PAOLI — At Paoli Jr./Sr. High School, agriculture education is more than a classroom lesson — it’s hands-on learning that fills plates, supports local farmers, and develops future leaders.
The school’s unlimited fruit and vegetable bar, available to all students, is stocked with produce grown by the school’s very own Paoli Future Farmers of America (FFA) members.
Students plant crops every few weeks from August through mid-April, and maintain a hydroponics system that produces lettuce and tomatoes year-round. Their work extends beyond the school grounds, with signature “Farmer Bags” — filled with fresh produce and agricultural goods — delivered to area farmers during harvest season.
“We are proud to offer completely limitless fresh fruit and fresh vegetable bars at both Throop & Paoli Jr. & Sr.!,” the school said, “All children are encouraged to fill their trays with as much fresh fruit or fresh vegetables that they would like! They can even come back for more!! We are excited to offer our children a wide variety of super yummy fruits and veggies this school year! We are even more proud to be able to offer food currently being grown by our fantastic FFA!”
The program also operates a swine barn, where students raise pigs from August to April as part of their animal science studies.
Paoli FFA, recognized this past year as the top chapter in District 11 out of 22 schools, is led by agriculture teachers and FFA advisors Samantha Goen and Cory Scott. The chapter currently has more than 150 agriculture students, with about 85 active FFA members.
FFA members also compete at the district and state levels, earning top finishes in entomology, poultry judging, proficiency awards, and demonstrations in natural resources, plant and soil science, and food science.
Events and programs they offer are:
- Swine Program – Students raise and care for pigs as part of our animal science curriculum, learning about genetics, nutrition, and proper animal care.
- Farmer Bags – A signature community service project where members assemble and deliver bags of fresh produce, locally sourced food, and agricultural goods to area residents. These bags are designed to show appreciation for local producers and help meet their needs during busy seasons.
- Community Service – Hosting a Veterans Day breakfast, adopting families for the Angel Tree project, reading to elementary students during FFA Week, and other local outreach events.
- Leadership and Competition – Participation in parliamentary procedure contests, public speaking, livestock skillathon, soils judging, forestry, and other state and national FFA activities.
- Greenhouse & Plant Science – In addition to hydroponic lettuce and tomato production, we run a spring plant sale featuring flowers and garden vegetables grown by students.
For more information and photos of the program, Paoli FFA recommends visiting its Facebook page.
