WINNEMUCCA - Does FFA ring a bell? If not, how about Future Farmers of America?
Weather it sounds familiar or not, FFA is an amazing organization that I would like to get the word out about. FFA was founded in 1928, 85 years ago and still to this day going strong.
It all started off with 33 farm boys promoting the future in agriculture. Now it has grown to 579,678 members in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It use to be known as Future Farmers of America but over time it grew into more than just farming. FFA is about Agriculture, leadership and preparing for the future. People now just call it the National FFA Organization.
In Winnemucca's FFA chapter, there are currently 60 members. To prepare for the future, students have the opportunity to participate in Career Development Events (CDE's). Members get to compete at zone, state, and national levels.
A few of the CDE's include Livestock Evaluation, Horse Judging, Floriculture, various Public Speaking Competitions, Vet Science and Environmental and Natural Resources. In November two FFA State officers came to visit our school. Christina White and Bobby Fagundes brought different workshops for students to participate in.
"I learned how to take more opportunities in life and to be myself "said FFA member Jasmyne Herrera. Participating in this organization requires hard work and involvement in the community.
Members are required to complete community service hours to give back to the community that supports us. On Jan. 23 - 25, a few FFA members involved in Environmental and Natural Resources team volunteered and the Youth Conservation Wildlife Experience in Reno. There, the members helped teach kids as little as elementary to as old as seniors in high school about conserving our wildlife. Many presentations were given including careers in conservation. It even opened my eyes a little bit more about wildlife.
Also in November, we organized a food drive at Lowry High School and collected about 550 items to donate to our local food bank. The winning class received donuts, donated by Yolo Donuts. Our chapter started a new tradition this year to pick a "Member of the Month", The member of the month for November was awarded to Cody Lewis, and in December, Mikayla Wilke both hard-working Green-Hand Officers. Cody participates in everything, is very outgoing and has a lot of potential. Mikayla has a kind, caring heart and always lends a helping hand.
Recently in January Abby De La Mora was member or the month for being the top fundraiser and she has also been a very outgoing positive member. Member Of The Month for February was Michael Venzor for being actively Involved and missing his wrestling practice to go volunteer at The Youth Conservation Wildlife Experience.
Every year FFA adopts a family. This year we adopted a family of six. FFA members donated food, clothes and other things that the family needed. "We wouldn't be having much of a Christmas without this organization" said one family member. The FFA Alumni Dinner is coming up Feb. 22 so be sure to buy your tickets! We greatly appreciate everyone who has donated for the dinner.
The FFA mission statement is "FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education." I asked members "What impact has FFA made in your life?" Kalie Morgan, an active FFA member stated "FFA has impacted my life by introducing me to new people, becoming a better leader and giving me the opportunity to help others. Because of FFA I have more friends and more throughout the state of Nevada. Before I had only had friends in Winnemucca. I began helping others more when I helped participate in adopt a family last year. I have grown into a better person and developed additional skills." The FFA motto gives members encouraging words to live by as they experience the opportunities in the organization. Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, and Living to Serve.
Kylie Lewis is the Winnemucca FFA's chapter reporter.[[In-content Ad]]
