10/08/2026
Last night our Agriscience Program was recognized for receiving the 2026 MAAE Outstanding Middle/Secondary Program Award. At the time of application, the program was led by Renee Schweitzer and Chase Bos and is now under the direction of Elizabeth Kurtz. The Newaygo County Career-Tech Center demonstrates excellence in classroom instruction, experiential learning, leadership development, community partnerships, and student success.
Our program serves students from seven school districts and was re-chartered in 2012. What began with just 27 students has grown into a thriving program featuring animal science, plant science, food science, agriscience research, and project-based learning opportunities supported by a greenhouse, hoop house, barn, food science lab, and two classrooms.
At the heart of our program is a commitment to AFNR education for all. Every student participates in meaningful leadership and experiential learning opportunities. Over the last five years, virtually every student has competed in a state-level FFA event, while 100 percent of students have maintained multiple Supervised Agricultural Experiences through the program's commitment to the SAE for All model. Students gain hands-on experience caring for livestock, managing greenhouse crops, conducting research projects, and exploring career pathways that prepare them for future success.
In the past five years program members have earned multiple American and State FFA Degrees, state championships in Career and Leadership Development Events, national recognition in proficiency awards and agriscience research, and two three-star National Chapter Awards. Our students consistently demonstrate excellence in both technical and leadership skills.
