PETE
CLARKE - PCLARKE@SIERRASTAR.COM
PETE CLARKE/SIERRA STAR
Nick Ricker worked hard to finally corner his feisty steer in the
Yosemite High School FFA barn. Behind him junior Nick Burkert is
relieved. “We got him on a good day,” said Burkert. On an off day
this particular steer is just plain ornery.
PETE CLARKE/SIERRA STAR
Yosemite High School FFA freshmen pot plants in the FFA greenhouse.
Freshman Kaiti Simms said, “It’s hands on, a great class.”
PETE CLARKE/SIERRA STAR
YHS sophomore Nick Ricker and junior Nick Burkert struggle to control
this steer in the FFA ag-barn. Ricker threw a loop around the right
front leg and dug in his heels while Burkert tries to get in front
of the errant steer.
The
YHS FFA program and Program Director Steve Ecklund were again recognized
by the state FFA with the award for being the best small program,
single person department in California. Awards look great on walls
and they do help with grants and public good will, but better was
the news recently given to Mr. Ecklund by YHS High School District
Superintendent Bill McCabe. Somehow in the face of a tightening
statewide budget, Ecklund’s program will be receiving $70,000 for
a new equine arena. The hard-working FFA chief is thrilled.
“It will barely fit, but we’re planning a 150 by 250 foot arena,”
said Ecklund pointing. “It will go between that 450-year-old oak
and the fence. Our ag-advisory committee was hoping for $15,000
and we got $70,000. The kids are excited. I’m excited.”
The ag-boss believes the facility will be operational by next fall
and two classes will be added: an Equine Science Class and an Ag
Economics Class. “We already have the curriculum in place. This
should be a great benefit to our program,” said Ecklund. “Student
numbers should increase two-fold. The econ class should keep more
seniors in the program.” As though the FFA leader is not busy enough
as it is.
“We could use another teacher, but . . . ” Ecklund shrugged and
grinned, “Build it and they will come. Whatever — we will do it
right and it will benefit the community.”
There will be no “rough stock” like bronco or bull riding. The program
details are still being worked on — there will certainly be English
and Western riding and perhaps “team penning,” which has become
an extremely popular sport with weekend warriors.
According to Ecklund, there are many “credentialed equine folks”
in the Mountain Area who would love to get involved. “We want to
offer the arena for clinics done for the community,” said Ecklund.
“We'll do horse shows, jumps, English, Western, halter, bridle.
Right now we’re exploring the possibilities.”
Five years of construction, now it’s FFA’s turn
For five years the YHS FAA ag-center has been surrounded by construction:
parking lots, bridge-building, and baseball fields. Tons of rocks
have been moved around on the formerly 25-acre parcel as tractors,
graders and scrappers terra-formed the grounds into the YHS of the
future. Presently the soccer field is being graded and the swimming
pool complex is in the foundation stage. Soon rebar will go into
the pool itself — the hole is dug and the plumbing is in.
For Ecklund, it’s now FFA’s turn to join the process of building.
All of the changes can do nothing but benefit both the school and
the FFA program.
“The bigger picture is exciting,” said Ecklund. “The community college
and YHS special-ed are both interested in using the facility as
a resource for their programs. We may do one vocational class a
day. This will help our kids in the ag-leadership class as they
help others learn.”
“We’ve always done a little of everything,” said Ecklund as he walked
through the ag-barn, which was formerly the drying shed of the lumber
mill once located where the Vons shopping center is today. The giant
pole shed was disassembled, the parts numbered and then the whole
thing was rebuilt at the ag-center. “Our Ag Mechanics Class goes
from novice to experienced. We do plumbing, electrical, welding
and more. We made our gazebo out of salvage from the old football
bleachers and the trestle bridge which was torn down during parking
lot construction. We just did some drywall work in our bathrooms.”
Several students - Nick Ricker, Nick Burkert and Caslin Ecklund
were roping a steer after school in the center area of the barn
while YHS FAA President Heather Plumb and FAA Reporter Ashley Vetter
showed up to check on Plumb’s prize steer, Scooter. Other students
arrived to say hello or do take care of chores.
All were excited about the new arena.
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