The title says it all! The National FFA Organization (FFA) was founded by a group of young farmers back in 1928. Their mission was to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population, and that’s exactly what they do today. They taught us that agriculture is more than just planting and harvesting--it’s a science, business, and an art. FFA originally stood for Future Farmers of America, but the name was changed to reflect the growing diversity of agriculture today.
The Washington FFA chapter demonstrates its knowledge and understanding of agriculture on a daily basis in each of the three classes that make up the program. An SAE, or Supervised Agricultural Experience, project is due at the end of each semester and explains what each individual does outside of school that is agriculture related. However, if a student doesn’t do anything agriculture-related outside of school, the assignment is modified to fit that person’s activities.
Participating in FFA consists of more than just attending class on a daily basis. The members are active in several community service activities throughout the school year. For example, in the last week of November, FFA works in part with the Optimist Club in Washington to sell Christmas trees in the parking lot at McDonald’s. This year the start-up date was November 19th.
“It was my first year working the tree stand, and it was a lot of fun!” commented Hannah Pehle.
“It didn’t even feel like it was community service,” explained Karissa Durbin. “It was a really fun experience to be a part of something that gives back to the community.”
This year, every FFA member signed up for at least one shift to work during the week or on the weekends. All the funds that are collected from the tree sales by these students are used for playground equipment, school equipment, and anything related to the Washington School District. The prices for trees range from around $12 all the way up to around $120, depending on height and type of tree you pick. The heights also vary greatly, ranging from two to fourteen feet tall.
“So far, there have been a lot of trees sold, which is good,” explained Phyllis, a member of the Washington Optimist Club. “Hopefully more and more people continue to show up and buy more trees!”
As of December 9th, more than 175 trees were sold, out of the nearly 350 that were delivered.
The Washington FFA Chapter encourages everyone to “come out and take a look!”. You never know, there may be a tree there that’s calling your name!
FFA gives students in the area a chance to be a part of a group that focuses mainly on agriculture while making memorable experiences and opening doors to multiple opportunities in their futures.
-by Karissa Durbin
Participating in FFA consists of more than just attending class on a daily basis. The members are active in several community service activities throughout the school year. For example, in the last week of November, FFA works in part with the Optimist Club in Washington to sell Christmas trees in the parking lot at McDonald’s. This year the start-up date was November 19th.
“It was my first year working the tree stand, and it was a lot of fun!” commented Hannah Pehle.
“It didn’t even feel like it was community service,” explained Karissa Durbin. “It was a really fun experience to be a part of something that gives back to the community.”
This year, every FFA member signed up for at least one shift to work during the week or on the weekends. All the funds that are collected from the tree sales by these students are used for playground equipment, school equipment, and anything related to the Washington School District. The prices for trees range from around $12 all the way up to around $120, depending on height and type of tree you pick. The heights also vary greatly, ranging from two to fourteen feet tall.
“So far, there have been a lot of trees sold, which is good,” explained Phyllis, a member of the Washington Optimist Club. “Hopefully more and more people continue to show up and buy more trees!”
As of December 9th, more than 175 trees were sold, out of the nearly 350 that were delivered.
The Washington FFA Chapter encourages everyone to “come out and take a look!”. You never know, there may be a tree there that’s calling your name!
FFA gives students in the area a chance to be a part of a group that focuses mainly on agriculture while making memorable experiences and opening doors to multiple opportunities in their futures.
-by Karissa Durbin
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