Jamie Widner’s Lasting Impact on House FFA
Jamie Widner poses with his state champion homesite team, consisting of Cade Lee, Chris Hernandez, Maddie Kenyon and Aaron Plascencia.
Jamie Widner, House FFA advisor, serves as a reminder of the FFA mission statement, which is “FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.”
Throughout his 38 years in education, Widner has watched students live out the true purpose of FFA.
Widner served as the New Mexico FFA Association vice president in 1978 and state president in 1979. He graduated from New Mexico State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business in 1983 before returning to earn a second bachelor’s degree in agricultural education, and later a master’s degree in education administration in 1993.
Widner taught agriculture for four years at Corona Schools, three years at Roswell High School and three years at Melrose Schools before becoming superintendent at House Municipal Schools.
“I spent two years as the House superintendent, then 13 years as the Melrose High School principal, nine years as Melrose Schools superintendent, then I retired for three years,” Widner says.
Widner returned to agricultural education as a favor to his friend Bonnie Lightfoot, who was superintendent of House Schools at the time.
“This is my fourth year as an ag teacher for House,” Widner says.
During his time at House, Widner has coached seven top-five career development event teams, including a state champion homesite team. He has also coached six top-five leadership development event teams and individuals, including a state champion greenhand quiz team and two state champion junior high prepared public speaking individuals.
Widner poses with his state champion greenhand quiz team, consisting of Cade Lee, Chris Hernandez and Maddie Kenyon.
“I’ve learned that great kids are the same today as they were 41 years ago when I started,” Widner says.
One of Widner’s favorite memories as an agriculture educator is attending the National Land and Homesite Competition in Oklahoma. Since joining House Schools, he has attended the competition three times, coaching a ninth-place national homesite team, a 13th-place land team and a 36th-place land team.
Widner continues to show his passion for FFA, agricultural education and the agriculture industry through his dedication to students and the success of the House FFA Chapter.
