06/04/2026
It was a pleasure and a privilege to welcome Champlain Valley Union High School's (CVU) RISE Program to the farm today. There were 18 students, two teachers, and their bus driver.
RISE stands for Reflective Interest-Based Student Experience. Through RISE, for the last two weeks of the school year, students step outside the classroom for experiential learning opportunities. This year, the course entails volunteering for organizations that work with animals, as well as learning about careers that involve animals. Today, the group spent three hours at Crane Mountain Valley Horse Rescue (CMVHR).
CVU is in Hinesburg, Vermont, just an hour’s drive from CMVHR. The school’s mission and philosophy are to "educate and empower all students with the knowledge, understanding, skills, and curiosity to contribute to and flourish in a complex world." Their values are "learning – growth – curiosity – equity – community – respect – collaboration – belonging – joy". We embrace and share CVU’s commitment to our next generation of leaders, and to all.
During our time together, we toured the farm, met the animals and learned their stories, shared CMVHR’s history, and answered thoughtful questions. The students then did volunteer work including brushing horses and cleaning paddocks. Because everyone in this group came with kindness in their hearts, all our animals (horses, cows, sheep, chickens, goose, and Baloo, our farm dog) sensed peace and gravitated toward them with calm and comfort.
It was a magical day that left our spirits lifted and our hearts full because of their commitment to selflessly giving their time to help others and embracing the opportunity with curiosity and a true desire to learn. Individually and collectively, they are all rising stars. After spending time with this group today, the future is looking very bright!
