The Future Farmers of America (FFA) is an organization that focuses on agricultural education and leadership development for students. It’s all about helping students get hands-on experience in agriculture, whether that’s through raising animals, growing plants, or learning about the science behind farming.
FFA members get to participate in competitions, leadership workshops, and community service projects. It’s a great way for students to build skills, make friends, and prepare for careers in agriculture and beyond.
The Future Farmers of America (FFA) association at Wheeling Park High School is more than just a club; it’s a cornerstone for students interested in agriculture and leadership. With events coming and going, it’s important to recognize what all they do at Park.
The impact of the FFA at Wheeling Park High School extends beyond the classroom. Members participate in local, state, and national competitions, where they showcase their skills and knowledge. These events provide valuable experiences, allowing students to work with peers and professionals while gaining recognition for their hard work.
“We have participated in many things over the years, but the big events we traditionally do are probably fall CDES (Career Development events), which include livestock judging, poultry judging, and more, Winter CDE (Ag mechanics, plant pathology), and Dairy Cattle evaluation. We won the state competition and will compete nationally this fall. We also participate in state and national conventions and several WV regional events,” said Japeth Bayes, President of the FFA at WPHS.
The FFA also organized a donation drive for people affected by the hurricanes down south. Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene were devastating storms that hit the area of Florida just within a week of each other. They are estimated to have caused 300 billion dollars in damages. The FFA was able to start a donation box that they eventually brought down to Florida to help out their community.
“The FFA means a lot to me. It means helping other Farmers of America put food on the table and help support other people. For example, when we had the hurricanes down south, we brought supplies down to them. We all just come together, and it means a lot being one big family,” said Abby Willson, Vice President for the FFA.
The FFA at Wheeling Park High School has grown into a vibrant community that fosters personal growth, career success, and leadership development. From hands-on projects in horticulture and animal husbandry to leadership workshops and public speaking events, students are given numerous opportunities to develop practical skills and knowledge all while bonding with there teammates.
This community has grown into a family. Their bonds with each other are unbreakable and it truly shows.
“FFA means a lot to me. It’s the biggest student-led organization in the world, with more than 1 million members. FFA focuses on the future of agriculture, and a big part of that is leadership in agriculture. FFA has yielded to me many opportunities, allowed me to do many things, and to meet many people. I hold FFA very dearly to me and I hope that one day I can give back to the organization that has given so much to me,” said Japeth Bayes.
Through these engagements, the FFA helps cultivate the next generation of leaders in the agricultural sector, ensuring a bright future for both the students and the industry as a whole.
