Third-grade students from South Whitley Elementary School gathered for a photo. Photo provided.

News Release

PIERCETON – Pierceton Elementary School and South Whitley Elementary School sent two groups of students from their schools in third and fifth grades on Friday, May 15, to the Whitko Career Academy.

Elementary students were able to rotate through 20 different stations which included: combine, tractor, FFA, dog, hogs, beef, flowers, coloring, pond, horses, dairy, Jenga, dairy goats, meat goats, sheep, ducks, turkey, chickens, rabbits, and drone. Student groups were able to visit all stations over the course of an hour and a half.

“When I told the kids, they were really excited to get out of the classroom finally and to be able to go to a different place to experience something new that’s also educational,” said Third-grade teacher Marla Burkhart from South Whitley Elementary School.

“It puts in their mind that someday, you know, I can do this,” said Pierceton Elementary School third grade teacher Kathy Wright. Wright is also the President of the Whitko Teachers Association.

Whitko freshman Chase Bays, who is a part of Whitko’s FFA chapter, was able to speak with younger students about her horses Six and Pistol. “They’re learning about the proper place to approach a horse. Where the saddle goes and how the saddle goes on.” Bays also explained the differences in various types of horse hoofs, shoes, and explained how to determine the health and maintenance of when a horse may need a new shoe. Bays has been working with horses since birth and began riding at two months old.

Students from Whitko’s FFA chapter will have a full weekend ahead of them with both today’s event and tomorrow’s State Livestock Showmanship Competition with approximately 500 people expected in attendance.