Due to virtual learning, canceled and postponed activities, and a host of disappointments and setbacks, it’s safe to say the 2020-21 school year was tough, but that didn’t stop FFA chapters from making a difference in their communities.
Click through the slideshow to see how FFA members across the nation showed resilience and commitment to the FFA mission in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on the National Chapter Awards program, visit FFA.org.
(1/2) Anna FFA in Anna, Ohio, hosted a socially distanced National FFA Convention watch party at the Sidney Auto Vue drive-in theater October 27, 2020. More than 200 people attended, including FFA members from nine schools. For event admission, each attendee brought canned food donations for a local food pantry.
(2/2) Organized by the Anna FFA officer team (pictured above), the watch party included a viewing of the National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards. They saw one of their own, Riley Thobe, place in the top four for Dairy Production Placement Proficiency. On the same night, several members of the Anna FFA earned their American FFA Degrees, including Jacob Fogt, Evan Argabright, Cole Albers, Lexi Wells, Grace Maurer and Tyler Zimpfer.
(1/2) In an effort to support Wisconsin’s dairy industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, Whitewater FFA President Elizabeth Katzman launched a yard sign campaign in the spring of 2020 that ultimately raised $10,000. Priced at $10 each, the signs featured the message “Support Wisconsin Dairy.” With the help of her parents, Katzman delivered nearly 1,000 signs to supporters across the state.
(2/2) Using proceeds from the Support Wisconsin Dairy campaign, Katzman has purchased and donated 250 quarts of ice cream; 250 bags of cheese curds; 200 baked potato bags (each comprising potatoes, sour cream, butter and shredded cheddar cheese); 200 half-gallons of chocolate milk; 216 pounds of cheese spread; 864 Sargento Balanced Breaks snacks; and $1,200 worth of gift cards to her community’s seven pizza restaurants. Katzman says she will continue making monthly dairy product donations until the funds are depleted.
(1/2) Etna FFA in Etna, Calif., organized a letter-writing campaign for first responders – including health care workers, police officers and firefighters – to express appreciation for their hard work and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Etna FFA Reporter Samantha Downey, who helped create and launch the campaign, the chapter sent more than 200 letters to more than 20 locations across Northern and Southern California in 2020.
(2/2) Downey, pictured above with the Etna FFA officers, says the chapter is passionate about community service, and although members were disappointed that they couldn’t serve in person during the pandemic, they made it their mission to find a way to give back from afar. “We wanted to show our gratitude and connect with the people who were on the front lines during such a tumultuous, challenging year, and we hope every person who received a letter could feel our appreciation,” Downey says.
(1/2) During the 2020 holiday season, the Nampa FFA from Nampa, Idaho, found a unique way to give back to its community while following COVID-19 safety guidelines. Led by Nampa FFA Sentinel Mikayla Mortensen, chapter members made and donated more than 65 fleece-tie blankets to a local assisted-living facility and ensured each resident received a blanket.
(2/2) JOANN Fabrics and Crafts and FFA alumni donated most of the fabric, and approximately 30 Nampa FFA members donated their time to craft each blanket by hand. “Our community is very generous, and they’ve helped and supported our chapter so much over the years,” says Nampa FFA Vice President Amie Betzold. “We never want to miss an opportunity to give back – even if it means we have to get a little creative.”
(1/2) Four Kentucky schools, including Campbellsville High School, Murray High School, Franklin-Simpson Middle School and McLean County Middle School, didn’t let the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic hold them back. They launched agricultural programs and chartered FFA chapters during the 2020-21 school year – even though they had to begin virtually.
(2/2) Each school received a Rising Sun grant from the Kentucky FFA Foundation, which is a one-time gift of $5,000 for high schools and $2,500 for middle schools with new agricultural education programs. With these funds, the chapters can ensure all students who wish to participate can do so while also purchasing necessities for their programs.
