Danny Federico
Riverbend News
On Friday, Oct. 29, Branford High School's Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter received the 2021 National Premier Chapter: Growing Leaders award at the 94th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Ind.
Branford FFA was previously honored as one of “Florida's Finest Chapters” and named both a 3-Star National Chapter Award and a national finalist for the National Premier Chapter Award for leadership-related activities.
In September, Branford FFA completed a virtual presentation of their “A-maze-ing Education” project, which taught students about careers in plant science, technology, the environment and agricultural communications. The corn maze covered three and a half acres and students used geographic information system (GIS) technology to cut it.
In addition, Branford FFA members developed partnerships with four local businesses to assist in the project's funding, with one local farmer even donating a 14-foot grain drill to allow the students to work on a maze in the future. Branford FFA members also taught 175 elementary students about fall agricultural commodities, including pumpkins, corn and sorghum.
“Winning the National Chapter Award for Growing Leaders was truly a humbling experience,” said Stacy Young, Branford FFA Advisor. “Our chapter is blessed to live in an agricultural based area that is supportive of our members and their projects. We were honored to accept this award and return it to our hometown. We are also grateful to be nominated as a national finalist in the National Chapter award for Strengthening Agriculture. 'Blessed' is the only word I can think of to describe how I feel.”
“The National Chapter Award Program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the organization’s mission and strategies,” the National FFA website states. “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.”
Congratulations to this outstanding FFA chapter on a job well-done!