Written by Pamela Obryant
Thursday, February 6, 2025, kicked off with a wave of enthusiasm from Mr. Scammahorn, the Horticulture teacher at Starkville High School. He guided me on where to set up the food for the conference while sharing insights about the presenters he had lined up.
Given the uncertainty surrounding federal workers’ jobs, only three presenters were able to join us: Fran Brock from the MSU Extension Office; Shakebra L. Young, the Director of Student Services at Alcorn School of Agriculture and Applied Science; and Mr. Will Arnett, a professor in Landscaping Management Technology Programs at East Mississippi Community College.
Once the conference got underway, I introduced myself to both the students and presenters. I took a moment to express my gratitude to Mr. Scammahorn and Starkville High School for hosting Winston County Help Cooperative’s Save Rural America Conference at their high school.
I shared information about WCSHC and the services it provides to the community. The intimate size of the conference turned out to be a blessing, allowing students to engage more deeply and ask questions about the various career paths available in agriculture.
After the conference wrapped up, the students and staff expressed their appreciation for our visit and the meal we provided—they really enjoyed the food! Mr. Scammahorn then treated us to a nursery tour, where the students were busy planting flowers to sell in the spring. As a lovely parting gift, he presented us with an aloe vera plant to take home. He’s already beginning to plan for next year’s conference.
This small but impactful conference was filled with empowerment, excitement, and laughter. It opened the door for students to explore new adventures and career opportunities in the world of agriculture.
View more photos here.
