FFA (Future Farmers of America) is the premier youth organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture. The heart of the National FFA organization is at the local chapter level.
\r\nHere at West Washington, the FFA chapter is for any students in grades 7-12 enrolled in an agriculture education course. This year, the chapter membership stands at 80 members, which is the largest club in the school.
\r\nAgriculture Science Instructor and FFA Advisor, Brandan Bergdall, was excited to share and elaborate on the benefits of participating in FFA. “As a part of the National FFA organization, we aren't just about cows, sows, and plows. We are about creating leaders and achievers, learners and servers, and teams with dreams. We strive to create student leaders through our community service, leadership development events, and judging contests throughout the year,” he stated.
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The FFA motto is: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.
\r\nThe commitment level to West Washington FFA and these beliefs are apparent when you talk to its’ members. Here are some examples of what students are saying about being a member:
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“FFA is a great organization that builds members’ character and teaches them important life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and public speaking. I have become a better leader thanks to FFA and I’m excited to continue to serve along with my friends and officer team.” - Eva O’Toole, Chapter Reporter
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“FFA has improved my leadership ability. Being an FFA officer has caused me to make decisions with the officer team and be a leader for the chapter. FFA is a chance to make lifelong friendships, develop your skills, and make a difference.”
\r\n-Shelby Griffitts, Secretary
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“FFA has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and become a better leader in many aspects of my life while working and helping the community in different ways.” - Abigail Young, Student Advisor
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“FFA has made a strong impact on me in many ways. One of my favorite things about FFA is making a bond with others from within my chapter to across the state with the same interest as me.” - Bailey Hardwick, Vice President
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Our West Washington FFA Chapter has been busy lately. Here is a small sample of the types of activities they offer our students:
\r\nOur FFA members are very active throughout the year working shoulder to shoulder with local farmers in our community. Several of our members have been assisting local farmer, David Hoar, with some spilled grain after school.
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18 members attended the North American International Livestock Expo in Louisville to learn more about different livestock animals and breeds. They also attended the rodeo.
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Our chapter hosted a Parliamentary Procedure contest for other schools to attend and prepare for the upcoming district contest.
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Members are preparing for the Welding contest. Members are learning welding safety and how to use a stick and wire welder.
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FFA members held a thanksgiving meeting and meal with all the goodies. Afterwards, they made Christmas cards for the local nursing home residents.
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Last but not least, Mr. Bergdall was nominated and awarded the WSLM Radio Station Teacher of the Month from WW for November.
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If you are interested in joining West Washington FFA or have any questions about the program, please reach out to Mr. Brandan Bergdall or one of following officers: Jozie Alexander, Historian; Shelby Griffitts, Secretary; Abigail Young, Student Advisor; Eva O'Toole, Reporter; Allie Elrod, President; Bailey Hardwick, Vice President; Halle Shelton, Treasurer; Lena Kelter, Vice President; Silas Batt, Sentinel.
