FFA Member to Speak Nationally

At a teacher meeting, Bridger Gordon (10) recites the FFA Creed, a message that members of FFA follow. The FFA Creed expresses E.M. Tiffany’s strong belief in the industry of agriculture and the core values of citizenship and patriotism.

photo by staff

Tayler Eixenberger, staff

“What is it not?” asked adviser Brett Monson, the Ag teacher at SBHS, regarding FFA. “It is an organization that develops kids for career success and agricultural fields.”

“FFA offers students opportunities beyond the classroom experience, reaching out into the local, regional and national communities,” Monson said.

According to the National FFA Organization website, “FFA is an inter-curricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. It is one of three components of agricultural education.”

An organization that began in 1928 to encourage individuals to stay interested in farm-related matters, FFA stands for Future Farmers of America. Today, the National FFA Organization has approximately 610,240 members, including students from grades 7 through 12.

At SBHS, there are 110 members in FFA, which includes students enrolled in the class and involved outside of the classes.

Current courses offered are Intro to Ag, Ag and Animal Science and Ag Mechanics.

Chapter Reporter, Bridger Gordon (10) attends FFA organization events and then sends his stories to the organization’s newspaper.

From Gordon’s perspective, FFA is an organization that helps teach about agriculture, leadership, and other related skills.

Described by Monson as “a very passionate young person” when it comes to FFA and agriculture, Gordon decided to become involved in FFA because his family has been involved. It had become a tradition, so he couldn’t turn down the opportunity to make his own mark.

Before Gordon won the state creed competition in Pierre, the last winner from SBHS for the state competition was in 1992. With the state title, he now moves onto the national level, which took place in Louisville, KY, Oct. 28-31.

The Creed competitions work by the participant reciting the Creed and then answering questions about it. Gordon has been reciting the Creed in his down time and practicing the questions every day. He said the participants need to have the Creed memorized, adding that it takes about ten to 20 hours of work to win the state competition and about 40 to 50 hours of work to win the national level.

Monson said Gordon spends “every spare moment practicing.”

Superintendent of the National FFA Organization, Greg Beard said that “only 48 participants get to compete in the national level competition. To win the national level, the participant needs to ‘be better’ than 47 other individuals based on their presentation and ability to answer the three questions pertaining to the Creed.”