Agricultural education, if you’re unfamiliar with it, teaches students about the science, business and technology of agriculture; it also covers the management of land, the environment and natural resources.

”I had some excellent teachers in high school – particularly my Ag teacher and Business/Marketing teacher – that were very influential for me,” said Hicks. “They showed me the real impact teachers could have and encouraged me to become a teacher. I knew that if I could impact kids in the same way that they did, then it would be a very fulfilling career.”

Hicks became an educator and has worked in the schools for about seven years in Pender, Jones and now Sampson.

“First, Agriculture Education is extremely hands-on. A lot of kids benefit from hands-on application. Agriculture allows them to still incorporate math, literacy, science, and even history – but in ways that are relevant for them,” he said. “Secondly, I love the fact that I’m doing something different every day. Whether we are building something in the wood shop, creating bows in horticulture, or taking care of chickens on campus, there is never a dull moment.”

In fact, agricultural education programs teach students a variety of skills, including but not limited to: science, math, communications, leadership, management, technology, farm safety, and ag business leadership.

Hicks showcases this by making his students' dreams and goals a reality with numerous grants, in the last year amassing over $100,000 for the agriculture department and programming at school.

“Our largest grant totaled nearly $100,000 and allowed us to provide a complete renovation of our metal shop, updates to our on-campus greenhouse, and the installation of new grow benches in our shade house area,” said Hicks. “Additional funding supported the creation of a new educational arboretum, the construction of a shade house for plant production, hydroponic systems for the classroom, a special research project related to Japanese maples, and more.”

South River EMC awarded three grants to Hicks last year for: “Blooming into Leaders: Shadehouse Expansion Project”, “From Fish to Food: Aquaponics 101”, and “FloraQuest: An Arboretum with a Purpose”.

Stated Hicks: “The ideas for last year’s projects came from a combination of conversations with my students and visits with other agricultural education programs. It’s important for me to select projects that students are interested in, so that’s always where my ideas start.”

Hicks explained that the “Blooming into Leaders” grant had students in Agricultural Mechanics and Horticulture classes partnering to build a shade house for the horticulture program. The student led project had them pouring concrete, installing supports and building new tables, to build a shade house that measures 30 ft. x 40 ft., providing space for outdoor plant production during the growing season.

For the project, “From Fish to Food,” students worked to establish an aquaponic system for lettuce and herb production.

“This project has been successful, and students have learned a lot about nutrient management, pH testing, harvesting produce and food safety.”

Lettuce and herbs produced were offered in a salad bar for teachers last year.

“FloraQuest allowed us to install an on-campus arboretum, which supported our plant identification efforts in our Horticulture I & II courses,” said Hicks.

“This project has been successful, and students have learned a lot about nutrient management, pH testing, harvesting produce and food safety.”

“Additionally, students were able to apply landscaping skills during the creation of the space. Our hope is to continue expanding the plants available in this area so that it becomes an enjoyable and educational space for our students and community.”

He also received grants from Keep North Carolina Beautiful, the North Carolina FFA, the North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission, the Simple Gifts Foundation and Smithfield Foods.

“These grants supported projects in our horticulture, agricultural mechanics and animal science program areas. Our grant from the NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission also provided special funding to support our Hunter Safety team with new equipment,” he said. “Funding helped with improving our greenhouse and shop space with new equipment. Additionally, Simple Gifts provided funding that supports student travel to leadership conferences across the state and to the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indiana.”

The Bright Ideas grant program is from North Carolina Electric Cooperatives, and Hicks has some experience with the program from his previous posts.

“Bright Ideas grants have always been a great option for our educators. My administration has always encouraged staff to submit grant applications, so their support for our projects encouraged me to apply,” said Hicks. “And, as a former member of an electric cooperative, I always felt it was great to see funding support our local teachers and students.”

This is a sentiment shared by many educators who have received grants, as these grants have allowed them to introduce learning aids they might not otherwise have been able to present.

So, what’s the goal for students at Lakewood High?

“My goal for students is to find something they are truly passionate about. I feel fortunate that I’ve found my passion in teaching,” he said. “I understand that students may not find their future career in agriculture, but I fully believe that agricultural education and FFA can help students become better citizens, more prepared for their futures, and gain the skills most often needed to be successful in life.”

Letting his students lead the way and welcoming their ideas seems to be working well for this Ag teacher, and he’s always looking for new ideas.