THS Student Blends Entrepreneurship and Photography in Ag Project

Ria Beri ‘27
EE Co-Managing Editor
Maura Brunt ‘27
EE Staff Writer

Trumbull High School sophomore Abigail “Abbey” Matera made a strong debut at the Agriscience Fall Festival on October 19. At this event, she showcased her homemade wooden cutting boards as part of a larger project in the Agriscience program. In addition to her entrepreneurial efforts, Matera serves as an officer in Trumbull’s Agriscience chapter, competes as a varsity cross-country runner, actively participates in the Interact Club, and teaches youth karate. Her diverse interests reflect her dedication to both her education and her community.

Matera’s initiatives are part of a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), a hands-on project designed for agricultural students to apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios. SAEs can take various forms, including Experimental SAEs, which involve conducting research projects; Entrepreneurship SAEs, focused on creating and selling products; Placement SAEs, where students gain experience through work or volunteer positions; and Exploratory SAEs, where students undertake small projects to discover their passions. Matera’s project falls under the Entrepreneurship SAE category, highlighting her commitment to applying her skills in a practical setting.

As part of her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project, Matera’s cutting boards reflect a blend of creativity and skill. Crafted from Maple, Cherry, and Walnut, she meticulously transforms raw wood into functional art. “I start with cutting each roughly 8 ft board into smaller segments,” she explains. “Then I cut the boards into strips that are 1 and ¼ inches or more.” Matera’s process continues with gluing, clamping, and finishing touches, including handles and juice grooves. Excitingly, she plans to expand her offerings for future events to include custom aprons, having already created a template.

Matera’s enthusiasm for this SAE is rooted in family traditions. “My father has always loved woodworking, and we have so many tools in our basement,” she notes. “I could not pass up an opportunity to combine what I love with the people I love.” Her mother’s passion for sewing further inspired Matera to explore her creative side, linking her love for fabrics and craftsmanship.

In addition to her woodworking, Matera is pursuing a nature photography SAE. “I hope to spread awareness about the conditions of the world we live in today,” she shares. This project allows her to merge her love for photography with writing, creating a platform for advocacy while fulfilling Agriscience requirements.

Matera’s journey through the Agriscience program has fostered deeper connections with her peers and community. “Being in the Ag program has brought me much closer to my friends and people that I would have never talked to prior,” she notes, emphasizing the value of collaboration and shared interests.

Reflecting on her experiences, Matera recognizes the challenges of balancing her SAEs with her academic workload, particularly as she navigates her first AP classes. “I’ve learned how much effort it truly takes to accomplish and maintain an SAE,” she admits, noting the minimum requirement of 200 hours each year. Her advice for fellow students? “Make the most of those summer months. It would have saved me so much stress”.

Matera also remarked on her initial decision to join the Agriscience program, commenting on how she originally decided to join the school because of her passion for animals and how it has shaped her and become a fundamental part of her high school experience. “I also feel that now I just love science as a whole. I have absolutely no idea what I will do after Ag with my life or career, but I hope to help people and animals alike with science”.

Matera’s commitment to her SAEs, her community, and her personal growth exemplifies the true spirit of the Agriscience program. With a combination of passion, creativity, and hard work, she is not only honing her skills but also building lasting connections that extend beyond the classroom. As she looks to the future, Matera hopes to further expand her projects and continue advocating for environmental awareness through her photography.

Feature Photo Courtesy: Angela Matera