The chartering ceremony for the first Allegany High School (AHS) Future Farmers of America (FFA) was held on March 22. The AHS Chapter is a result of hard work between Anne Stark, ACPS employee, and community members TR Robinette and Bill McKenzie from the Allegany Farm Bureau and members of the Allegany County Soil Conservation District.

"FFA provides students with opportunities to explore agriscience, engineering, agricultural mechanics, leadership, animal science, botany and horticulture, public speaking, entrepreneurship, and many other important life skills,” says Anne Stark, AHS FFA Advisor. “Allegany students are excited to be a part of the first FFA chapter at this school."

The ceremony was led by the Maryland State FFA student officers and Terrie Shank, Maryland FFA Executive Director. Thirteen members from Allegany High School were inducted during the ceremony. Members of the Allegany County Farm Bureau donated and presented the inductees with their FFA jackets.

“It’s nice to be able to welcome FFA back to Allegany County,” says Jeffrey Blank, Superintendent of Schools. “It’s a great benefit for our students and our community.”

In attendance were members from the Maryland Agriculture Education Foundation, Soil Conservation District, Maryland FFA Foundation, FFA Alumni Associate, and Lee Heavener, retired Allegany County Agriculture teacher. These groups also expressed their support through presenting monetary donations and sharing congratulatory comments.

FFA, founded in 1928, is a student organization that aims to bring together students, teachers, and agribusinesses to support agriculture education. Through the program students are provided opportunities for leadership development, personal growth, and career success. The Maryland FFA became the night state association in 1929 and now includes over 3000 members in over 47 Chapters.