In October, state officers and students from three Maine schools traveled to the 89th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.
FFA (formerly known as “Future Farmers of America”) represents the leadership organization charged with bringing technical and leadership skills as well as awards, scholarships and recognition, to over 650,000 students in grades 7-12 who are enrolled in educational programs related to agriculture and natural resources. Students from Ashland Community High School, Central Aroostook High School (Mars Hill) and Sanford Regional Technical Center joined over 64,000 of their peers from across the country to participate in competitions related to public speaking, agricultural sales and nursery and landscape management. In addition to participating in these competitions, students attended leadership sessions, went on tours, and took advantage of cultural offerings in Indianapolis.
Maine FFA’s State President, Dayna McCrum, and State Vice President Kaley Norsworthy acted as official convention delegates, discussing and voting on measures affecting the programs offered by the National FFA. Two Maine FFA members, Whitnie Bradbury and Tyler Raymond, joined the ranks of fewer than 1% of FFA members awarded the American FFA Degree, the highest distinction accorded by the National FFA. State FFA Advisor Doug Robertson, from the Maine Department of Education, participated in meetings with staff from all 50 states to learn more about their programs and about National FFA offerings.
For more information on opportunities, awards and scholarships provided by the FFA and for questions regarding the establishment of Maine FFA chapters, please contact Maine DOE’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Education Specialist, Doug Robertson, at 624-6744 or doug.robertson@maine.gov.