Sanfordville PIE program celebrates environmental learning with Ag Badge Ceremony

Students in the PIE 3-4 program at Sanfordville Elementary School capped off a year of environmental learning with their first annual Agricultural Badge Ceremony. The celebration marked the completion of a successful nature-driven curriculum led by Warwick Valley’s agricultural consultant and retired ag teacher, Nancy Colgan. 

Throughout the year, students explored the intersections of agriculture, the environment, and global culture through a series of engaging lessons and activities. The program was divided into three main units: Agriculture and the Environment, Plants and Animals, and Geography and Culture. 

The badge ceremony recognized each student’s achievements with symbolic pins for every completed unit. WVHS Future Farmers of America members Evan and Xavier, who had previously assisted Ms. Colgan with environmental lessons, returned to award the badges in person.

To kick off the event, PIE students shared some of their favorite takeaways from the program. Students demonstrated their knowledge of composting (“No wet fruits!” one student reminded the crowd), explained how many times a cow can be milked in a day, and discussed how food traditions are shaped by different cultures around the world. 

A few engaging experiences throughout the year included tree tapping, seed sowing, composting, and even a virtual visit to a farm, followed by a dairy tasting!

Looking ahead, rising fourth graders will have a chance to continue their journey next year by earning a new set of badges to complete the other side of their lanyards. 

More importantly, the PIE program’s Agricultural Badge Ceremony instilled the value of environmental stewardship at a young age. Through these experiences, students are developing a deep appreciation for the natural world and the knowledge to help protect it.