Rome High School FFA Advisor, Mrs. Rachael Dunaway.

FFA Advisors are more than just mentors; in fact, they are the quiet heroes in a student’s life, offering support, strength, and belief when it’s needed most. Mrs. Rachael Dunaway is one of those heroes; she is, in fact, no stranger to the halls of Rome High School, Georgia. She once walked them herself as a student.

For some students, the right person enters their life at the moment they need them most. For the  Rome High FFA chapter, that person has been a dedicated advisor whose compassion and belief in her students have changed lives in ways you can barely capture.

During her own time at Rome High School, there was no FFA program, so when completing her studies at the University Of Georgia, she came back and opened the FFA program to all students.

Since 2019, she serves as the agricultural teacher, and FFA advisor for the Rome High FFA chapter, determined to give students the chance to explore agriculture, discover their true passions and build new connections.

An Alumni Voice

“As a former alumni, my time as an FFA member/officer was incredible. The FFA program was fairly new and running in its 2nd year. On the real side, it was incredibly chaotic but Mrs. Dunaway was a great advisor. Pulling things together last minute for us, setting up field trips, and introducing CDEs and new volunteering opportunities for me as well as other members. It helped me grow,” said former Rome High School FFA alumni, Esdras Paiz.

“From hosting banquets to running the Ducks Unlimited program it helped me become an interactive person overall, and showed me what it was like being in a team and working under a stressful environment. It even took me out of my comfort zone at times considering it was my first club. Anyone who is interested in looking for new opportunities. FFA is the one.”

Left: Dunaway. Right: Former alumni Esdras Paiz taking a picture with his FFA plaque.

Dunaway is the steady presence who shows up with a warm simple encouraging voice that reminds students why they matter. She’s the quiet strength behind countless hours spent helping the chapter thrive and students reach their dreams they never thought possible.

Her students alike are blessed to learn from someone so selfless, whose dedication goes beyond teaching. To many she leads, she is more than just an advisor; she is the heart of Rome High FFA, the light in their darkest moments, and the reasons so many students find the courage to believe in themselves.

Chapter Success

Before the FFA program, students struggled to find agriculture connections, and support from the  local community. But after Dunaway arrived, Rome High FFA quickly progressed into something much more substantial.

In 2024, Rome High FFA received a two-star national FFA Chapter award, along with one of her officers receiving 5th place in the nation for his Agriscience project. Her students continue to place in CDE’s and agriscience projects.