Education Update 2023 Recipients

Kelly McIntyre

Second Grade, McSwain Elementary

Lesson: Honey Bees

Amy Whitfield

First Grade, Pioneer Elementary

Lesson: Dairy

Growing up as a part of a ranching family I was able to understand first hand the importance of farming and dedication of farmers. As a teacher I try to make opportunities in my classroom for students to learn as much as possible about the community they live in and the people who help keep them fed and clothed. Living in the ce ntral valley is such a blessing and there is agriculture all around us, but kids don't look outside their car window Most students do not understand where food comes from and assume that the grocery store is the only 'place' that is involved. Our one trip to the cheese factory helped students understand ALL of the different steps and people involved to make products like cheese and ice cream From farm ers to milkers to truck drivers and factory workers.

Stephanie Garcia

Second Grade, McSwain Elementary

Lesson: Honey Bees

I believe it is important to teach agriculture in the classroom because we are surrounded by it. A lot of kids don't know that the trees and fields surrounding our school and in our county are growing food to feed our country and community Now they have a deeper understanding of what is happening next door

Cynthia

Cassady

Second Grade, McSwain Elementary

Lesson: Honey Bees

I believe that it is important to teach agriculture in the classroom, because students need to know the part that the agricultural community plays in their lives Students need to understand where their food comes from and the hard work that goes into providing food for their community In our rural community, my students are surrounded by agriculture. I want them to make the connection that these farms are where their food comes from It is important for them to realize that without farms and farmers, they will not have food. I want them to understand that we need to save our farms and our agricultural land so that we can provide food for our families in the future

Sergio De Alba

I believe it is important to teach agriculture in the classroom because students get to learn where food comes from and all of the effort that goes into it. It allows the students to understand the process and realize that it does not magically appear at the grocery store They also learn how it impacts their community and world around them

Stefanie Hoffman

Second Grade, McSwain Elementary

Lesson: Honey Bees

It is important for our scholars to engage and learn about agriculture from a young age for many reasons. More specifically, it helps them gain perspective on their impact in the world and community. They begin to see the role that every creature and person has, big or small In turn, it inspires learners to contribute to our environment in meaningful ways. Our learners will be the future policy makers, consumers, buyers and dreamers that will shape our future Therefore, it is essential they have a solid foundation of agricultural understanding to ensure they leave a positive footprint in our would

Sixth Grade, R.M. Miano Elementary

Lesson: Ag Science Club Nursery & Plant Sale

I believe that it is important to teach agriculture in the classroom because educated students appreciate the importance of Ag in our community and in turn, understand their value to our nation’s success.

Jessica Coronado

Fourth Grade, Joe Stefani Elementary

Lesson: Central Valley Crops

I believe that it is important to educate and teach about agriculture in the classroom because our students should know where our food comes from and the process it takes to bring nutritious foods to our plate It is also a way to honor the farmers, the fieldworkers and their familiies that work diligently in our community. Furthermore, it is a learning opportunity for our students when they are exposed to science and the future variety of careers in the industry of agriculture

By: JoLynn Miller, UCANR

Contributor: Russell Hill; Merced, Madera, and Mariposa County 4-H Youth Development Advisor

History of Volunteering

Volunteering is part of the fabric of our nation. From the very beginning, community members banded together to help each other out. One of our founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, started the first volunteer firehouse in 1736 and other efforts followed, often in support of the Revolutionary War. In the 1800s religious organizations fed the homeless and helped those less fortunate. Also, in the 1800s many well-known organizations were formed. These include the YMCA, American Red Cross, and United Way. During the 1900s volunteering increased with organizations like Rotary, Lions Club, and Kiwanis. Many of these volunteer organizations were focused on helping people in need, but youth serving organizations also got their start in the early 1900s; organizations like 4-H, Camp Fire Girls, Boys and Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts.

Current Trends

Nationally, and in California, volunteer rates increased during the 1970's, 80's, and 90's. Numbers hit a peak in the mid-2000s. Over the last ten years, those rates have remained steady or slightly dropped. In 2021, over 5.5 million formal volunteers contributed 379.2 million hours of service through organizations, with an estimated worth of $13.5 billion (Americorps.gov). This equates to roughly 18.3% of California residents who formally volunteered through organizations. Over 46.1% of residents report doing a favor for a neighbor which is a type of informal volunteering. Virtual volunteering increased prior to and during the pandemic. It allows community members to help organizations even when they are not in town. Things like accounting, writing newsletters, website design, or social media are all jobs volunteers can do virtually and on their own schedule.

Benefits to YOU

Did you know you might live longer if you volunteer? The Mayo Clinic cites research that shows volunteering leads to improved physical and mental health. In addition, in 2005 a longitudinal study showed folks that volunteer live longer than those that don't.