“Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve” is the motto of Future Farmers of America (FFA). When FFA was first founded in 1928, their mission was to prepare a young generation of farmers for the challenges of feeding a growing population. Now, the FFA Chapter at Pulaski County Middle School is continuing that mission.
Teaching the next generation the importance of leadership is an idea that PCMS agriscience teacher Taylor Dillon takes to heart.
“Today, we know that agriculture is more than just planting and harvesting, it's a science, a business, and an art. The science behind agriculture is beneficial for all to know. It teaches young students the importance of understanding where our food comes from, the priority we should place on caring for our environment, and how little things can make a big impact. I want every student to know that their voice matters,” Dillon said.
This summer, the PCMS FFA chapter became a state recognized chapter. The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission of the organization. The chapter must emphasize growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture in order to qualify for this award.
PCMS FFA’s chapter has worked hard in order to build a positive reputation within the community since PCMS opened its doors in 2021. It was Ms. Dillon’s goal for students to not only understand what makes a good leader, but also prioritize becoming leaders themselves.
“It is never too early to understand leadership,” Dillon added.
This was an idea that the students in FFA immediately ran with. They all stepped up to the plate. Since making leadership and service the forefront of the students’ minds, they have created service projects such as reading to all the county’s elementary schools during Ag Literacy week, planting flowers in the flowerbeds at the front of the school, and most recently, serving the teachers and staff at PCMS during FFA week.
When planning this year’s FFA Week, the chapter chose to give back the staff of PCMS. Agriculture is truly a co-curricular subject, implementing elements of science, math, language arts, and history.
“It was important that we gave back to the teachers to represent our gratitude for all that they have done for us” FFA Officers AnnMarie Johnson and Evonnia Hayden said.
FFA surprised all the teachers with a themed snack each day. Monday started with a bag of goldfish with the tagline “Hooked on FFA”. Tuesday’s theme was “Nuts about FFA” with a bag of peanuts. Wednesday was “Our FFA Chapter is Sweet like Honey” with honey buns. In addition to these themed snacks, FFA also offered the teacher’s room service. Teachers selected their room service items the day prior and received their delivery the following day.
“We enjoyed FFA Week because it was a great opportunity to give back,” Hayden and Johnson said.
