The barn doors unlock and slide open, as the couple walks inside to begin their day. It is quiet for now, but when the bell rings, classes will begin and another day in the Agriculture program will go by.

Four years ago, Kris and Stacy Schertz came to Allen to begin work in a lackluster agriculture program that had a low enrollment and minimal student participation. Now, as the program continues to grow, it has become a success that few could have imagined, with classes filled to capacity and students winning at competitions year-round.

"When I first came here the membership was really low and the students didn’t know what all was really out there. Caring about the kids has turned the program around. I take great pride in making sure the kids can do anything," Mrs. Schertz said.

The Ag program is divided into Horticulture, Ag Mechanics, and Vet Tech classes. Enrollment in classes has increased to 700 students and 255 FFA members, after the Schertzs began with around 200 students and 75 FFA members.

"Our program here at Allen is a very well-rounded program that has a spot or an avenue for every student. Not only do we do stock shows, leadership contests, and Ag mechanics projects, but we also try to relate to the students; to be able to reach them and touch them on a one-on-one basis," Mr. Schertz said.

FFA competitions throughout the year range from poultry training to farm business management, with Allen as one of the top competitors. Last summer Allen became a gold-rated FFA chapter in the nation, one of the top honors attainable for the program.

"When we walk into a competition, those other districts are like ‘Oh great, here comes Allen.’ They know that when we walk into a competition, we are not just there to participate," Mrs. Schertz said.

However, achievement was not easily attained for the program. It was built from the ground up (with three head of cattle and some sheep and hogs) and now the Schertzs and their students spend their time maintaining their projects and taking care of the 22 head of cattle and an ever-growing number of sheep by constantly visiting the barn, day and night.

"When the rest of us take our vacation time, they continue working. The barn is still full of animals. Even when competitions stop, the barn is still full of animals for next year. It is a year round program," Karen Bradley, Special Programs Coordinator, said.

The Schertzs often lock up the barn around 10 each night and bring their three young children to school after classes.

"Life outside of school, on the weekend, is minimal at times. We pretty much eat, sleep, and drink here at the school," Mr. Schertz said.

Lydia, 2, and Landon Schertz, 4, look up to their parents, and enjoy being able to help with their jobs. The Schertz also have a three month old baby, Logan.

"They love the animals and coming to the office. They call the high school kids their kids," Mrs. Schertz said.

Even when there are competitions, the Schertzs try to spend as much time with their kids as they can and not sacrifice time spent together.

"If it is something where we are going to stay overnight or it is going to be a longer trip, a lot of times they come with us. It works out great because our kids love what we do, and all the high school kids love Landon and Lydia," Mrs. Schertz said.

Their commitment to the program is unyielding, and everyone works together to improve the program. Along with the other Ag teachers, Sarah Griffeth and Ryan McElroy, the Schertzs feel that the Ag department is like a family, both for the teachers and students.

"You spend more time with your teaching partners than with your own family. In a sense, they become family to you," Mr. Schertz said. "You know about everybody’s ups and downs, and trials and errors. I feel like it has been a great experience for me working with the other teachers."

The Schertzs also feel that being able to work side-by-side, as husband and wife has increased and strengthened the program.

"We know what each other is thinking. She can complete a sentence for me, and I can complete one for her. That just makes the team that much stronger," Mr. Schertz said.

Despite the long hours and busy schedule, the Schertzs maintain that their goal is to see their students succeed. They approach teaching by giving students every available opportunity, and showing them the affect that agriculture has on their lives.

"I feel like it is my duty that they understand the aspects of agriculture and the whole broad spectrum of our program, because I would be doing an injustice to them if they walked out of here not knowing what they were doing," Mrs. Schertz said.

To help their students reach their full potential, the Schertzs try to show the students the benefits of determination.

"I try to make sure that my work ethic is pushed forward to the students," Mr. Schertz said. "I work alongside the kids and I never ask them to do anything that I wouldn’t do myself."

The students recognize the effort that the Schertzs have put into the Ag program, and they understand how that has been beneficial.

"They have built this program a lot in the past four years. We have boosted membership and won so many achievements, and without the Schertzs that would not have happened," 2009 graduate Lynsie Bradshaw said.

Because of the program’s accomplishments, the Ag teachers set high expectations for the students.

"There is a high standard that we hold up for our students, because we know they are capable and smart enough," Mrs. Schertz said. "There is enough drive in our students that we are going to throw everything at them and show them what FFA has to offer."

Both feel that the students’ success is based off of their own leadership and classroom approach. They also recognize that the community and parent support has aided the growth of the program and student participation further.

"In order to be successful you have to be able to give and take so that you can have some growth, not only in yourself but whatever you are involved in," Mrs. Schertz said.

The program will have even more capacity for success in 2010 when the new CTE building opens for the Ag students.

"We are going to have new improved facilities, we are going to be able to teach those classes even more to their potential, and eventually hire more teachers so that we can have more students in the program," Mrs. Schertz said.

No matter what building they use, the Ag department hopes that they spread their reach farther than AHS.

"We extend the Allen Agricultural Science Department beyond the doors of this building. We are always thinking about the program, how it is going to affect our students, and what we can do to better ourselves and the program," Mrs. Schertz said.

After working with the students for four years now, the graduating class this year is the group of students the Schertzs began with, and they admit that they have experienced a lot with those kids.

"This is my group of seniors that I started with freshman year," Mrs. Schertz said. "I went through a lot of tears with them, break-ups and boyfriends and girlfriends, and sheep and goat projects; you name it and we have been through it."

Students agree that graduating this year will be difficult, after spending their high school career in the Ag program with the Schertzs.

"I have never had two teachers who cared so much about us, and no matter what happens they are always there," Bradshaw said.

Their love and devotion to their job has propelled the Schertzs to view it as more than a career, and they both see themselves still teaching Ag in ten years.

"I don’t look at it as a job. I enjoy coming to school every day and I enjoy being around the kiddos every day," Mr. Schertz said. "I don’t think I have ever looked at it as a job; I have enjoyed every day I have been here."

They give the barn one more look, before locking the doors after another long and busy day in the Agriculture department.