Washington High School and John Deere | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    On Tuesday, February 21, 2012, members of the Washington High School FFA attended the John Deere Tech open house at Wake Technical College in Raleigh. Wake Technical Community College is one of seven community colleges to be instructing students on John Deere construction and forestry equipment. John Deere dealers from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia will sponsor students. The program is designed to be a two-year Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. Once the program is completed students are able to receive a job from John Deere at one of their many locations. Students were able to learn about new advancements that John Deere has made as well as learn about some of the classes that students have to take in order to receive their degree. The students were also able to talk with some of the current students that attend the program. Having the chance to do that gave them the opportunity to learn what it is like being part of a college program. There were six different stations that the students were able to be a part of. Students took part in; electrical of a tractor, hydraulics, admissions to the program, equipment advances as well as motor diagnostics as well as others. With the equipment advances the students learned AMS. This is a system that uses GPS and satellites to allow the driver to set up the autopilot program on the tractor.

    "The John Deere program is the epitome of Ag Mechanics at work. I learned about technology that has drastically improved the life of farmers," Ben Schatz, senior.

    "I really enjoyed myself and enjoyed learning about the new technology of today," Kacy Thompson, sophomore.

    "It was fun and I liked riding in the tractor that was programmed for autopilot," Eric Ford, freshman.

    " I learned about John Deere Tractors and was prepared for what the John Deere company can do for my future, Amanda Lietz, junior.

    Call/email if you have questions.

    Sarah Hodges
    Public Information Officer
    Beaufort County Schools
      252.946.6593 office
      252.402.5834 cell
      shodges@beaufort.k12.nc.us e-mailoto)