"I enrolled two daughters into the Killingly FFA program, one of them excelled beyond my hopes and the other declined out of the program half way through, this is not a program for every individual. This program challenges the students in a positive way that other curriculum does not. Expectations are high but the rewards go beyond the four year term. I am so appreciative that both my children had the opportunity to experience the Killingly FFA program."~Lisa Patenaude
"The Killingly Ag Program was such a positive influence on my daughter's life. The support she received was incredible, she grew not only academically but personally through the courses, competitions and instruction. I am grateful that Erin participated in the Killingly Ag Program and would gladly recommend that any student participate."~Kimberly Duerr
"My daughter began high school as a shy girl, someone that really stuck to herself, but that all changed. By the time she graduated, she didn't think twice about speaking in front of people. The FFA helped her break out of her shell into the outgoing individual that she is today." ~Betsy Molodich
"Both of our children participated in the Killingly FFA. We cannot say enough about how the FFA program has helped our children. Both were very excited to participate in the program. They have learned skills such as, leadership and entrepreneurship. The FFA program also challenged our kids to work as a team to achieve success. We feel that the program is beneficial for their future success." ~Tammy & Greg Glaude
"As a mother of a recent graduate of the Killingly Ag - Ed Program and member of FFA, I cannot express the thanks and gratitude I feel towards the teachers and staff of the Ag-Ed Program. My daughter became a positive role model at her high school and a wonderful young leader as a result of being a part of this program. Her experience helped her to excel in school and life and she is pursing a career in the field of business hoping to someday own her own floral design shop as a result of her Ag- Ed experience. Her senior year she was elected President of the Killingly Chapter FFA, and I saw her blossom into a wonderful young leader for her school and community. I would highly recommend the program to anyone considering it." ~Wendy Dastous
"When our first daughter started there, she started to thrive 100 times over, with very positive experiences, positive teachers, positive about farming, and it put her in a new league of farmers, "educated". Then, when it came time for our second daughter to pick a school, we had no idea she was going to pick Ag. Education, but her sister made it look so fun and interesting, that she decided to go there! Now, our second daughter knows she wants to go into Animal Nutrition due to her education at Killingly. It has been amazing and rewarding to be associated with all the awesome teachers, and the positive energy that is at the school." ~Kristin Orr
"You cannot have an excellent program unless the program has excellent leadership and the Killingly Ag-Ed is staffed by some of the finest educators and mentors that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Their timeless efforts stretch far beyond the walls of their classrooms and well beyond the "normal" school day. They are available to their students 24/7, 365 days a year. - No kidding! These teachers inspire their students to strive for greatness. They give these kids "life" skills! They teach them how to handle money, how to become entrepreneurs, how to THINK through real life problems, how to work by themselves and as part of a team. "I can't" isn't an option or accepted as a viable excuse in the halls or classrooms of the Ag Wing. It is more of a "You bet, I will - just watch me" kind of attitude that these kids graduate from this program with.
A whole new world has been opened to my daughter because of the Killingly Ag-Ed Program that she is a part of. Her high school years will be filled with memories, moments, and knowledge that will stay with her throughout her lifetime. Supporting my daughter's decision to attend the Killingly Ag-Ed High School program, was by far, one of the best decisions I have ever made as a parent!" ~Lisa Perry
From Students
“The Ag-Ed Program at Killingly High School gave me the chance to grow, mature, and find out what I wanted in life, and how I want to live life with a purpose.” ~Heather, Class of 2012
“I was a bit intimidated with going to a new school in a different town with no one that I knew, but it was the most worth-while experience I have ever known. Now only did it help me to choose my future career goals, but it gave me the tools to achieve those goals. I honestly believe that I wouldn’t be nearly as far along in my studies if I went to a regular high school.” ~Erin, Class of 2011
"The Agriculture Program taught me the leadership skills that I know today. When I first started I wasn't sure of myself and the AG Education program showed me through team work and togetherness you could accomplish so much, I was on two teams that made Nationals and served as the chapter reporter as a sophomore and as chapter president my senior year. With out the program I'd never have learned how to push my self and understand that I could accomplish anything." ~Amber Winter, Class of 2003
“The Ag-Ed Program at Killingly High School gave me the chance to grow, mature, and find out what I wanted in life, and how I want to live life with a purpose.” ~Jessica, Class of 2013
“I learned how to become a leader instead of a follower and to take initiative and better myself. With all of the activities I had the opportunity to participate in, my resume is immaculate and I actually get compliments for being so young and having so much to include.” ~Katie, Class of 2012
“Through the Ag-Ed Program, you will learn how to work with your peers, leadership skills, and how to become a good public speaker. Most importantly, being part of such a unique family early on in life, you learn how to win and loose, and how to become a well-rounded individual that many college’s and employers look for.” ~Katie, Class of 2011
"I would highly recommend the Killingly Ag program to any future student and there are so many reasons why. 1) Being in the Ag program has taught me responsibly for my own actions. So when I say I'm going to do something I mean it. 2) Hard work - I take pride in knowing I work hard everyday for what I have and I know that no matter what I do in life I will give it my all. 3) Attendance - I hate canceling appointments or even calling out of work. 4) Making friends - When I took this program I met so many wonderful people and not just in our classroom, but students from other schools. 5) Wonderful teachers - I literally couldn't ask for better teachers than the four that I had in Ag. They not only are professional teachers, but they are your family. They take the extra step to care about not just how you do in school, but about your life as well. I loved every single moment while I was in Ag. I don't know what kind of person I would be if I wasn't in the program, but I do know I love who I have become and the people around me do as well. I know a huge part of it was because of Ag and the people that were all apart of it (and still are!)." ~Tanya, Class of 2011
“Ag-Ed provides the chance to learn responsibility and values, both of which helped me to become someone I’m proud of. The teachers and fellow students become a family that congratulate you during every success, and support you through any bad times. Everyday and every chance you are given through Ag goes to prove that any person, no matter where they come from or what they’ve done in life, can succeed.” ~Kayla, Class of 2012
“I would recommend a student take Ag because there are few opportunities in school where you can literally say a sheep ate your homework, or you are late to another class because your teacher accidentally drenched you with a garden hose.” ~Shayna, Class of 2007
“I have gained so many life skills from being in this program and the FFA. I went from being a shy freshmen to a confident outgoing senior. This would not have been the case if I hadn’t made the decision to enroll in this program. Not only did I learn public speaking skills and agricultural practices, but I was also able to compete and travel.” ~Christina & Wayne, Class of 2008
“I would highly recommend joining the Ag Program for so many reasons. Throughout my years in the program, I learned plenty of leadership skills, communication skills, and so much more! This program is hands-on and the teachers are amazing and willing to help. If you are looking for a program to help you shape your future, support you through school, and allow you to meet life-long friends, then Killingly Ag-Ed is definitely for you!” ~Stacey, Class of 2010
"I'm sitting here trying to write this testimonial and I'm having trouble putting into brief words everything Ag did for me. Seriously. How can I explain in a paragraph all of the things that Ag and FFA gave me? I graduated five years ago (yikes) and I still feel so strongly about it. I got the best friends I've ever had from Ag. I stocked trout in waders. I saved a baby chick's life! I competed nationally. I traveled to Washington, D.C. I invented Red Car, Yellow Car for God's sake. I laughed harder than I ever have. I became a leader. My teachers were like second parents ;) and I still talk to them regularly. Ag was sincerely like family and the rest of the school could never wrap their heads around it (suckers). I'm clearly on a completely different career path than I had anticipated in high school but the ag industry and FFA and that school are still a huge part of my life. Why would I suggest Ag to someone? Because to not go into Ag would almost seem a punishment!" ~Kelli Lefler, Class of 2009