Members of the Maine FFA Association (formerly known as “Future Farmers of America”) had a chance to share more about their organization with students in the forestry program at the Foster Technology Center in Farmington.
During the class presentation this month by State FFA Officers Dayna McCrum (President), Jason Gurley (Vice President), Jordan White (Secretary-Treasurer) and Maine Department of Education State FFA Advisor Doug Robertson, first year Foster Technology Center students were told of FFA’s history and of available competitions, awards, scholarships and travel opportunities.
Students also participated in fun activities such as the “oreo challenge.” This team building exercise is where sometimes you have a goal that you may not think is attainable, but as a team, you can learn from each other on how to meet that goal. In this case with the “oreo challenge,” the goal is to place the cookie on your forehead and get it into your mouth without using your hands.
Every year, National FFA awards over $2 million in scholarships and the Maine FFA Association distributes over $10,000 in awards and scholarships. FFA chapter membership is offered to any middle or secondary school providing instruction related to agriculture and natural resources. Such instruction may include technical agriculture/forestry/natural resources programs as well as middle or high school science programs utilizing hands-on connections to animals, plants or natural resources. In Maine, middle/secondary schools whose greenhouses or school gardens are integrated into academic instruction may qualify for FFA chapter membership.
For more information contact Maine DOE FFA Advisor Doug Robertson at doug.robertson@maine.gov or call 624-6744.