Growing Their Future

by Charlotte Skipper

Oviedo High School’s science department recently got an upgrade – and its refined curriculum is offering new opportunities for students who are considering careers in the agriculture industry.

The school’s Agricultural Biotechnology Pathway was introduced at the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year and is the only Seminole County Public Schools high school program focusing on agricultural science. 

The new pathway of learning encompasses everything from food science and animal care to machinery and agriculture history, says teacher Cherie Brinkman. Also, she notes, the need for more employees in the agriculture industry is real – which makes the program an especially timely addition. 

“There are a lot fewer students going into the agricultural field, and even less in farming,” says Cherie. “There is a lot of need to make sure we can sustain the population and have enough food and resources for our future generations.”

Rooted in Knowledge

The Agricultural Biotechnology Pathway is an addition to the school’s already established Industrial Biotechnology Pathway. Combined, the pathways make up a Program of Emphasis (POE) called Roots to Research. Through hands-on learning and innovative study plans, students are prepared for success in farming and other agricultural fields.

At the end of each program level, the pupils take a certification test – which helps bolster their college applications and job resumes. Because she has more relaxed curriculum requirements than a traditional science classroom, Cherie can see the difference in how students learn and retain information from week to week.

“My classroom is run completely differently, because it’s centered on experiential learning. It’s meant for students to think outside the box and put their learning into action,” says Cherie. “We have units that we need to touch on here, but because it’s new, I get a lot of creative freedom to decide what direction and what labs to do. There are more opportunities for creativity, and more time for subjects the students really enjoy.” 

Between group activities and classroom lectures, the 21 enrolled freshmen and sophomores are learning to cultivate greens in a hydroponics system. Later, those greens will be fed to the two class rabbits, Terminator and Sarah. The students have also watched chickens hatch and are now discovering how to care for young poultry. 

In Our Own Backyards

Many of the pupils are using their pre-existing backgrounds in agriculture to collaborate with classmates and turn their real-world knowledge into potential career plans.

“Some of my students grow gardens with their families or take care of livestock and poultry at home,” says Cherie. “It’s important that we start locally, and learn what’s happening in our own backyards. The best way to teach someone is for them to be able to do it, and if they can envision themselves doing it, then they can feel more confident.”

Among the students with prior experience is Anabelle Mock, a ninth grader.

“I grow a lot of plants at home with my family, so I knew I’d like it if I joined the program,” says Anabelle. “We focus so much more on the hands-on science of plants and animals compared to other science classes I’ve taken.”

Although not every student in Cherie’s class is set on a career in agriculture, she sees many of the teens using the lessons they learn to tailor their own futures. And as more students enroll in the Agricultural Biotechnology Pathway, more will be exposed to an important field of study.

“They’re noticing things they may now be interested in that they never were open to before,” says Cherie. “They might not pursue something exactly related to agriculture, but they’re learning the steps to making a positive change in the future, no matter what field they choose.”