[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 121 (Friday, August 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1508]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING GRETCHEN KIMBALL AND ANNETTE CALDWELL

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                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 5, 2011

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gretchen Kimball 
and Annette Caldwell for receiving the 2011 ``Maine Agriculture in the 
Classroom'' Teacher of the Year award and for receiving one of the five 
``Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture'' awards from the U.S. Dept. 
of Agriculture and the National Agriculture in the Classroom 
Consortium.
  Gretchen and Annette created the Buckfield Garden Project at 
Buckfield Junior/Senior High School in Buckfield, ME. The project is a 
1.2-acre garden and farm stand run by the teachers' middle school 
students. The students research and plan which plants to include in the 
garden, and every step of the process, from soil cultivation to 
managing the budget, involves student participation. The project 
teaches the students agricultural, business and problem solving skills.
  The Buckfield Garden Project has become a point of pride for the 
entire community, not just the students. In the project's first 
harvest, the students earned $3,500. The students elected to donate 
this money to a local family struggling with severe medical hardship. 
Through Gretchen and Annette's unique and innovative approach to 
education, these students are learning practical skills as well as 
making valuable connections with their community.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating Gretchen Kimball and 
Annette Caldwell's achievement in receiving these awards.

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