West Carteret has an array of wonderful clubs that offer a place for everyone. It is my hope that through this column, I will be able to spotlight a club that interests you and allows you to find a community that feels like home. This edition’s spotlight is focused on a career pathway club called The National FFA Organization.
The National FFA Organization (FFA) is a student-led organization that prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. It is a common misconception that you have to be a farmer in order to be a part of FFA, as the acronym itself stands for Future Farmers of America. The National FFA Organization encourages anyone, of any background, to join and become a member of the FFA family. Members of The National FFA Organization progress into many professional fields including: veterinarians, government officials, chemists, and much more. At West, members are encouraged to make the most out of their time in the organization, through attending chapter-wide meetings, going to NC FFA events like the State Fair, and participating in various career development events (CDE). Every year, we have students from West Carteret represent our local chapter of FFA on the national level through attending FFA’s National Convention, which combines various workshops and expositions to foster the leadership skills of young FFA members. West Carteret’s Chapter of FFA did something unique this year; they paid for the dues of all of its potential members so that no member was held back from participating from a financial standpoint.
FFA Week is February 19th-26th this year and WCHS FFA has some exciting events planned! Monday, the 21st, is a virtual day, but it is planned to be a Supervised Agriculture Event (SAE) Spotlight Day, where students send in pictures of their SAE projects. Tuesday, the 22nd, is Blue and Gold Day/Official Dress Day. Blue and Gold are FFA's official colors. On Tuesday, WCHS FFA will be serving breakfast for teachers. Wednesday, the 23rd, is Cowboy Day, and there will be a petting zoo for students to enjoy cuddly animals. Thursday, the 24th, is Camo/Hunter Day and there will be an FFA emblem scavenger hunt and Ag Olympics after school! Finally, Friday the 25th, is Patriot Day and there will be a pizza party during lunch. Various prizes will be offered for participation in each event. All West Carteret students are invited to participate in FFA Week events. These are sure to be a ball! As you can see, FFA has been hard at work adapting to challenges that the past year have brought us. FFA has done a great job at making this organization fun, welcoming, and beneficial. This club gives you the opportunity to create friendships, work on your personal growth, and become a leader. Once again, you do not have to be a farmer to participate in FFA!
West Carteret FFA hopes you will join them next year. If you are at all interested in joining the club, email Madison Hahn at madison.hahn@carteretk12.org or Robert Reynolds at robert.reynolds@carteretk12.org .
