Panther Aquaculture/Aquaponics debut, Thursday, 10/12/17

Russellville Junior/Senior High School held their debut of the Panther Pilot Aquaculture/Aquaponics program on Thursday, Oct. 12.  Aquaponics is a cutting-edge agriculture method which refers to any system that combines the raising of aquatic animals such as fish-in-tanks with the cultivation of plants-in-water in a symbiotic system.  For several years, Kentucky State University has been working with the Russellville Urban Gardening Project, a youth-based urban farm in downtown Russellville, to teach agriculture and promote the growing of chemical-free foods.  Distinguished guests from Kentucky State University presented activities and presentations with the students throughout the day involving Aquaculture, Drones in Agriculture, Careers in Agriculture, Bee Keeping and the Culinary Arts, and Organic Farming. KSU presenters were Dr. Shawn Lucas, Assistant Professor of Organic Agriculture; Mr. Andy Ong, Office & Facilities Manager College of Agriculture, Food Science & Sustainable Systems Cooperative Extension (drone operator); Mrs. Laura Rogers, Small Farm Area; Mr. Mason Crawford, Community Outreach Coordinator; and Ms. Janelle Hager, Research Associate, Aquaculture.  An assembly was held in the deGraffenried Auditorium for all students to hear from additional speakers: Mr. Roland Buton, Farmer Extraordinaire; Ms. Leigh Whittinghill, Assistant Professor of Urban Agriculture; Mr. Louis River, Director of Operations, Cooperative Extensive; Mr. Michael Whitmore, Russellville Urban Gardening Project (RUGP), Inc.; Mr. Austin Wright, Small Farm Agents; and Dr. Courtney Owens, Interim Assistant Administrator and State Specialist in Program and Staff Development.  In the afternoon a press conference was held at the greenhouse with the Kentucky State University dignitaries; Dr. Nancy J. Dawson, Dir. of Russellville Urban Gardening Project, Inc.; RHS Principal, Mr. Ben Bruni; Board Members, Mr. Philip West, Mr. Joe Sparks, Mr. & Mrs. James C. Milam; and Superintendent, Bart Flener taking part in the kick-off to an amazing learning experience for the students at RJSHS. Mrs. Tanya Mullen shared Kentucky State University and Dr. Nancy Dawson have been the key players in making the RJSHS Aquaculture dream a reality.  They have provided the equipment, staff, time, and valuable training to make this program a successful venture for which we are most grateful for their guidance and vision for this project.  Dr. Dawson started working with Russellville teachers Bethanie Hargett-Slack, Chris Holloman, Ashley McGinnis, and Tanya Mullen to implement projects within the classroom and create service projects in conjunction with the National Honor Society at the school, and she desired to include more students.  Wednesday evening, Oct. 11, students held a “clean-up” event at the RUGP site, and last April, nearly 200 students held Earth Day at the site.  RJSHS Instructors Tanya Mullen, Robbie McLellan, Ashley McGinnis, and Chris Holloman, were instrumental in the planning of the days’ events.  Although she was not be able to attend the press conference on Thursday, RISD Board member, Davonna Page, said, “I am so excited about this collaboration with KSU and the opportunities that this will afford our students!  Please extend my appreciation to KSU for their collaboration with our district and know that I welcome the opportunities for learning and exploration of farming methods and career opportunities this brings to our students.  Thank you so much for your enthusiastic love of teaching and for looking for opportunities to expand learning opportunities for our students. We R Panthers!”  Superintendent, Bart Flener, echoed Ms. Page by stating thanks for the hard work and efforts in this meaningful opportunity for our students.