The Woodland High School Agriculture Program was among the six programs recognized by the Yolo County School Boards Association for Excellence in Education last week.
WHS Agriculture program leaders Adilene Bermudez, Jerry Delsol, and Eric Dyer were honored with the Program Award at YCSBA's annual award ceremony on Sept. 25.
According to a Woodland Joint Unified School District press release, the YCSBA recognizes programs and leadership excellence from the five school districts across Yolo County, individuals and programs from the Yolo County Office of Education, and the Los Rios and Yuba community college districts.
WJUSD Board President Rogelio Villagrana introduced each employee at the ceremony.
"It is my honor and privilege to announce our recipients of the Program Award and to help recognize them for their dedication and commitment to our school District, our students, and our community," he said.
The program was recognized for being a leader in our community and throughout our state and nation.
"The Woodland High School Ag Program is special because it offers our students unique opportunities to explore agriculture, develop practical skills, and foster a sense of community," Bermudez said. "It is a place where passion for agriculture and leadership thrive. Through our ag program, students learn to grow as individuals and make a positive impact on the lives of those in their community."
Woodland Ag students have competed and won at the regional, state, and national levels. The department has also hosted over 30 student teachers and acts as a center for mentoring other ag teachers throughout the state.
In addition to raising and showing animals at the Yolo County Fair, students also created numerous horticulture projects in the Woodland High School greenhouse. Their garden has produced over 3,000 pounds of food annually, which is all used in the school's culinary program, cafeteria, and local food closets.
"This award means quite a bit for me primarily because of the 41 years I've put into this," Delsol said. "But the thing that I'm really proud of is that it is a family affair. It's not just a particular student that comes along. It's the family that I think is really important. Because when we go to events, like the County Fair or competitions, the kids are not just there themselves, they are carrying their family with them as well."
Woodland Future Farmers of America student Brooke Russo, a WHS senior with six years of FFA experience, said the award recognizes students' efforts and reinforces community support for the program.
"What this accomplishment means to me is not only that it brings pride to our chapter and reflects how hard we work each and every day, but it also gives us that reassurance and the support that we feel that we need from the community to keep growing in everything we do," Brook Russo said. "This program, especially at Woodland, is so diverse. Ag teachers Ms. Hernandez, Ms. Bermudez, Mr. Dyer, and Mr. Delsol put forth their whole lives to make sure students get these experiences and opportunities."
As a Woodland FFA parent and President of the Woodland FFA Boosters, Samantha Russo touted the program for its forward-thinking, innovation, and leadership opportunities for students.
"Agriculture represents the future of our world," Samantha Russo said. "Without agriculture, we can't keep living, so these instructors and this program are teaching these kids how to thrive in agriculture and how to be leaders. I have pride and joy in agriculture and so does my daughter. I see it in her eyes when she speaks about agriculture and about leadership opportunities. You see a twinkle in your student's eyes and it means the world to me."
Agriculture teacher Eric Dyer said the award highlights the value that the program provides to students and the community.
"We are proud to be a part of our community," Dyer said. "After many years of success, this recognition is a blessing and it verifies that agriculture is an important part of our community. Through agriculture, we serve all students and help them get ready for college or a career. I am very thankful to all those in our community who have enjoyed their participation in the FFA and the Woodland Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Academy."
Superintendent Elodia Ortega-Lampkin congratulated employees for their stellar performance.
"We couldn't be prouder of our agriculture program," Ortega-Lampkin said. "Our agriculture students are highly engaged, articulate, and professional, thanks to their hard work and the passion that our instructors provide to the program each day. Congratulations on receiving this award. It is very much deserved for your invaluable contributions to our students' success."
Other WJUSD employees honored during the YCSBA's annual award ceremony include Julie Bourdet, a sixth grade teacher at Tafoya Elementary School, and Erika Berber, a counselor at Freeman Elementary School, who were honored with the Salute to Educator Award; classified employees Teresa Velasco, Lucila Gomez, Michelle Montoya, and Jose Goche who received the Classified School Employee of the Year Award; WJUSD Trustee Bibiana Garcia who received an Individual Excellence Award; and Melissa Edsall who was named the 2024 Yolo County Teacher of the Year.
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