ECRU, Miss. (WTVA) - A $10,000 check presentation was made Tuesday morning at North Pontotoc School by Monsanto representatives.
Students gave a big cheer to the company and also area farmers.
Local growers nominated their school system for the award that's part of the America's Farmers Grow Rural Education program.
Terrie Bowen of Pontotoc County said, "There's just such a small percentage of people in our area who farm. I think children aren't aware how much impact agriculture has on our
community here locally and across the Southeast. This grant will help children be more aware of how agriculture can work in our daily lives."
Educators say because of the grant, greenhouses will be built on both the North and South Pontotoc campuses and will serve all students.
North Pontotoc Elementary School Principal Scott Haley said, "In almost every grade level, the science curriculum has the botanical aspect to it. We want to enhance their experience by giving them other than just a book. We want them to have hands on and this will do it."
In Pontotoc County, the money will be used to build the greenhouses. In other schools around the country, the money is used for other purposes.
Melinda Brown with Monsanto said, "Greenhouses has been one of the main ones we've seen. There's been a lot of iPad technology that's been brought in the classrooms that are able to give students more hands on experience with technology in general."
But for Pontotoc County Schools, students will soon be growing anything from vegetables to flowers in the greenhouses.
They'll also hopefully gain a better understanding of one the leading industries in this state.
