Horticulture agent Jessica Hyatt leaving Extension Service for high school
By Bonnie Edwards
Published in News on August 17, 2008 9:44 AM
Horticulture Agent Jessica Hyatt of the Cooperative Extension Service has resigned to become a teacher.
Her last day will be Tuesday, and she will teach biotechnology at Spring Creek School.
"I thought it was a good opportunity to work with children," said Mrs. Hyatt, who will be working with middle school students. "I've always enjoyed working with kids, and it was an interest with me."
Cooperative Extension Director Howard Scott said Mrs. Hyatt will be missed.
"We had a luncheon for her today (Friday), and I am happy for her, so I will support her as much as I can," he said.
The Extension office will go through N.C. State University to find a replacement. Because the university has to advertise for a month, Scott said the best case scenario is it will take him at least two months to fill the vacancy -- and that is if the candidate is ready to start right away.
Mrs. Hyatt has been with the local Extension office for more than two years and has been handling the office's horticulture classes.
"They're very popular," Scott said.
The horticulture classes in Goldsboro that were scheduled for the coming months are canceled, but Mount Olive College will continue its Lunch and Learn Classes that are scheduled for the rest of this year.
Dr. Sandy Maddox, the associate director of the Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center at Mount Olive College, will take over teaching duties.
All classes are noon to 1 p.m. in the Hennessee Room of the Lois K. Murphy Regional Center at Mount Olive College. The classes are free and open to the public. For information about the Mount Olive classes, call 658-7510.
The remaining scheduled classes for Mount Olive College include "Vines for the Landscape" on Sept. 17; "Controlling Winter Weeds" on Oct. 15; "Controlling Moles and Voles" on Nov. 13; and "Poinsettia Care" on Dec. 18.