ITHACA, N.Y. — New York FFA is finding their way through the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been difficult to adjust for many, especially having to spend our time virtually. Nonetheless, we are adjusting and adapting to this new norm and finding ways to keep the members engaged. Using this opportunity to test new methods of communication and connection. Connected and together, we ought not to be troubled during this time. The students, teachers, and staff have proven that we can, as we make our way into fall.
Sharing a connection with the chapter’s advisor can create meaningful memories for students. Knowing that they are always there to help students or simply be a trusted supporter through challenging times. We want to give back to our agricultural educators and shine a spotlight on all their hard work and dedication. New York FFA has partnered with Nationwide Insurance and the New York Farm Bureau to offer a new award program that will recognize New York Agricultural Educators and FFA Advisors. Don’t forget to nominate them for the Golden Owl Award, recognizing ten Agriculture Educators and FFA advisors from each of our ten FFA districts along with one post-secondary educator. Nationwide Insurance Company is also donating $5,000 to support New York FFA programming. Thank you, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and New York Farm Bureau, for your continued support! Candidates will be recognized during the New York FFA State Convention in May. Make sure to submit nominations before December 31, 2020.
Encouraging members to engage in acts of service is a core value of New York FFA. Typically, members are able to participate in two Day of Service events during the annual New York State FFA Convention by cleaning up parks, serving in soup kitchens, reading to younger students, and more. Due to the shift to a virtual convention this year, we were unable to host the Day of Service events but still wanted to give back. Thus, the New York FFA Service Grant was created to allow FFA chapters and students to create service projects to benefit Camp Oswegatchie while remaining socially distant. These projects include building benches, making flowerboxes, doing landscaping projects, and more.
Congratulations to:
- Beaver River FFA
- DeRuyter FFA
- Dutchess BOCES FFA
- Mount Markham FFA
- Penn Yann FFA
Each of these chapters will receive a $1,000 Service Grant to complete their projects. $5,000 will also be set aside for chapters to participate in a work weekend at Camp Oswegatchie once it is safe to travel. More information about how you can participate in the Chapter Work Weekend will be provided in the future.
NYS FFA District 2 Update
By Grace Dunham, District II President
In a challenging time where District 2 was required to stay home, they definitely made the most of it! The district has exemplified a true commitment to bettering themselves and the world around them. One prime example of this was the hard work of Tri-Valley over the summer. They have worked to maintain a community garden, the produce of which goes to three different food banks! The chapter has stocked the food banks with all kinds of fresh vegetables, such as zucchinis and squash. This shows leadership skills and a keen understanding of the world around them, as many families around the country have suffered from food insecurity due to job loss or other financial hardships.
Another chapter that has made sure to stay busy through all these twists and turns is Warwick Valley! Co-Presidents, Sean Parkinson and Allison King, reported that their chapter had been getting crafty by painting encouragement stones to put in gardens and landscapes around our community. They also received recognition at the OtisVille Fair for their hands on wood and recycled material projects this past summer, as well as flower arrangements with 4-H! Not only that, these members and officers made sure there were new experiences to be had, partnering with people around their community as an opportunity for mentorship. This included the Environmental Club director and local farmers.
Many chapters across the district have made sure to stay connected through Google Meets or other virtual platforms, ensuring that they retain and grow the important sense of community that FFA creates. They definitely found fun ways keep their meetings engaging, such as the “Kahoot!” games that the Cobleskill- Richmondville FFA did! Members within the district took the time to strengthen their SAEs and explore other opportunities safely, such as Jacob Lucak, a sophomore at Tri-Valley who worked on a beef farm this summer, while also maintaining his SAE in poultry production. Within the first month or two of going back to school, it’s evident this is going to be a great year! Congratulations to District 2 for demonstrating its creative and hardworking spirit these past few months!
Member Spotlight
Member of the new John Jay FFA Chapter, Lydia McDonough has demonstrated her ability to grow her SAE, along with her passion for FFA! Her SAE is caring for and growing her herd of Alpine goats. She milks three goats twice a day and gives hay, grain and water to the herd. She is also responsible for giving shots and vitamins. She is always working hard, maintaining and repairing fencing, cleaning stalls, clipping hooves every month, restocking the hay loft and grain as needed. Lydia says that she loves her animals and found them to be a great comfort during quarantine. She became interested 2 years ago, when she was asked to show animals from her aunt’s herd at the Dutchess County Fair. From there, she was able to share her passion with others, bringing them to the John Jay Winter Carnival this past year to make the community aware of all the FFA does.
That’s not all! Lydia is the president of her 4-H club, which goes to shows and fairs together. She educates people on goats at these fairs, passing down knowledge from her Aunt Kathy, who is a master showman and maintains a herd of 50 goats. She has been involved with team sports her entire life and has been awarded MVP in volleyball and basketball. She loves learning new things and overcoming challenges! “I cannot wait to see how this chapter grows and I feel lucky to be a part of bringing such an important new club to my school,” says Lydia, in recent correspondence. She has recently begun volunteering at a local farm as well! Outstanding work!
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education. For more information regarding FFA, please visit either www.nysffa.org or www.ffa.org.
Respectfully Submitted
Citlali Hernandez
NY FFA State Reporter 2020-2021
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