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MYAKKA CITY, Fla. (AP) — Out of concern special-needs graduates of Ave Maria Preparatory School needed more help in finding long-term employment and being able to live independently, the school launched the Shepherd's Field Agricultural College program in 2013.
"It was a necessary, prophetic step," said school director Sister Gilchrist Cottrill of the desire to expand its program beyond serving students ages 6-22.
Cottrill and her board of directors said the students, who include children with autism, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorderand other special learning needs, would still need help after completing Ave Maria curriculum.
"It's a continuum of service. They need a life after school," Cottrill said.
A state grant pays tuition for the students and a partnership with South Florida College provides instruction at the Arcadia campus for the two-year college education in landscaping and horticulture, which began with an enrollment of 12.
The first two students to reside on the 23-acre Ave Maria campus, 6289 Verna Road, completed their agricultural classes this week.
Turner Tree and Landscape is working with Shepherd's Field on the program.
"We expect this summer some of our students will have jobs with Turner," Cottrill said.
It's important for the students to get right to work after completing the Shepherd's Field program so the knowledge isn't lost, she said.
"South Florida College has given us a couple of good instructors who understand our students and have given them practical experience," she said.
Program director Sister Edith Aliano works between the Ave Maria campus and the South Florida College campus in Arcadia to coordinate the program and travel with students.
"I think that the thing that excites me most is seeing the students achieve more than they thought possible," Aliano said. "To see them try to move forward and get there is huge jolt to their self-esteem."
One student, Max Labrunie, 22, said he was relieved to complete the agriculture portion of his degree. He wanted to get his homework done and said he had chores to do at the Ave Maria campus, including tending a garden planted in tomatoes, corn, and beans, and help look after the stable where therapy horses are kept when not grazing in a pasture.
Preparation includes learning to shop, budget, cook, do laundry and manage their time, Cottrill said.
"There is opportunity for students with disabilities beyond high school. They can have dignified living, education and employment," Cottrill said.
Aliano and Cottrill said they want the program to grow.
"We have a lot of students out there who could do great in this program," Aliano said.
For more information about Shepherd's Field or Ave Maria, call 941-322-1601 or visit amuprep.org.
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