Group of seven educators and school leaders stand on stage at the CLAS Banner School Awards ceremony, posing with a Banner School banner and award plaque. American and Alabama flags frame the stage, with CLAS sponsor backdrops behind them and green ferns lining the front of the platform.

Houston County Career Academy

Cow Pals
Houston County Schools
Principal: Dr. Chris Kennedy
Superintendent: Mr. Brandy White

The Houston County Career Academy (HCCA) Marketing Program implemented Cow Pals during the 2024-2025 school year as a student-led agricultural literacy initiative in partnership with a local elementary school and area cattle farmers. Planning began in November 2024, and weekly instruction launched in January 2025 after Marketing students completed training in agricultural concepts, communication strategies, and classroom facilitation. Marketing students served as subject matter experts and traveled to the elementary campus each week to deliver structured, skill-focused lessons. Each elementary student was paired with a “Cow Pal” from a local farm, allowing learners to follow the growth and care of real cattle through photos and video updates provided by farmer partners. These authentic resources were incorporated into interactive lessons that emphasized communication, critical thinking, and cooperation. Marketing students designed and maintained a program website featuring individual Cow Pal profiles and weekly updates. This component strengthened digital literacy, content management, and professional communication skills while providing families and community partners with a transparent view of the program. Cow Pals blended leadership development, academic skill-building, and community partnership. The program transformed high school students into educators and mentors while fostering agricultural awareness and engagement among elementary learners.

 

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