Three local school FFA chapters obtained Premier Status by the Florida FFA Association.
Tomlin and Turkey Creek middle schools and Plant City High School were among the 37 schools statewide to receive the distinction.
“I think that it is really important that they are recognized for their work,” said Plant City High’s FFA adviser Leigh Anne Cason.
The Premier Chapter Award was initiated to recognize superior achievement by chapters in Agricultural Education and the FFA. To be eligible for this award, a chapter must be proficient in several areas, which include alumni and community partnerships, financial planning, and public relations, along with recruitment and other FFA activities.
To earn points, Plant City High School’s ninth-grade and 10th- to 12th-grade chapters completed a variety of activities. The students donated 900 pounds of green beans they grew in the school’s garden to the United Food Bank of Plant City. They also decorated pumpkins at Robinson Elementary School with the ESE students.
“They’re pretty excited about it,” Cason said. They feel special.”
Turkey Creek Middle School has a strawberry field across the street from school. Each year, the FFA chapter is active in selling the berries at the fruit stand and hosting U-pick events for various community causes.
“My favorite chapter activities were hosting the visually impaired students to pick strawberries and the Relay for Life U-pick,” said Haven Futch, a sixth-grade chapter reporter.
Chaplain Haliegh Butler also enjoyed the Relay for Life U-pick.
“Our FFA chapter and community came together to raise $1,047 for the American Cancer Society,” Butler said. “I really liked helping the little kids who came to pick; they were so cute.”
Tomlin FFA participates in leadership development events, 20 career development events, five community service events and Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, ranging from agriscience fair to showing livestock and plants.
“The students work very hard each year to be recognized as one of the top FFA chapters in the state and feel a great sense of accomplishment and pride to receive such an award,” said FFA adviser Jason Steward. “With 230 FFA members, I am especially proud of how hard our members and Tomlin FFA alumni work each year to maintain a successful program.”
One member and one adviser from each of the chapters will be recognized on the main stage during the Second General Session of the 86th Florida FFA Convention and Expo July 2, in Orlando.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
