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Staying Grounded

STAFF photo by ROBERT BURKE

Ernie Johns, head of the South County Career Center's agriculture program,

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By ELAINE MARKOWITZ Tribune correspondent

Published: October 20, 2007

Updated: 10/18/2007 10:22 pm

okra and other vegetables. Others puttered around in recently planted garden beds.

All are students in the center's Agriculture, Machinery and Mechanics program, one of 10 vocational options at the school. The center, off U.S. 41, provides an alternative education to those who fell behind in their former schools. Some 400 young men and women attend.

That morning, instructor Ernie Johns worked outdoors with about 20 students. They are learning the tricks of the agricultural trade, including planting, fertilizing, using and repairing farm equipment and preparing soil.

'The kids have to take whatever Florida throws at them,' Johns said.

Months of drought, a hot, constant sun, sandy soil and insects galore are among the many challenges dealt out by sunny Florida. These students don't seem to mind.

Carlos Gotay, a senior in the program, was busy preparing a patch of soil for planting vegetables and herbs.

He prefers the program to the other vocational offerings.

'Over here you have more freedom,' Gotay said. 'We're outside planting and mowing.'

Gotay said he would much prefer to work outdoors, in spite of the heat and bugs, and likes all aspects of the program.

'I learn a lot,' he said, 'from fixing the soil to learning where to plant.' He also expressed an interest in mechanics and repairing farm equipment.

Johns said the department has enough equipment to keep all the students busy. It includes three riding mowers, three large tractors and a wood shop with drill presses, a variety of saws and a planer.

'Kids like riding and repairing big machinery,' he said. 'We help the county cut and maintain the entire property around the school.'

Josh Snyder, also a senior in the program, is especially keen on the large equipment.

'I started out knowing nothing,' Snyder said confidently, 'and now I know almost everything.'

'Josh is really good at handling the big equipment,' Johns said. He credited Snyder with being an able troubleshooter who can find solutions to problems quickly.

'I've learned a few things from him,' Johns said.

The program is packed with hands-on experience in more than the equipment.

Future farmers and landscapers learn to grow plants from seeds and cuttings, to select the appropriate blooms for shade or sun and to choose low-maintenance plants that require less water. They also learn to use pesticides and fertilizers.

'Our kids take 10 hours in safety from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration,' Johns said. 'That training includes the use of pesticides and equipment.'

Johns, who came on board as instructor last year, introduced landscaping into the curriculum. His two classes put in three large flower beds in front of the school last year, each filled with colorful crotons, yellow and green variegated arbicolas and tall, leafy maroon-colored plants Johns called 'red sisters.' African lilies spread their thick frond-like leaves skyward as well.

As with other programs at the center, the agricultural students serve the community in various ways, using proceeds they earn to purchase needed materials for the department.

They repair and tune-up small mowers, sharpen or change the blades and change the oil. Local residents may bring in their golf carts for repair work as well.

Selling also is incorporated into the curriculum. Students sell plants they have cultivated in their shade house, which houses African lilies and some 1,500 pink and white azaleas donated by a local nursery that closed its doors.

'By January we plan to open a driving range for golfers,' Johns said, 'and the kids will maintain it.'

Students seem to be leaving their options open for jobs, but Johns said they have many to select from. Among the possibilities are working on tree farms, in plant nurseries, or in pesticide and fertilizer companies. Other options include manufacturing, distributing or repairing farm equipment. Entrepreneurship is a possibility for those who want to open their own nurseries or repair shops.

Johns said motivating his students is not a problem. They seem to enjoy what they do.

'They are my greatest pleasure in the job,' he said. 'I love dealing with the kids and seeing the joy they get in creating something.'

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