Members of the C. L. Payne FFA Chapter participated in Liberty Elementary Agriculture Day.
“Living to Serve” is more than part of the FFA motto. For the C. L. Payne FFA Chapter and local farmer, David Gray, it means making an effort to make others happy and leave a lasting, positive impact on those around you.
Each year, C. L. Payne FFA hosts Liberty Elementary Agriculture Day—better known as LEAD. The chapter invites fourth graders from the local elementary schools in the county to attend. The purpose of this event is to educate the next generation about the diversity of agriculture in our community through hands-on demonstrations and engaging lessons from FFA members.
When chapter members are asked to attend and help with LEAD, many jump at the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the future generation of agriculturists.
“When I was in fourth grade, I attended this event and still remember it, so being able to participate in LEAD now as the ‘big kids’ that I thought were so cool has become something truly special, being able to teach the youth about the agricultural industry and hear about how these kids enjoy and remember this event—even years later,” says chapter president and senior, Leslie Linton.
Making LEAD a success year after year requires careful planning—from coordinating who brings animals, supplies, and equipment to finding help from FFA and community members like local farmer Gray.
Gray is an avid supporter of C. L. Payne FFA, knowing many who attended Liberty High School and were members of the chapter. When asked if he would allow the chapter to use his equipment for LEAD, he was willing to help make the event a success.
Gray’s impact on the lives of others does not end there; he donates a plethora of time to giving back to the community and helping elders. He also hosts a farmer appreciation dinner each year to show his appreciation to local community members who purchase his corn and soybeans.
Through events like LEAD and with the help of community members like Gray, C. L. Payne FFA continues to exhibit what “Living to Serve” truly means.
