More Than a Vet Clinic: How SCGSA Is Serving Its Community

Since opening in August 2026, the veterinary clinic at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe (SCGSA) has provided an opportunity to connect agricultural education with animal care and career exploration in rural McCormick, S.C.

The clinic gives students interested in veterinary medicine the opportunity to explore the profession while learning about animal health and welfare. For Morgan Craig, the experience has helped strengthen their interest in a future career in veterinary medicine.

“This is a really great opportunity. I’ve learned so many skills. Whether that be working with cats or dogs in surgery or out of surgery, I’ve grown my love for animals, and it’s really shown why I want to be a veterinarian in my future,” Craig said.

Under the leadership of lead veterinarian Julia Larson, the clinic connects students’ classroom learning with experiences in a veterinary setting. Students interested in animal science and veterinary medicine can explore the responsibilities involved in caring for animals while developing skills that may benefit them in future careers.

The clinic also creates opportunities for students to connect their experiences with supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects. Through these projects, students can explore animal-related careers and apply what they learn in school to practical situations.

Working with animals requires patience, attention to detail, and a commitment to animal welfare. Experiences in a veterinary setting can help students better understand these responsibilities and determine whether a career in animal health is right for them.

Beyond its educational role, the clinic serves the surrounding community by providing small-animal veterinary care. Its presence in rural McCormick also demonstrates how agricultural education can extend beyond traditional farming to support other needs within the community.

Agriculture encompasses a wide range of careers, including veterinary medicine, animal health, research and agricultural education. By connecting student learning with veterinary care, SCGSA’s clinic highlights these opportunities while helping prepare students for the future.

The clinic represents how agricultural education can benefit both students and their communities, combining career exploration, animal welfare and service through one program.