COVINGTON, Ga. - The Eastside High School FFA chapter was recently recognized by the National FFA Organization as a 2019 2-Star Chapter. 

The program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters from throughout the country that actively implements 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 2019 National FFA Convention and Expo, Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 in Indianapolis. All-star FFA chapters receive honors made possible by corporate sponsor John Deere.“East

side FFA members and officers work diligently each year to develop a Program of Activities that is relevant to our members,” Catrina Pollard, Eastside High School FFA advisor, said. “Having a well-rounded program that focuses on the 3-circle model is vital to the success of the chapter. In the past six years, we have grown leaps and bounds. FFA members have embodied the FFA mission statement by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through the agriculture education program at Eastside High School. We have been blessed to have administration and staff that push our members to pursue excellence.”

“I am proud of the hard work that Eastside's FFA chapter has put in,” said Dr. Tim Schmitt, director of CTAE and Workforce Innovation for Newton County School System. “Their efforts to achieve this 2-Star rating show they are not happy just being ‘good.’ Instead, they are pushing towards great! I know that Ms. Pollard and her students will continue to raise the bar and I am happy to help support the work.”