Shadle Park FFA

What is FFA? Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. 

Who is FFA? Today (2004-2005), there are 490,017 FFA members, aged 12-21 in 7,210 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands 27% of FFA members live in rural, farm areas; the remainder live in rural non-farm (39%), urban and suburban areas (34%) FFA chapters are in 11 of the 20 largest cities, including New York, Chicago and Philadelphia

The history of FFA 1928      During the National Livestock Judging Contests, in Kansas City Missouri, 33 students from 18 states establish the Future Farmers of America to provide leadership training for high school students of vocational agriculture.  1929      The official colors-national blue and corn gold-are adopted.  They are still used today. 1969 Women are allowed national membership, which made it possible for them to hold office and participate in competitive events at the regional and national level. 

FFA History 1988 Delegates to the national FFA convention change "Future Farmers of America" to the "National FFA Organization" to recognize the growth of agriculture and agricultural education to encompass the more than 300 careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.  Delegates also opened FFA membership to middle school students.

Symbols of the FFA The rising sun signifies progress and holds a promise that tomorrow will bring a new day glowing with opportunity. The plow signifies labor and tillage of the soil, the backbone of agriculture and the historic foundation of our country’s strength. The eagle is a national symbol which serves as a reminder of our freedom and ability to explore new horizons for the future of agriculture.

The owl, long recognized for its wisdom, symbolizes the knowledge required to be successful in the industry of agriculture. The ear of corn… Unity. Corn is grown in every state.

The Motto of the FFA Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

FFA COLORS The colors of the FFA are: National Blue Corn Gold

President: Stationed by the rising sun Each FFA chapter has officers…here they are with the symbols for each office President: Stationed by the rising sun "The rising sun is the token of a new era in agriculture. If we will follow the leadership of our president, we shall be led out of the darkness of selfishness and into the glorious sunlight of brotherhood and cooperation."

Vice President: Stationed by the plow " The plow is the symbol of labor and tillage of the soil. Without labor, neither knowledge nor wisdom can accomplish much. My duties require me to assist at all times in directing the work of our organization. I preside over meetings in the absence of our president, whose place is beneath the rising sun."

Secretary: Stationed by the ear of corn. I keep an accurate record of all meetings and correspond with other secretaries wherever corn is grown and FFA members meet."

Treasurer: Stationed at the emblem of Washington “I keep a record of receipts and disbursements just as Washington kept his farm accounts-carefully and accurately. I encourage thrift among the members and strive to build up our financial standing through savings and investments. George Washington was better able to serve his country because he was financially independent."

Sentinel: Stationed by the door Symbol: handshake "Through this door pass many friends of the FFA. It is my duty to see that the door is open to our friends at all times and that they are welcome. I care for the meeting room and paraphernalia. I strive to keep the room comfortable and assist the president in maintaining order."

Reporter: Stationed by the flag. "As the flag covers the United States of America, so I strive to inform the people in order that every man, woman and child may know that the FFA is a national organization that reaches from the state of Alaska to Puerto Rico and from the state of Maine to Hawaii."

Advisor: Stationed by the owl "The owl is a time-honored emblem of knowledge and wisdom. Being older than the rest of you, I am asked to advise you from time to time, as the need arises. I hope that my advice will always be based on true knowledge and ripened with wisdom.

Career Development Events or CDE  For students who ask their teachers "When will I ever use this in the real world?" Career Development Events (CDEs) are the answer.   Since 1928, FFA has worked to create CDEs that demonstrate the meaningful connections between classroom instruction and real-life scenarios CDEs build on what is learned in agricultural classes and the FFA. The events are designed to help prepare students for careers in agriculture. Classroom instruction comes alive as students demonstrate their skills in a competitive setting. CDEs test the abilities of individuals and teams in 23 major areas of agricultural instruction. There are currently 23 events and one activity. Whichever career development event is selected the student will experience the excitement and challenge of competing as an individual or on a team.

Shadle Park is participated in … Floriculture CDE- 5th in Washington state in 2005 Nursery Landscape- 6th in Washington state in 2005 Christina Choi- 1st in state- Ferndale High School, 2005, floriculture Peter Fong- 9th in state , Kentwood High School, 2005, floriculture

If you win at state… Team will receive awards at state convention in Pullman Attend National convention in Indianapolis, Indiana to compete against 49 state winners. Shadle Park was 3rd in the nation in 1990.

Other schools participate in CDE’s like Dairy Meats Soils Timber Public speaking-extemp, issues Envirothon

When at official events, such as convention, meetings, and CDE’s, FFA member will be in official dress Male Official Dress Black dress pants (no jeans - blue or black, leather, leather, etc.) White dress shirt & Official FFA tie Black dress shoes with a closed heel and toe. (no boots, sandals, open-toed shoes, tennis shoes, ) Black socks Official FFA jacket zipped to the top

Female Official Dress Black skirt - Skirt is to be at least knee length, hemmed evenly across the bottom, with a slit no longer than 2 inches above the knee, excluding the kick pleat White collared blouse & Official FFA blue scarf Black dress shoes with a closed heel and toe (no boots, sandals, open-toed shoes, tennis shoes, ) Black nylon hosiery Official FFA jacket zipped to the top. Black Slacks may be appropriate for traveling and outdoor activities

FFA members in official dress

So… JOIN US!