GMD: Laurel FFA is growing, on their way to the national convention

LAUREL, Del. – Good Morning Delmarva is highlighting a local high school’s FFA program and how their commitment to growing their ag department has landed them a spot at the National FFA convention.

Agriculture is an essential industry in Delaware, and according to the USDA, Delaware ranks No. 1 nationally in the value of agricultural sales per farmland. “I think Ag will be a big part of my life,” says Lisa Masly, an incoming senior at Laurel High School. Incoming sophomore, Kassidy Hearn also echoed the importance of agriculture.

That’s why fostering school-based Ag Education is so important according to teachers and faculty. “Students learn the necessary skills they need to be successful within the industry and how to work with other people. This year we’ve had students participate in a variety of Career Development Events or competitions, helping to prepare our students for their future. For instance, students participated in Ag sales, which taught them how to sell agricultural products and understand the importance of customer service and public speaking”, says Sydney Simmons, Agriculture Teacher at Laurel High School. Matt Wood, the school’s other Ag teacher shared, “Our jobs are to educate not only our students but everyone we come in contact with about agriculture, FFA, and its importance.”

Laurel High School historically has had a smaller FFA program. However, through the unwavering efforts of teachers, faculty, students, and the community, it’s grown larger than they could have imagined. “This year we’re starting animal science which we haven’t had before. This pathway will be added to our current plant science pathway. We are now branching out to having animals in the classroom; we currently have rabbits and chickens. By adding the animal science program, as well as continuing with our greenhouse, hydroponic, aquaponic, raised beds, and garden projects, students will have ample opportunities to explore their passion for agriculture”, say Ms. Simmons and Mr. Wood. Hearn adds, “Ag is something I want to do in the future and go to college for; I knew that being in FFA through high school would help prepare me.” Additionally, Wood added that “by providing students with experiential or hands-on learning opportunities, we are preparing them for both college and career. Whether students choose to pursue agriculture or not after high school, the skills learned in our classroom and program are transferable.”

The ability to expand stemmed from the work students did throughout the school year, especially at the Delaware State Fair. “We put in many hours preparing for the fair, including the competitions we participated in. I competed in the Dairy Evaluation competition and didn’t expect to do as well as we did. I was surprised when our school was listed as first”, says Kate Roy, an incoming junior at Laurel High School.

Through their hard work, the Laurel High FFA chapter will be representing both Laurel and Delaware in the Horse Evaluation, Dairy Evaluation, and Marketing Plan Career Development Events at the National FFA Convention. Students will travel to the convention which is in Indianapolis, Indiana to compete against schools all across the United States. An estimated 60,000 FFA members will be in attendance. “It feels good to be able to represent Delaware at

the national level, says Masly. Incoming sophomore, Haley Deiter adds, “Especially since we’re such a small state, representing a small agricultural community.”

While the teams prepare for nationals, some members are excited about the opportunities available at the convention. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in leadership workshops, attend the xxpo where they will meet with hundreds of colleges and agribusinesses, and tour various agricultural operations.

While Laurel Middle & High School is preparing 16 students to participate in the National FFA Convention, everyone involved tells 47 ABC, that they’re just happy to be a part of a group that’s passionate about the same things. Hearn says “I’ve met many great people through FFA like Mr. Wood and Ms. Simmons, my FFA advisors, and because of these people and experiences, I’m excited and will be prepared for my future in agriculture.”

The 95th National FFA Convention and Expo are October 26th through the 29th.