Charlotte High ag program gives students a head start on careers

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK) — Charlotte High School students are gaining real-world skills by raising animals as part of the school's agriculture program.

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Senior Myleigh Kraft starts her day before sunrise, caring for pigs, cows and chickens. She leaves her house around 6 a.m. before school starts at 7 a.m., then returns after school to spend about two hours tending to the animals when it's cooler.

"My ag teacher brought in pig sign-up permission slips, and I brought it home, and it all started from there," Kraft said.

2026 is Kraft's fourth year in the program. When she graduates, she'll have a certification to be a veterinary assistant.

"The animals have taught me a lot of responsibility and time management with being involved in so many different things," Kraft said.

BACK TO SCHOOL: Charlotte County students head back to school starting Monday

Agriculture teacher Deanna Thompson said the program teaches skills that extend beyond any specific career path.

"It doesn't matter what career, what pathway you go down, you need to be able to communicate and talk to people and balance your life and have some leadership skills," Thompson said.

Charlotte High's agriculture program is one of many career and technical education programs offered across the district. These programs span aviation, robotics, HVAC and culinary arts, among others.

Dr. Brian Granstra, director of career and technical education, said the goal is to prepare students for high-demand, good-paying careers while helping them find the right path.

"There's been a change. Many jobs do not require a college degree," Granstra said. "It's also determining what's best for each individual person. College is not for everybody."

While Kraft plans to attend college, she said her time on the farm has given her a strong foundation.

"This is helping me get a kickstart to the rest of my life and my career," Kraft said.

About 70% of students in Charlotte County Schools' career and technical education programs go on to college. About 20% enter the workforce right after high school, and between 8% and 10% enlist in the military.