Thanks to a prize-winning salsa recipe, state officials took part in learning activities in several classrooms September 16 during a visit to Hopkins County Schools. They saw students solve math problems before starting to build a model house, determine ph levels of hydroponics, learn about baby chicks, and more.

Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell and Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher visited Madisonville North Hopkins High School and Pride Elementary School as part of their All In for Ag Education Week Tour. The visit was related to MNHHS FFA winning the Kentucky Department of Agriculture School Garden Salsa Contest. Their recipe includes sweet corn from the school’s test plot and honey from their hives. The state officials were among the contest judges.

While at MNHHS, visitors got to tour the medical clinic that’s under construction in a shipping container behind the school. This is the second project like this completed by ag classes and other students at the school. About 420 students helped complete the first Freight Box Challenge project, and they’re hoping for more participation this time around. That clinic was shipped to Liberia, Africa.

At Pride Elementary, 5th graders were introduced to baby chicks by North FFA members. They learned about parts of the egg and how chicks hatch. The session ended with the chicken dance! Pride, which has been home to the Courtyard of Curiosity program for nearly 15 years, was also recognized for student participation in the salsa contest. Thanks to all the special visitors who came to our district!