The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. Chapters improve operations using the National Quality Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasize growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership. The award is sponsored by FCS Financial. The Rich Hill FFA advisor is Lora Rapp.
The Rich Hill FFA growing leaders activities included Collaborative Leadership. The Rich Hill FFA invited multiple FFA chapters for leadership and team-building activities. Erik Robinson, a 2021-2022 National FFA Officer, spoke to students regarding leadership perceptions and how to live up to the roles given. This event acknowledges leadership inside and outside of the chapter. It also emphasizes the importance and value of collaboration within the club.
Building communities activities included the Compliment Crew. This event prompted by the Citizenship Committee challenged FFA members to write compliments on three candy bars. The candy bars were distributed to an FFA member, school personnel, and a community member. This engages the FFA members with the community and builds a stronger relationship with the community by showing appreciation.
Chapter activities in the strengthening agriculture category included Pressing to Learn. The FFA members partnered up with the Support Group Committee to teach people how to make apple cider and the practices behind it. In collaboration with supporters, FFA members demonstrated how to use the manual cider press, inform people about apple production, and handed out samples.
The top chapters in Missouri will compete for the National FFA Chapter Award. Winners will be announced this fall at the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.
The Missouri FFA has 26,716 members representing 356 chapters. The national organization has more than 850,000 members representing 8,995 chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
Pictured is Rich Hill Senior Hayden Schapeler
