Recognizing the Otto-Eldred High School Agriculture Science Program

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the world-class agriculture science program and FFA at the Otto-Eldred High School in McKean County, Pennsylvania.

Last week, I had the honor of visiting the amazing students and faculty at Otto-Eldred High School where agriculture is a staple of their home economics program. Founded just 3 years ago, the new agriculture program features a greenhouse, engine lab, life science lab, welding booth, woodshop, and even an agribusiness lab.

At Otto-Eldred, agricultural education goes beyond the classroom. In addition to the astonishing 75 percent of the students enrolled in agriculture science, the school's Future Farmers of America chapter membership compromises almost 70 percent of the entire student body. This fantastic success is a testament to the excellence and the commitment of the school administrators and faculty at Otto-Eldred.

As chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and a senior member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, I know just how important agricultural education is to the success of our Nation.

I commend the students, faculty, and administrators that make this outstanding agricultural education possible, and thank them for the opportunity to experience it firsthand.

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