Middletown High School Agriculture Program Receives $30,000 Grant to Expand Student Learning Opportunities

The Middletown High School Agriculture Program recently received a $30,000 grant through the Dr. James Russell Myers Donor Advised Fund, administered by the Middletown Community Foundation. Bruce Haines, advisor to the fund, joined Travis Robinson, Executive Director of the Middletown Community Foundation, in presenting the grant to the program.

The funding will support continued growth and experiential learning opportunities within the Agriculture Department under the leadership of teacher Mark Miller. Students in the program participate in agricultural projects focused on gardening, composting, animal care, sustainability, and food preservation while developing practical skills and exploring career pathways connected to agriculture and natural resources.

“This support gives our students opportunities they may not otherwise experience,” Miller said. “From caring for animals and learning sustainable agricultural practices to traveling to Stone Lab for hands-on environmental studies, these experiences help students build confidence, develop practical skills, and discover career pathways connected to agriculture and natural resources. We are incredibly grateful for this investment in our program and our students.”

Recently, 24 agriculture students traveled to Stone Laboratory, Ohio State University’s Lake Erie campus on Gibraltar Island, where they participated in immersive learning experiences connected to environmental science, agriculture, and natural resources.

Additional grant funds will be used to purchase infrastructure improvements, tools, and equipment for the Agriculture Science classroom, further enhancing learning opportunities for students.

The Dr. James Russell Myers Donor Advised Fund was established in 2015 and has distributed more than $700,000 throughout the community. Dr. Myers, the valedictorian of Middletown High School’s Class of 1951, went on to a successful career as a metallurgical engineer. Nearly 75 years after graduating from MHS, his legacy continues to impact students through investments in educational opportunities and real-world learning experiences.

According to Haines, the grant reflects Dr. Myers’ lifelong interests and commitment to learning.

“Dr. Myers loved animals and had a deep appreciation for hands-on learning,” Haines said. “When I learned about what Mr. Mark Miller was building through the agriculture program, I felt it was exactly the kind of opportunity Dr. Myers would have wanted to support.”

Superintendent Deborah Houser expressed gratitude for the partnership and the opportunities it provides for students.

“This generous gift is an investment in the future of our students and reinforces the power of experiential learning,” Houser said. “In MCSD, we believe students need to see it to be it, and opportunities like hands-on agricultural education, real-world environmental experiences, and access to industry-level tools help students connect passions to future careers.”

Middletown City Schools is grateful to the Middletown Community Foundation, Bruce Haines, Ben Haines, and the Dr. James Russell Myers Donor Advised Fund for their investment in student learning and future opportunities.