The Future Farmers of America (FFA) program existed at Parkwood Middle School before the Sustainable Energy Academy, but its seamless integration shows how naturally they align. Under the leadership of Analise Ritter, an agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor, the program blends hands-on learning, career exploration and sustainability-focused initiatives, preparing students for future challenges.

Ritter, a 2017 graduate of Cuthbertson High and the University of Mount Olive, where she majored in animal science, brought a wealth of experience to the program. After working on ranches in Montana and Texas, she returned home to address gaps in the agricultural industry. She aims to equip students with practical skills, build their confidence, and ignite a passion for learning.

“I used to be super quiet and shy,” Ritter shared. “FFA helped me become a confident public speaker. I wanted to give students the same opportunities to grow.”

Parkwood’s FFA program offers tailored, hands-on experiences aligning seamlessly with the academy’s focus on sustainability. Sixth graders start by exploring agricultural products, studying animals and their byproducts, and applying their knowledge to create items like goat milk soap. Seventh graders shift their focus to natural resources, conducting soil health tests on campus and learning about regenerative agriculture and forestry practices. In eighth grade, students tackle advanced concepts such as agricultural laws and farm business management.

As part of the program, eighth-graders create a sustainable farm from the ground up. They manage a conceptual one-million-dollar budget, carefully balancing environmental sustainability with economic viability. The project gives them a real-world perspective on the complexities of modern agriculture.

In addition to these classroom projects, the FFA oversees the school’s tree nursery, which features more than 400 trees representing 16 species. Students take charge of all the hands-on work, from planting and nurturing the trees to donating them to other schools and county buildings—and even planting the trees themselves. The ultimate goal is for the nursery to operate as a student-run business, where students manage everything from growing and caring for the trees to pricing, marketing and selling them. It would provide students with more experience while creating a lasting impact on the community and securing funding for future projects.

The club offers many other benefits, too. One of the main opportunities is participating in Career Development Events (CDEs). These events are like real-world jobs in agriculture, where students can practice the skills they have learned in class. Some of the CDEs include poultry evaluation, creed speaking, parliamentary procedure, food science, tractor operation, forestry, hunter safety, horse evaluation, and agricultural tool identification. These events help students develop valuable skills for future careers in agriculture or other industries.

For many members, FFA is more than just an extracurricular activity—it is a way to carry on their family’s agricultural legacy.

Drake Starnes, an eighth grader and the FFA president, said working with tractors and trailers has been an exciting experience. “It’s so fun! You start in the garage, buckle your seatbelt, and get ready to go,” Drake said, recalling the thrill of the activity. “When you get the go sign, you put it in drive and carefully back the trailer up to a gate, navigating through cones. It's challenging, but I love it.”

Growing up on his family’s farm, which spans 80 to 100 acres, Drake has always had a passion for tractors. “I’ve been driving them for years, so getting to do it in FFA was awesome. It’s something I look forward to every time.”

For students like Jaxon Helms, being part of FFA is a family tradition. "I joined FFA in eighth grade because my dad was in it, and I thought it would be fun to do and learn," Jaxon said.

Levi Nance, an eighth grader and vice president of FFA, shared how the club connects deeply to his family’s agricultural roots. "Agriculture runs through my family," Levi explained. "One side works with cattle, and the other farms thousands of acres. FFA is more than a club for me—it’s part of our family’s legacy, and it teaches valuable skills I’ll carry with me."

Levi's unexpected journey into FFA began when he was encouraged to apply for an officer position. "I didn’t think I’d get selected, but when I was named vice president, it felt like an honor," he said.

He also reflected on how FFA has changed his outlook on school. "I used to dread school, but now, with FFA, I look forward to it. It’s fun, and I wouldn’t be as involved if Ms. Ritter wasn’t the advisor. Her support makes all the difference."

FFA is also a space where siblings share experiences and passions. For Lily Nance, a sixth grader, joining FFA was a way to connect with her older brother Levi, who had spoken highly of it. 'Before I joined, I would hear my brother talk about it all the time, and now it makes more sense to me,' Lily said. She is now preparing for the creed competition, where she will recite a powerful speech about the agricultural way of life, honing her public speaking skills. Similarly, Willa Starnes, a seventh grader, is discovering her own love for agriculture, following in the footsteps of her brother Drake.

Jaxson Lemoine, an eighth grader and the FFA treasurer, shared his journey of personal growth and the confidence he gained through FFA. "I was quiet and shy in sixth grade, not doing anything," he recalled. "Then in seventh grade, I joined FFA after a teacher suggested it, which completely changed me." His involvement in various competitions, including Parliamentary Procedure, has helped him develop strong public speaking skills. Initially nervous about speaking in front of others, he is now confident in presenting his ideas and advocating for his passions.

Layla Purser, another eighth grader, also speaks to how FFA has helped her break out of her shell. "I was shy in elementary school, but joining FFA in middle school helped me make new friends and become more social," she said. The friendships she has built through FFA have made her school experience more enjoyable and have given her a supportive network.

Gunner McCarver, an eighth grader, emphasizes the importance of pushing others to get involved. "I grew up on a farm and saw the value in agriculture and its potential career opportunities," he explained. "FFA offers many possibilities, and I wanted my friends to see that."

Gunner sums up the group's sentiment, "FFA gives you the chance to grow and succeed, no matter where you're starting from."

01/10/2025