FFA Greenhand and Chapter Degrees Awarded

hosted the 2011 recipients of Greenhand and Chapter Degrees from FFA, an organization that supports agricultural education, on Tuesday, March 1. 

In a ceremony that began with a potluck dinner for FFA members, teachers, family and friends, freshman and sophomore members of the Suffield Regional FFA who completed the extensive requirements for each degree were honored. 

The atmosphere was charged with energetic students and proud family members.  The distinctive blue corduroy FFA jackets, worn proudly by FFA members, were visible throughout the commons at the school's main entrance.

Those students receiving the Greenhand Degree had to complete a written application for the Greenhand FFA Degree and demonstrate an understanding of the history of the organization, among other requirements. The Chapter Degree recipients had to fulfill numerous requirements, including the completion of 180 hours of instruction in agricultural education, leading group discussions and the demonstration of parliamentary law procedures. 

These Degrees are earned as the students progress through the phases of their leadership, academic and career skills development as part of the agriscience curriculum and FFA program.

the students “come out of this with such leadership skill and, confidence," said Beth D’Agata, the president of the FFA Alumni, Family and Friends Association. "They are doing exactly what they want to be doing. Not only do they learn the skills of agriculture, or whatever field they want to be in, there is so much opportunity with competitions and scholarships and going to conventions, so much leadership opportunity. They get confidence from this. They’re not just learning academics.  They’re actually out in their field, doing what they want to do. They take it to the next level. There is so much potential that comes out of these kids.”

“These kids don’t just have high school requirements, they have FFA requirements." said Mary Lou Sanborn, a member of the Suffield Board of Education. "We need students who are interested in these kinds of careers – agriculture, aquaculture, forestry.” 

The program includes about 150 students from Suffield and the surrounding towns.