Las Cruces FFA members pose with their cleaned highway.
The Las Cruces FFA Chapter of Las Cruces, N.M., exemplifies the portion of the FFA motto that is “Living to Serve.” On Oct. 15, 2025, the chapter came together to give back to its community through a highway cleanup project — a simple act with a lasting impact.
The chapter participates in the Adopt-A-Highway program, taking pride in keeping its community and roadways clean. Las Cruces FFA President Lacey Knight took part in the project. “Our role as members was to clean up the shoulders of the road with trash bags,” she says.
Knight says the experience was more than a cleanup; it was a moment of teamwork and purpose. “Our chapter made so many memories doing this project,” she says. “We recommend this project because it directly impacts the community, as well as the farmers and ranchers in this community.”
Las Cruces FFA members clean their designated area.
For many members, the day was a reminder of the heart of FFA, which is service. Las Cruces FFA Chapter Treasurer Cash Priest says that giving to the community helped him stay motivated. “I think the thought of making the community and road look more eye-appealing inspired us,” Priest says.
Senior member Olivia Porras says how the project reflects what service in FFA truly means. “I would advise all chapters to take part in cleaning up their community and making a good environmental impact,” she says. “Overall, it doesn’t matter how big the event is, as long as you know you made a positive impact on your community.”
She also encourages other chapters to find their own ways to serve. “You don’t have to adopt a highway to make an impact,” she says. “You can do something as simple as trash cleanup around your school and help the environment.”
Through its actions, the Las Cruces FFA Chapter continues to embody the spirit of servant leadership — proving that even small acts of kindness can spark hope and pride in the community.
