Some 35 to 40 students, grades K-7, traveled from the New Beginnings Youth and Family Services Center in Cambridge, Md., to UMES for a quick visit. While on campus, they interacted with the sheep and goat that are managed by Dr. E. Nelson Escobar, small ruminant specialist and interim Extension administrator.
The farm visit resulted from an invitation from Marilyn Buerkle, lecturer in the School of Education, Social Sciences and The Arts, who initially began coordinating the visit for Dr. Theresa Stafford, UMES alum and executive director of New Beginnings. It followed a tour for the group of the radio and television facilities on the first and third floors of the Engineering and Aviation Science Complex. To the excitement of the children and their chaperones, Leon Lewis and Bill Brophy, both digital media staff, served as gracious and informative hosts.
At the farm, Solomon Kirongo and Harry Taylor introduced the students to the sheep and the goats and to their peculiarities. After braving the poop and the skittish nature of the animals, and with some military style encouragement from their director, the children soon became acclimated to their surroundings.
Committed to planning and developing educational, recreational and cultural activities for after school and summer programs and coordinating activities for families who live in subsidized housing, Stafford made sure the children made the best of their time on campus. She is a retired Maryland supervisor of college and career readiness and has 37 years of experience in public education. She is also retired from the Maryland Army National Guard. As a therapeutic foster care provider, she has provided 10 years of guidance for at-risk children. Finally, Stafford is certified to offer training for Restorative Practices in Maryland and Delaware.
Having successfully introduced her students to her alma mater and exposing them to technology and live animals, she expressed the desire to return next summer
