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Hands on learning: Agriculture & Sustainability with Foley High School


Ryan Caver, Superintendent for Graham Creek Nature Preserve, explains how pitcher plants survive and how the bogs are so important to our ecosystem.


Ken Kelly with Alabama Cooperative Extension Systems gives a fun and interactive presentation to the students called "Are you smarter than a farmer?"


Foley High School teachers and students learn about saline levels in water and how oyster reefs filter and clean surrounding water. They made decoupage oyster ornaments and salt bath bombs after the lesson!



Foley High School had it's second industry tour of the school year, and it the second year of the Gateway to Great Careers program. One of the key strengths of the program is the opportunity it provides for students to engage with professionals working in the field. These interactions often result in mentorships, internships, and networking opportunities that can pave the way for future success. Employers, in turn, benefit from connecting with enthusiastic young talent, and the community grows stronger as local industries invest in the future workforce.


Gateway to Great Careers doesn’t just highlight traditional career paths but also exposes students to new and emerging industries that are reshaping the job market. From renewable energy to artificial intelligence, students learn about cutting-edge fields that are shaping the future of work.


The day began at Graham Creek Nature Preserve, a 500-acre nature park and home to hundreds of plant and wildlife species. Ryan Caver, Superintendent of the preserve, and Hayden Hopkins, Park Ranger, took the 23 students on a 1.5 hour wagon ride throughout the preserve where they stopped along the way and discussed the pitcher plant bog, bee habitat, long leaf pine restoration project, and many other opportunities within the park like the kayak launch, archery park, playground, and tree well known disc golf courses.


By bringing the classroom into the community, Gateway to Great Careers is helping students unlock their potential and empowering them to take control of their futures. It's a gateway not just to great careers, but to limitless possibilities. As students explore different industries and discover what excites them, they can set their sights on achieving personal and professional success, equipped with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to thrive. Most of these students didn't realize Graham Creek Nature Preserve and the hiking trails are right in their backyard!


The second half of the field trip was spent at the Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores. We had several speakers and interactive projects. The students event got to interact with a non venomous snake, and learn how to identify other snakes (fake) on a scavenger hunt on the park grounds.


Whether a student dreams of becoming an oyster farmer, park ranger, or snake handler, Gateway to Great Careers ensures they are equipped with the skills and insights needed to embark on their journey. It's a program that reminds us all of the power of opportunity—and the bright future that lies ahead for our next generation of leaders.


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