Students at Gorzycki Middle School are getting their hands dirty and their minds engaged in sustainable agriculture thanks to the Bright Green Future Grants Program. With a recent expansion to their already impressive farm setup, Gorzycki has welcomed sheep onto their campus through the "It Begins with Ewe" project, launched by the school's agriculture teacher, Joelle Don de'Ville. “The new sheep will continue Gorzycki Middle School’s heritage and legacy as a school that embraces, supports, and promotes sustainable agriculture in an urban setting,” Joelle told the City of Austin's official website. Students are learning cooperation by direct experience, as handling sheep requires teamwork that cannot often be managed alone.
Moving beyond traditional classrooms, this endeavor connects students from Gorzycki Middle School with their peers at Crockett High School. Crockett's construction program, under the guidance of instructor Colin Bugge, has built the barn needed to house the new sheep. Tasked with designing and constructing this practical facility, Crockett students honed their skills in an authentic, real-world project. While they built a barn for the younger students, Crockett students were gaining experience in constructing their futures with professional disciplines. “Involving Crockett Construction makes the project truly a community endeavor,” Colin remarked in an interview with the City of Austin's official website.
During the construction process, teamwork and effective communication were at the forefront as Colin's pupils showcased a level of proficiency that rivaled seasoned professionals. Their efforts extended far beyond just fulfilling a school assignment; they laid the foundation for a lasting impact on fellow students and the local community. Crockett student Hayden Kendall shared the satisfaction that comes from such tangible accomplishments. “The best part is the feeling of accomplishing something. The pride of being able to do something with my hands, look at it, and be like, ‘Hey! I did that,” Hayden told the City of Austin's official website.
The collaboration between Gorzycki and Crockett represents a model where experiential learning takes center stage. Students are not only gaining knowledge in their respective fields but are also contributing meaningfully to the broader community. Part of the construction program's broader goal, as highlighted by Colin Bugge, is to increase awareness of the students' skills and the innovative educational programs Crockett offers. “I hope that this grows awareness of the talents and capabilities of my students,” Colin shared his aspirations with the City of Austin's official website.
With sustainability at its core, the Gorzycki project serves as a catalyst for student-led environmental advocacy. Joelle Don de'Ville champions this emphasis on student leadership, recognizing the value in empowering younger generations to take action in their own communities. "Encouraging student leadership in sustainability is key. Students can lead projects, which give them the chance to take action and advocate for the environment in their communities,” Joelle stated on the City of Austin's official website's feature. To learn more about the programs and projects shaping the future of these students, visit the Gorzycki Middle School and Crockett Construction Technology program websites.
