Group shot of six FFA members

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) recognized Brentsville District High School with a National Chapter 3- Star Award.

The award is given to chapters that incorporate all 15 FFA quality standards into their program through events they host, attend, or assist with in the school, community, and across the country. Chapters must also earn the State Superior Gold Chapter Award to be eligible for a National Chapter Star Award. The National Chapter 3-Star Award is one of the top awards for chapters to earn.

“Getting this award means that we can pull through and keep going. Even if we are struggling, we have this award to prove what Brentsville FFA represents.” said Hunter Ringer, junior at Brentsville District and FFA president.

“Everyone works well together to come up with new and exciting ideas and ways to make a change. The encouragement that we receive from our supporters is a big part of our success and we would not have come this far without them,” shared Chloe Wray, sophomore at Brentsville and FFA vice president.

There are three main divisions of standards: building communities, strengthening agriculture, and growing leaders. Within each of the main divisions there are five categories: citizenship, healthy lifestyles, career success, scholarship, and agriculture. The standards offer the chance for every member to be involved in some way and help prepare them for the future. It also helps guide the chapter in offering things that will benefit the members, school, and community.

“While the FFA does stand for Future Farmers of America, it is so much more. Our members have aspirations of becoming doctors, psychologists, veterinarians, landscape designers, florists, and the FFA helps prepare them for all those,” shared Amy Beard, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at the school.

“The FFA teaches them to try new things, get hands-on experience, become a vital member of our school and community, and advocate for themselves and things they believe in through agriculture education. They have the chance to meet new people, speak with legislators, work with stakeholders, and teach our young people about agriculture and get them excited about it. All these things are helping develop the future leaders of our community and I couldn't be prouder to be part of this amazing organization,” added Beard.

The Brentsville FFA Chapter celebrates its 95th anniversary this year.