that enables kids to learn how to
speak and stand up in front of a group, as well as how to work with their
hands.” Students who serve as officers of the local chapter of Future
Farmers of America (FFA) participate in a public speaking competition
called “Opening and Closing”. There are also Creed Speaking, Prepared
Public Speaking and Extemporaneous Public Speaking competitions.
Welding, Tractor, Tool Identification, Livestock Judging, and Dairy Judging
are FFA hands on competitions that students participate in as well.
Bob Robinson, Ag teacher at Pelahatchie High School, taught at BHS
for five years with Mr. White. Robinson and White grew up about two
miles apart and have known each other their whole lives. “I was very
blessed to have the opportunity to learn about FFA and teaching
from Andy,” Robinson says, “but I learned so much more
than that. We worked side by side very closely and even
though we didn’t always agree, there was never a harsh
word that passed between us. Everyday I saw a life lived
in service to Jesus Christ, as evidenced by his love for
everyone he comes in contact with.”
38 • Winter 2015