Florida Ag in the Classroom Grows National Winner

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – July 10, 2003 – A sign of the seeds Florida Agriculture in the Classroom (FAITC) is sowing throughout Florida schools was made clear when the U.S. Department of Agriculture bestowed its highest award for teachers on a Volusia County educator.

Janet Gray, a 13-year teaching veteran, received the USDA’s 2003 National Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture award for the southern region. The award was presented at the National Agriculture in the Classroom conference in Nashville in June.

Gov. Jeb Bush and Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Charles Bronson will present Gray with a Cabinet Resolution proclaiming her excellence in teaching about agriculture on Aug. 26.

Using curriculum and concepts provided by FAITC, Gray says she incorporates Florida’s Sunshine State Standards within each of her “minds-on, hands-on” activities, ensuring that her students achieve the highest of academic standards.

For more information contact:
Lisa Gaskalla                                               
Janet Gray
(352) 846-1391                                                                       (386) 717-8350