NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — Volunteer Brenda Hamilton has a passion for animals, and she makes sure students who are pursuing education at Volusia County schools’ Food and Agricultural Sciences Academy are gaining knowledge and experience firsthand by helping to raise animals on a farm.

Hamilton's farm is mainly a training ground of sorts for Volusia County high school students who are part of the Food and Agricultural Sciences Academy at New Smyrna Beach High School.

Hamilton is no stranger to life on the farm.

“I was one of six children — we had small farm in Maryland where we lived off the land," she said. "It was a great experience."

She said she feels the same way about working with students, and helping them get a well-rounded experience of learning how to take care of animals on the farm.

“It is such a thrill to see the kids come from learning in the classroom, then coming out here and actually experience raising their steers and raising their animals to show at fair, and then to see their success in November when they go at show, is just an awesome thing,” Hamilton said.

“It is amazing," said academy participant Haylee Patton. "I would not trade it for anything else."

Patton has been involved with the farm program for several years now. She says while it’s a big responsibility caring for the animals, she enjoys it and is grateful to have Hamilton leading the effort.

“Mrs. Hamilton is an amazing help," Patton said. "If it wasn’t for her, a lot of the pens wouldn’t be built. She helps us with everything that goes on with our animals."

Hamilton said she will keep on volunteering her time tending to the animals and making sure students understand how to do it too.

“It’s a huge responsibility for these kids to take care of these animals and they love it, they are so dedicated,” Hamilton said.

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