The West Jackson Middle FFA Chapter from Georgia has been named the 2017 National FFA Middle School Model of Excellence winner at the 90th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.
The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.
West Jackson Middle FFA wanted to get students interested in healthy food options, so they hosted a Georgia grown taste test during National Agriculture Week. FFA members created two healthy vegetable dips for people to try and partnered with cafeteria staff to serve more than 400 people. This event helped students to see that it is easy to pick healthy snacks that taste good. In addition to the Georgia grown taste test, the chapter conducts other activities such as a leadership workshop, creating an outdoor classroom and cooking with care.
Middle school chapters that received high three-star ratings during judging in the summer are eligible to compete for the Middle School Model of Excellence award, the highest honor awarded to a middle school FFA chapter by the National FFA Organization. Five FFA chapters competed in a presentation and interview process for the top honor during this year’s national convention. West Jackson Middle FFA received a plaque in an onstage ceremony during the convention’s second general session on Thursday, Oct. 26.
The National Chapter Award program is sponsored by John Deere.
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 653,359 student members who belong to one of 8,568 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 344,239 alumni members in 2,051 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.