According to FFA sponsor and Principles of Agriculture teacher Kaci Tovar, Career Development Events (CDE) allow FFA students to explore and tap into their career options, all while teaching them valuable life skills that can be used outside of agriculture.

“It’s a lot of responsibility managing the schedule [and making] sure everything is clean while you’re taking care of another living being,” Tovar said.
FFA welcomes anyone with a passion for personal growth – whether they walk on two feet or four.

One such student is freshman Luke Turner, who was honored for his showmanship at one of his first competitions.

According to Turner, the club has given him a place to express himself and become more responsible by taking care of his sheep, Cheeseburger.

“Adapting to high school is always going to be a big change, but I would say FFA gives you a home base to meet new friends and to be able to bond with your animal,” Turner said.

Sophomore and FFA officer Mariah Hume, who suggested Turner compete, said she’s delighted to see that new members are willing to put up with the hard work.

“Every day in the morning and afternoon, you have to clean up the pen, weigh them, check their diets, and walk your animal,” Hume said. “It’s a lot of work, but it doesn’t really feel like it sometimes.”

The little details make a big difference when judges observe their animal’s shape and condition.

Students interested in joining FFA can speak with their counselor about joining the Principles of Agriculture class or attend FFA’s next meeting.