When it comes to preparing the next generation of turfgrass professionals, Dr. Drew Miller and the Brentsville Turf Toro Grounds Academy at Brentsville District High School are leading the way.
What started as a first-of-its-kind program in 2017 with 63 students and a push mower has steadily grown into a model for other districts hoping to start similar programs. Dr. Miller now leads a group of 240 students, and with the help of Toro and local distribution partner Turf Equipment and Supply Company, they maintain 30 acres with a full fleet of Toro equipment.
As enrollment and fleet size have increased, so has the need for additional space. Currently, the program utilizes a small shed to store equipment, and students must spend valuable time walking to and from classrooms and the fields in which they work.
But that’s all about to change.
In July, crews broke ground on what will be a brand new facility complete with lab space, workshops, multi-purpose areas and more. It’s a necessary upgrade that has key support from the school board and superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade, who recognizes the impact the program has on students and the enhanced focus on career and technical education.
“I’m eternally grateful to Dr. McDade for always supporting us, for taking the time to change the outlook of what our program is going to be and developing the first-ever high school turf grass research center right here at Brentsville High School,” Dr. Miller said.
Here’s a glimpse at what the new facility will offer:
Research Lab Space:
- Brentsville is located in a “transition zone” with hot summers and cold winters, offering a unique environment to conduct diverse research trials on turf grasses.
- The space offers opportunities to strengthen industry and educational connections while opening doors for internships, college credits, graduate school programs and future employment.
- Institutions like Penn State, Virginia Tech, Ohio State and Tennessee have pledged their collaboration.
- The space offers opportunities to strengthen industry and educational connections while opening doors for internships, college credits, graduate school programs and future employment.
Workshop Space:
- Students have a dedicated space to learn essential maintenance and small engine repair skills with access to a lift, reel grinder, welding station and more.
Multipurpose Area:
- This gathering space can be used for workshops, field days, industry events or engagement activities to expose students to professional networking or educational opportunities. It can also be utilized for school functions like dances and meetings.
Putting Green and Bunker:
- Located next to the building for hands-on golf course management experience. The school’s golf team will also have access.
Sustainability Features:
- Solar panels will be placed on the roof and the building will have a water retention and filtration system. The program’s goal is to achieve LEED Platinum environmental certification while teaching students to become environmental stewards.
This new facility is a testament to the program’s incredible success and will enrich the educational opportunities for all students in the district. While many of Dr. Miller’s former students have gone on to work full-time in the turf industry, those who choose a different career path gain valuable, lifelong skills and experiences.
“This wasn’t something that I ever thought was possible,” Dr. Miller said. “It’s like reaching for the stars and actually grabbing one of them.”
All photos courtesy of Dr. Drew Miller.
