Governor Perdue Announces Agriculture Week Observance Award Winner

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that East Jackson Elementary School in Commerce is the winner of the sixth annual Agricultural Awareness Week Observance Award.

“Georgia farmers continue to make our state one of the most vital and diversified farm economies in the nation,” said Governor Perdue. “Agriculture Awareness Week gives our students the opportunity to learn the importance of this evolving industry to all Georgians.”

During National Agriculture Week of March 14-20, fifth grade classes across the state were encouraged to participate in events and activities to help students learn about agriculture, Georgia’s oldest and largest industry. By using agriculture as a teaching tool for science, math, language arts and social studies, the students learned the origin of food and fiber, the economic and environmental contributions of agriculture and the impact of agriculture on society.

The East Jackson Elementary class was judged as best in the state for using innovative teaching techniques. During the week the students learned about the impact of farming on the economy, the impact of farming in their own lives, the kinds of products produced in Georgia and how Georgia ranks nationally in the production of various agricultural products.

The East Jackson students, led by teachers Dawn Brock and Charlotte Gilman, learned about Georgia agriculture through several creative avenues. Students participated in the Aggie Club, an adopt-a-chick program and a school gardening program, as well as learning about equipment safety, forestry programs and biotechnology. The other finalists were:

Bacon County Elementary, Alma

Buchanan Elementary, Buchanan

Carrolton Middle School 5th Grade, Carrollton

Citizens Christian Academy, Douglas

David Emanuel Academy, Stillmore

Ephesus Elementary, Roopville

Free Home Elementary, Canton

Northside Elementary, Cedartown

Washington-Wilkes Elementary, Washington

Wilcox County Elementary, Rochelle

The Agricultural Awareness Week Observance Award was initiated by Governor Perdue’s Agriculture Advisory Committee to promote awareness of the benefits of the agriculture industry.

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