Gavin Allan from Summerton was one of 41 high school juniors and seniors who attended the S.C. Commissioner’s School for Agriculture from July 18-24 at Clemson University.
The school is a premier summer program that exposes students to college majors and potential careers in agriculture and natural resources, says a release from the program. Throughout the week, students from South and North Carolina, Texas, New York, Ohio and Virginia took part in academic projects, field tours and laboratory exercises, all while gaining skills in leadership and professional development.
“In order to maintain agriculture and forestry as the combined No. 1 industry in our state, it is critical to develop the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said state Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. “Having operated SCCSA for 12 years, we have found that this program is a great way to inspire college-bound students to choose careers in agriculture that will grow the industry and meet the needs of the future.”
Clemson University Director of Cooperative Extension Tom Dobbins founded the program in 2004, and more than 425 students have graduated since. The school is a partnership between the state Department of Agriculture and Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
“I am thankful to Commissioner Weathers for supporting the SCCSA for all these years,” said Dobbins. “The school is an integral part of Clemson’s commitment to producing the next generation of leaders in South Carolina’s number one industry of agribusiness. It’s always exciting to see another accomplished group of young people experience the array of career and educational opportunities in agriculture, natural resources and life sciences.”
The son of Troy and Shannon Allan, he is a student at Clarendon Hall.
