Carol Travis (far left) and New Horizons FFA members meet past National FFA president Corey Flournoy (far right) at the FFA for All Experience held during the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo. Photo courtesy of Carol Travis.
At Pasco School District #1 in Pasco, Wash., New Horizons FFA Advisor Carol Travis creates opportunities for members of all backgrounds, passions and interests to succeed.
“Sometimes they feel like they don’t belong or they’re looked down upon because they’re from an alternative high school; with that comes negative connotations,” says Travis, who’s a member of the Pasco Chamber of Commerce Ag Hall of Fame. “Since we have a lot of English language learners and migrant students, we embrace that culture and help change perceptions.”
With 25 members in a school of less than 400 students, New Horizons FFA offers a unique environment that nurtures personal growth and a sense of belonging through leadership and service-learning.
“I had a student who wouldn’t talk or attend class but joined FFA, then spoke at graduation in front of more than 1,000 people,” Travis says.
The school serves high school sophomores through seniors, so Travis only has students for a short time. She makes the most of every moment by providing opportunities to find a “home,” meet other FFA members and explore agriculture-related careers through Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). Her chapter also collaborates with neighboring districts for activities like a “Teach Ag Olympics” event, where students experience everything from floriculture to pig dissection while learning about careers in agriculture.
New Horizons FFA members participate in the “Teach Ag Olympics,” which included creating floral boutonnieres. Photo courtesy of Carol Travis.
“It’s all about building relationships and asking students about their traditions,” she says. “It’s amazing what students will do if you step out of the way and let them lead.”
Travis’s favorite role is facilitating first-time experiences. For some students, participating in an annual potato judging event is their first time eating a baked potato. For others, traveling to FFA events is the first time they traveled outside their town or flown on a plane.
Travis’s approach to teaching is as simple as it is impactful — she makes them feel seen, heard and that they belong. Every morning, she plays music and greets them by name because this helps some students feel connected and seen to start their day.
When students are planning activities, Travis encourages them to ask, “Who are we leaving out?” She invites them to think about it so they can make sure everybody is included. She also emphasizes the importance of seeing other individuals from similar backgrounds participating in FFA events.
New Horizons FFA members and 2024-25 National FFA Secretary Luke Jennings (middle row, far right) have fun at a trampoline park. Photo courtesy of Carol Travis.
“When we were at the FFA For All Experience [at national convention], a member played a mariachi song, and we had participants from Puerto Rico who didn’t speak English,” Travis says. “Even though we have a large Hispanic population [at our school], seeing others in the blue jackets that look like them is super important and resonates with them.”
FFA Is for Everyone
The National FFA Organization provides its members and alums with the tools, knowledge and experiences to be successful in an interconnected world. Read the organization’s statement of belonging, explore its value statements and learn how you can help create an engaging experience.
