October 23, 2025 - Agriculture students at Canyon Lake High School welcomed their livestock animals on September 14, 2025, celebrating their Gotcha Day! On this adorable day, students met their “projects” for the year. They spent time connecting with their piglets and kids with high hopes for the school year and showing season.
The Agriculture program of study is a part of the Career and Technical Education department and consists of numerous pathways including Animal Science, Plant Science, and Agriculture Technology and Mechanical Systems, with opportunities for students to get involved through organizations like FFA and the Ag program.
Ag students Madyson Morales and Abigail Smelley, led by CLHS Agriculture teacher and swine advisor Emily Gwinn, were inspired by their family to raise pigs this school year, resulting in a proudly nostalgic Gotcha Day.
“I decided to raise a pig this year because my mom raised pigs when she was in high school,” says Morales, a senior in the Ag program. Smelley, a CLHS sophomore, joined Ag after watching her sister’s success with the program raising and showing pigs.
“I’ve been showing pigs since I was in fifth grade,” says Smelley. “Joining Ag has taught me so much more about the industry, and now I want to pursue becoming an Ag teacher to help inspire kids like me.”
At the barn, students raising an animal are expected to dedicate the school year to providing necessary care and maintenance for their animal. From bathing and feeding them to training for shows and cleaning their pen, students in the program develop important life skills such as responsibility and prioritization.
Canyon Lake senior Trinity Bryan has been raising goats under the guidance of Ag teacher and goat/lamb advisor Alyssa Hoskins for the past four years, choosing the animal due to the hands-on nature required in caring and showing them. Pigs, goats, and lambs are just a few livestock animals you can raise in the Canyon Lake Ag program.
“The most challenging part of raising an animal in the Ag program is letting them go in the spring after spending all year forming a connection with them,” explains Bryan. “This year will be especially bittersweet because I am a senior.”
With teachers like Emily Gwinn and Alyssa Hoskins, students in the Ag career cluster have plenty of support in both the classroom and the barn. Whether you raise an animal or join one of their many leadership and agriculture teams, there is something for every student to get involved.
Thank you Canyon Lake Agriculture Department for providing a nurturing Path to Success
Photo Descriptions
- Canyon Lake High School senior Madyson Morales holding her pig.
- Canyon Lake High School sophomore Abigail Smelley walking her pig.
- Canyon Lake High School senior Trinity Bryan showing her goat.
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