In its second year of use, FFA and DECA students are already planning ways to dig in the dirt and serve the community.

“This year we’re hosting a mum sale on Sept. 16 and 17 from 3 to 7 p.m.,” said Johanna Kunert, Southeast Valley High School’s FFA advisor. “All proceeds will go towards Southeast Valley High School student organizations.”

Last year’s mum sale was the first event for the students and was so well received that they sold out almost immediately.

“It was a great turnout that we did not expect,” said Kunert. “Our goal is to not sell out so fast this year, and to anticipate what people are looking for.”

Students in FFA and DECA are able to learn hands-on business, agriculture, and life skills at the district’s greenhouse. Last year, the students hosted a mum sale, Easter lily sale, and a spring plant sale.

“Students love being a part of these sales,” said Kunert. “It gives them a chance to not only work with the plants, but also work with customers. Doing this teaches them communication skills, money handling skills, and allows them to practice being a good salesperson. It also gives the students a chance to help fundraise for the organizations that they’re a part of.”

The Southeast Valley High School Greenhouse mum sale will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 16-17 at 1011 Mariam St. in Gowrie. Small mums are $10, medium $20, and large mums will be priced at $30. The students are not taking pre-orders.

“Thank you to everyone for supporting our students,” said Kunert.