COVINGTON, Ga. - Both the Alcovy High School and Eastside High School FFA chapters have been recognized in the 2017 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization.
The program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters from throughout the country that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.
Chapters that received star ratings will be recognized at the 2017 National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 25-28 in Indianapolis. All-star FFA chapters receive honors made possible by corporate sponsor John Deere.
“The dedication these FFA members have never ceases to amaze me,” said Alex Chism, Alcovy FFA advisor. “They are constantly growing as leaders in their school, community, and at home. This award is all from the work of our students, but it would never be possible without the continued support of our parents, faculty and staff of our school and our community
“Each year the chapter officer team works diligently to plan and execute their program of work,” added Catrina Pollard, Eastside FFA advisor. “This past year they had the challenge of being introduced to new categories, application, and the process of being judged on their ideas. They have to come up with and execute nine activities in the various categories determined by National FFA. Only 26 chapters had the opportunity to move onto the national level by the Georgia Association. I am so proud of the hard work and determination of these high school students.”
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 649,355 student members who belong to one of 7,859 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 225,891 alumni members in 1,934 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.
“Feeding some 9 billion people by mid-century brings with it unprecedented challenges for today’s farmers,” said Amy Allen, manager, national corporate contributions for John Deere. “The skills and experiences learned though the National Chapter Award Program will help meet the critical needs.”
“Our FFA chapters and their advisors are some of the best in Georgia,” said Tim Schmitt, NCSS director of CTAE and workforce innovation. “I am always impressed at the quality of work they put out and the amount of work ethic they show while doing it. Alcovy and Eastside’s national recognition this year is just further evidence of the great work our students are doing and I couldn’t be more proud of them!”
