The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING GRETCHEN KIMBALL AND ANNETTE CALDWELL” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1508 on Aug. 5, 2011.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING GRETCHEN KIMBALL AND ANNETTE CALDWELL
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HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD
of maine
in the house of representatives
Friday, August 5, 2011
Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gretchen Kimball and Annette Caldwell for receiving the 2011 ``Maine Agriculture in the Classroom'' Teacher of the Year award and for receiving one of the five
``Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture'' awards from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and the National Agriculture in the Classroom Consortium.
Gretchen and Annette created the Buckfield Garden Project at Buckfield Junior/Senior High School in Buckfield, ME. The project is a 1.2-acre garden and farm stand run by the teachers' middle school students. The students research and plan which plants to include in the garden, and every step of the process, from soil cultivation to managing the budget, involves student participation. The project teaches the students agricultural, business and problem solving skills.
The Buckfield Garden Project has become a point of pride for the entire community, not just the students. In the project's first harvest, the students earned $3,500. The students elected to donate this money to a local family struggling with severe medical hardship. Through Gretchen and Annette's unique and innovative approach to education, these students are learning practical skills as well as making valuable connections with their community.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating Gretchen Kimball and Annette Caldwell's achievement in receiving these awards.
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