ALBANY — The COVID-19 pandemic may have taken our time together in FFA conventions, workshops and even our chapter get-togethers, however that will not take away the past memories we cherish and those we will make today. New York FFA has found various ways to stay connected with all 8,500 members and counting. We can’t forget the advisors and parents who are behind the scenes, encouraging, teaching and supporting them. The month of June started a trend where we were able to highlight NY FFA’s finest members and present opportunities to our followers. We will continue to do so until we are able to see each other in-person again.
Partnering with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and the New York Farm Bureau, NY FFA is able to participate in an award program, where we are able to recognize New York Agricultural Educators and FFA Advisors. The Golden Owl Award will feature ten Agriculture Educators or FFA advisors from the ten districts. They will then receive a cash price of $500 and a plaque. There will be a state winner who receives $3,000 and gets recognized at the NY FFA State Convention. Make sure to submit nominations before December 31, 2020. A donation of $5,000 will go to the NY FFA to support every individual member, advisor, and alumni. Thank you for making this possible, Nationwide and Farm Bureau.
The pandemic halted any community service events, and FFA members were unable to attend the Day of Service at State Convention. The New York FFA Service Grant will award ten projects that can be done at home or at camp when travel is permitted again, $1,000 each that benefit Camp Oswegatchie. For example, building benches, flower boxes, landscaping projects and more. Please visit https://www.nysffa.org/2020-service-grants for more information, and any additional rules. Act fast to have a part of your chapter at Oswegatchie and enter an application by October 1st, 2020.
Members were unable to showcase the skills they learned as they were preparing for competitions. The thrill to get a question correct or saying the right things, all lead to our Leadership Development Events and Career Development Events. Join a Zoom Discussion Meet, for the 2020 NY FFA Live Virtual Discussion Meet CDE Practicum. Test your agriculture knowledge skills and practice communicating with live judges. Just like the catchphrase, “Every practice is a learning lesson,” come and join us to prepare for next year’s competition. Members going into grades 10th, 11th, 12th, and even those who just graduated, can sign up. Don’t miss out on this remarkable resource.
Camp Oswegatchie has always hosted the season for summer camp, unfortunately it could not be the same this year. Regardless of the setback, Camp Oswegatchie was able to bring the camp feeling into the homes of the members. Through an exclusive Camp-in-a-Box, members were able to relive and experience camp on a different note. In the months of July and August, the State Officers were able to host two leadership workshops that addressed two different messages in order to get through summer and become determined for the new school year.
I’m sure we missed shopping through the aisles of The Mega Store at The National FFA Convention in Indiana, here is the opportunity to find some cool stuff. The FFA Store is now open online. We have t-shirts, hoodies, water bottles, masks and much more. Grab yourself a limited edition item and show your support towards NY FFA. There is an additional feature that allows your chapter to add a page dedicated to sell items from your chapter. If you are interested, complete a survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8FCGCSS.
–Citlali Hernandez
2020-2021 NYS FFA Reporter
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