ABERDEEN, S.D. – Every day since mid-March, Aberdeen Central junior Justice Malsom has been caring for the plants in the ATEC Academy greenhouse.
“I come out here and start watering, managing the plants, fertilizing, whatever they might need that day,” said Malsom, a teacher’s aide for Ag Teacher Maleri McCloud and secretary for Central’s FFA chapter.
Now, that hard work—by Malsom and his fellow FFA students—has paid off. Numerous flowers, vegetables and herbs are in bloom this spring in the greenhouse, and CHS FFA is even holding its first ever plant sale.
The sale will be open to the public 3:30-6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. The public is asked to please enter through the south doors of the ATEC building.
“We’re excited to see how it goes,” she said.
Proceeds from the sale will go toward FFA’s trip to Nationals this fall. Malsom said he’s excited for the event, as it’s his first time attending.
Despite his success with the greenhouse, Malsom said he never dealt with plants before.
“But I live on a farm, so that might be where some of it comes from,” he said.
He plans to go to college for diesel machinery and work on his family farm afterward.
For now, he’s definitely taken advantage of the hands-on learning opportunities that ATEC has to offer—he also helped build the greenhouse display tables in a previous ATEC class.
“I think every quarter since I was a freshman, I’ve had a class out here,” he said.
To students considering getting involved with the greenhouse, he offered advice.
“Come talk to McCloud, and take new opportunities when they arise.”
For more information about ATEC Academy and career and technical education at Aberdeen Public Schools, visit the ATEC Academy webpage.
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.