The Future Farmers of America, now known as the National FFA Association, is an organization with a chapter at RHS. From horticulture to animal sciences, kids learn leadership skills and look at career readiness in a mixture of “agricultural pathways.” 

All FFA members take one or more agricultural classes to learn about their pathway throughout the year. Within the chapter, they go on a mix of field trips to have hands-on experience, like career development, educational judging, or helping out with local farms. 

“A big part of FFA is giving opportunities for students to get community service and helping the kids get experience in their pathway while helping out the community farms,” said Kayla Lester, agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor. 

This year, the RHS chapter is working with the Farm Bureau to create student opportunities. Along with community service, they fundraise substantially for their trips and activities.

“Fundraisers help pay for the members’ dues, jackets, and trips,” said Adam Benedict, FFA treasurer 11.

State trips teach participants about what FFA or agriculture can provide for you, and the opportunities it can get you in the future.  Judging trips divided by teams of four members or more: floriculture, equine, poultry, etc., said Duncan Herrington, 11.

     This year they have already done a teacher appreciation pancake breakfast and sausage. The brunch will be done again throughout the year for teachers and students, where students pay a dollar. FFA is working on a RHS grill raffle teachers can enter. Many more fundraisers, like Critter Day, are in the works as well.

       The FFA chapter plans on going to the State Convention this year. Collectively the convention goes through an expo with sponsors, alumni, awards, and career support that is given through the organization.

“This year we plan to go to the State Convention, and may go to the Women in Agriculture conference as well,” Lester said.