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Grundy County High School

Once a Jacket, Always a Jacket

Agriculture

Agricultural Sciences & Veterinary Pathways

Katie Meeks Picture

Kylan Pickett Foshee

Agriculture Science Teacher

kpickett@grundyk12.com

 

Before stepping into the classroom, I spent three years working directly in the field as a veterinary technician, caring for animals and working closely with our local community every day. My passion for agricultural advocacy grew even stronger through helping found the Grundy County Saddle Club, where I saw firsthand how vital agriculture is to our local area. A conversation with a former teacher inspired me to bring that real-world experience back home to advocate for agriculture by educating and empowering the next generation.

I earned my degree from Middle Tennessee State University and am dedicated to bringing new, engaging, and hands-on ideas into my classroom every semester. At the heart of my teaching philosophy is a commitment to creating a positive, inviting environment where every student can discover a true passion for learning. My goal as an educator is to be a positive role model and to inspire students to keep asking questions and learning—both inside and outside the classroom.

The Program

Agricultural Sciences & Veterinary Pathways

What to Expect in the Classroom & Lab

In our agriculture program, learning goes far beyond the textbook—we learn by doing. A typical week combines interactive classroom lessons, hands-on lab experiments, and practical animal care or agricultural projects. You might spend one day studying animal anatomy or plant systems, the next analyzing samples in the lab, and the rest of the week gaining real-world skills like basic clinical care, equipment handling, or community advocacy projects.

Core Skills You’ll Learn

  • Animal Science & Clinical Basics: Learn animal handling, vital sign monitoring, basic health assessments, and veterinary lab procedures.

  • Agricultural Advocacy & Leadership: Discover how local agriculture impacts the economy and community, while developing public speaking and project leadership skills.

  • Practical & Technical Application: Apply scientific concepts directly to hands-on agricultural and veterinary scenarios.

  • Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Work through real-world case studies in animal health, resource management, and local agricultural needs.

Future Opportunities & Career Pathways

  • Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs): Opportunities to work toward certifications such as OSHA 10-Hour General Industry (Veterinary)

  • Dual-Enrollment & Post-Secondary Pathways: Prepares students for college programs or vocational training in agriculture, veterinary technology, or animal science.

  • Potential Career Paths: Veterinary Technician, Agricultural Educator, Livestock Specialist, Animal Nutritionist, Agribusiness Management, or Vet Assistant