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Pleasant Home School ag teacher Karen Castleberry was recognized for her service to the Alabama Future Farmers of America with the organization’s highest honor, the Honorary State FFA Degree, in June.

Castleberry received the honor during the second session of the 96th Alabama FFA Convention in Montgomery. Ag program specialist Jack Harris called her in April and informed her she was nominated for the award.

“It is hard to put into words what this award means to me. I couldn’t believe it and was in shock. I’ve worked so hard, but you truly don’t have time to stop and smell the roses. You just keep going and keep pushing,” Castleberry said.

Castleberry added that the award is a great accomplishment and a lifetime achievement after she spent quality time with her father during childhood.

“It means so much more for a kid who grew up in an ag shop with her father. He was a great ag teacher and FFA advisor, and I got to see firsthand what it meant to love your students like your own children. This award feels like a pat on the back from my dad saying, ‘You did it, kid. Good job!’ I felt proud knowing I would be able to place my honorary degree plaque next to his, which has been on my office wall since I was hired at PHS. I can’t stop here and finally feel like I have something to build on.”

Castleberry will begin her tenth year as the FFA advisor at Pleasant Home School in August.

“I am extremely grateful to be the advisor at PHS. Not many administrators will take a chance in hiring a female ag teacher because they don’t believe they will have the skills and knowledge base needed to cover the broad spectrum of the ag curriculum. Examples are welding, plumbing, construction, electrical, greenhouse, animal science, business, leadership, and much more. Grateful is an understatement. I was given the chance to prove I had what it takes to put this FFA chapter on the map,” she said.

Pleasant Home FFA sent 12 teams to compete at the South District Contest in the 2023-2024 school year. Under her guidance, the construction team finished in fourth place, and the heavy equipment and tractor driving, Envirothon, and quiz bowl teams all earned fifth place.

“The years and days go by so fast when you are doing something you enjoy, and I love interacting with students. Every day is different no matter what our plans are, and they will change,” Castleberry said.

For Castleberry, the most enjoyable part of being an FFA advisor is her students.

“I truly enjoy watching my students grow and discover what they are capable of. When they come through my door telling me they can’t do something, their mindset changes to ‘look at what I have done, what I have made, grown, fixed, or accomplished. To watch them change from kids to young adults is so rewarding. They become young adults who can find their way and have the confidence to do it. Whether they are going into the workforce or off to college, they know they can do it and do it well,” she said.

Her ag class consists of skills in welding, construction, horticulture, animal science, forestry, and natural resources.

“Career tech programs prepare students for college and careers in the workforce by providing technical skills and knowledge through work-based, hands-on experiences. Many students will be eligible for jobs that don’t require a degree with student loans attached, or they will have a strong base of knowledge and skills to propel them through a two-year degree or certification,” Castleberry said.

Castleberry also teaches leadership, public speaking, financial skills, problem-solving, life skills, and civic responsibility through FFA.

“These skills help prepare students who want to go to college. Ag and FFA offer a place for students to apply the concepts they learn in English, math, and science. We truly have something for everyone through this program,” she said.

She is a third-generation Auburn graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Sciences and minors in Horticulture and Animal Science. Castleberry credited her family’s support for the success of the program at PHS.

“Coming from an ag family, my father Phillip Ellis was the FFA advisor at W.S. Neal for 18 years before he became principal until he passed away in 2010. My sister and I grew up in that ag shop. It was not unusual to have 12 to 15 students at our house working on show animals and practicing for forestry or livestock competitions. My family knows about the days and hours that go into a good program,” she said.

She named the parents and school officials as additional reasons why FFA thrives each year at PHS.

“They give time, money, and mileage to our program to see it succeed and make a difference in the lives of the students. No program can stay afloat without the support of the school administration. I also receive support from some awesome coworkers and Covington County Schools career tech director Chris Thomasson. It truly takes a village to keep it going and going,” Castleberry said.

FFA is the largest student-led organization in the state and across the United States. There are 32,611 members in Alabama and almost 1 million members nationwide. Castleberry said PHS usually sends four to five teams to the state convention in Auburn and Montgomery each year.

“We have always loved representing our school and county on the state level, but this year was different because I was the one walking across the stage receiving an award. I’m only a part of this as the students are the ones who make it happen. My biggest takeaway from this year’s convention is that we are still primed for growth. FFA offers students the ability to earn scholarships, learn, network, and get out of their comfort zone in a supportive environment. There is no better place to experience those things than at the state convention,” she said.

Karen and her husband Paul, who will celebrate 15 years of marriage in November, met at Auburn. They are the parents of Mary-Leanne, 10, and Phillip, 6.