The Louisa Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter plans activities in the high school and the community, while also working closely with other counties.
FFA works with nearby chapters in Fluvanna and Goochland in activities like Flag Fun Day which took place this year on February 13.
“Flag Fun Day is a day where Fluvanna, Louisa, and Goochland all compete in a series of agriculture games and see who wins,” FFA officer Sydney Wills said. “We also get to meet new people from other countries.”
FFA participates in National FFA Week when local chapters organize events in their respective schools to show FFA spirit and raise money. This money is donated to the National FFA Organization and to businesses throughout the community.
“Louisa FFA decided to collect funds to donate to Hooves n’ Paws, an animal shelter in Louisa, so they could purchase necessary supplies for the animals they care for,” Daney said. “Other organizations in the state donated to ‘Give the Gift of Blue’ or Virginia FFA Foundation.”
FFA’s goal is to help prepare their students for success outside of school whether that be in college or their future profession.
“Many students are going into trade schools and the workforce directly after high school, and they should be ready to present themselves each day,” FFA advisor Elizabeth Daney said. “The more contests, workshops, and conventions a student attends, the more likely they are to find their passion and become an expert before they leave high school.”
The advisors are Mrs. Mackenah Roberts, Ms. Elizabeth Eastep, and Ms. Elizabeth Daney who help students with tasks that may be challenging and work to be someone that the members can look to.
“I look up to my FFA advisor Mrs. Roberts because she pushes members to go out of their comfort zones and try new things,” FFA member Laurie Butler said.
Not only are the advisors the ones who members look up to, former officers and members who have graduated still inspire current students.
“I have met many amazing people in my years of being a FFA member,” FFA officer Lily Hix said. “But one person that I look up to is former Virginia FFA officer, Katie Powell. Katie is an amazing leader and leaves a positive impact on every individual she talks to.”
FFA prepares students for their future jobs whether that be in the field of agriculture or not. One of the ways they do this is through a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). For Wills, her SAE is raising goats which is also part of her business.
“My SAE has helped me with keeping records, meeting new people, and getting my business out there,” Wills said.
According to Butler, FFA helps her by allowing her to do things that she normally wouldn’t in order to reach her goals. One of these goals is to get into college to pursue her future career.
“I plan on attending college at The Vet Tech Institute in Pennsylvania and eventually becoming a doctor of veterinary medicine for livestock,” Butler said.
FFA members enjoy many things about the organization such as the connections they make with people at school and across the country, the lasting memories, and how FFA is like a family.
“I have made many friends from all over the U.S. through FFA who have become family,” Hix said. “I will forever cherish the laughs.”
