Mission, Texas- In the closing days of the 2016-2017 school year, 23 students at Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) did what no others at the campus had done before. They completed Fundamentals of Animal Science Certifications. This school year was the first time the additional offering was made available to agricultural science students at the campus.
The certification program provides students with a solid understanding of animal science, including the history and practices of the livestock industry, common terms and terminology, and livestock management practices. The certification also addresses major topics in the animal science industry, including genetics, reproduction, nutrition, and health management.
The students earning the animal science certification are, seated: Marlinda Guerra, Sophia Ponce de Leon, Illiana Contreras, Alyssa Vento, Valerie L. Ramirez, Samantha N. Diaz, Gabriela A. Casas. Standing are: Fidel Garza (principal), Fernando Perez (teacher), David Dudley, Isaiah E. Gonzalez, Osvaldo Garcia, Maximo Gallegos, Cristian A. Trevino, Jose Salinas, James Gulley, Kayli Vela, Andre S. Garcia, America C. Cortez, Brandon Martinez, Raizza S. Lopez, Sergio Pena (Career Technical Education Director), Jose E. Mejia (assistant principal). Not pictured are: Sabrina Luna, Ruth M. Morales, Jacqueline M. Villarreal, Sergio L. Guerrero.
The certification process requires students to complete 18 modules of study through the district’s agriculture curriculum provider, iCEV. The certifications go beyond the regular course of study and is done online. The students are in full control of their progress in the program with the teachers acting as facilitators. Once the full series of assessments have been passed, the 100-question final certification exam is activated.
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