Celebrating CTE Month and National FFA Week: Honoring Mr. B's 30-year Contribution to Agricultural Education!
As we celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month and National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Week, it's an opportune moment to spotlight Perry Bartholomew, affectionately known as Mr. B. Mr. B is a distinguished educator with three decades of experience in agricultural education at Southern Nash High School (SNHS). Mr. B's commitment to fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for agriculture among his students has made a lasting impact on thousands of students. Mr. B, who teaches courses including Horticulture I and II, Landscaping, and Animal Science II: Companion Animals, has been a cornerstone of the agricultural education community at SNHS.
From Passion to Educational Pathway
Mr. B, who has devoted over 30 years to teaching, currently leads horticulture and animal science courses at SNHS. His path to agricultural education was unconventional; he focused initially on computer science at North Carolina State University, but his interest in plants and education prompted a career shift to agricultural education.
Cultivating a Legacy of Learning
Beyond the curriculum, Bartholomew emphasizes the significance of agriculture in everyday life and career exploration in the field. His teaching has inspired some of his students to pursue careers in agricultural education, with others entering various teaching roles.
Distinctive Program Features
The agricultural program at SNHS is distinguished by robust community and administrative support, state-of-the-art facilities, and a longstanding tradition of excellence in agricultural teaching. The program's success is attributed to the collective efforts of school and county administrators, parents, alums, and dedicated teaching partners.
Student Success and Professional Growth
Mr. B proudly notes his students' achievements, including their contributions to agriculture and the FFA on state and national levels. His students have advanced to careers within the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and private agricultural enterprises.
"Highlights of my teaching career include:
- Teaching students the importance of agriculture and its impact on our daily lives, exposing them to possible agricultural career opportunities, and having all students leave with positive, lasting memories;
- Hosting twelve student teachers from North Carolina State University and the University of Mount Olive;
- Having five of my former students become agriculture teachers and many others entering the teaching profession," said Mr. B.
Guidance for Aspiring Students
Mr. B advises students interested in CTE pathways to actively engage in their chosen fields, participate in student organizations, and embrace new experiences. He emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and the potential impacts of such pursuits.
Offering advice to students contemplating this CTE pathway, Bartholomew advised, "Be actively involved and take every advantage CTE and agriculture has to offer. Join and participate in a Career and Technical Student Organization. Take a certification test. Get out of your box and try something new. Follow your passion." He highlighted the transformative potential of following one's passion, emphasizing the unforeseen opportunities and impacts it can generate. Mr. B's journey and contributions exemplify the transformative influence of dedicated educators in CTE, inspiring future agricultural professionals and educators during CTE Month and beyond.
A Model of Educational Dedication
As CTE Month is celebrated, Perry Bartholomew's role in agricultural education at Southern Nash High School exemplifies the influential nature of dedicated teaching. His ongoing efforts educate and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Fun fact! SNHS has one of the top Ag educational programs for high schools in the USA.