During a special ceremony inside the MHS Library the Murray Independent District FFA was recognized during national FFA week. Murray High School FFA officers accepted FFA jackets. in a first time historical event for Murray High School students.
To view Murray Independent FFA Chapter Video Announcement visit: https://bit.ly/3svrHSV
The announcement of the Murray Independent School District Future Farmers of America (FFA) initial Charter came last year during the February 21, 2020 National FFA Convention. On the heels of the proclamation, came the national COVID-19 announcement, placing new regulations on numerous school-sponsored programs throughout the U.S.
Since the announcement last February, the Murray Independent FFA Program has undergone COVID-19 challenges and plans are currently in the works by the seven MHS FFA officers (Claire Whitaker-President, Autumn Mehr-Vice President, Kelly Parr-Secretary, Jesse Adams-Treasurer, Carson Gilliam-Reporter, and Lane Holmes-Sentinel). The officers plan to incorporate more hands-on instructional lessons as the program builds and COVID-19 restrictions lessen. Currently, the group is planning raised beds to begin a pumpkin patch of smaller pumpkins. While also, the greenhouse class is in the process of starting trial runs with different lettuce varieties in the hydroponics grow tower, and preparations are underway for the Murray Independent Chapter to participate in FFA speaking competitions.
To support the Murray Independent FFA charter’s implementation and efforts, River Valley Ag Credit awarded a $6,000 monetary gift, and Kentucky FFA Foundation awarded a $5,000 Rising Sun Grant.
Clayton Morris, the MHS agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, who earned his masters’ in agricultural education to take on the role as agriculture teacher, is very appreciative. “I am very thankful to River Valley Ag Credit and the Kentucky FFA Foundation for their assistance. Their (River Valley -$6,000)( FFA Foundation-$5,000) gifts, totaling $11,000, will assist us purchase curriculum, models, hands-on materials for the horticulture pathway, plus meeting room material, and FFA jackets for our new chapter.”
(Seth Carter), an MHS alumnus and River Valley Ag Credit Relationship manager, who serves on the Murray FFA CTE Advisory Board, said the donation to the Murray Independent FFA from River Valley Ag Credit is a proud moment for his alma mater. “Starting anything is not easy, and can be very expensive especially without help. These funds will help kick-start a program that has been in need for a long time. I am proud to be a part of an association/cooperative like River Valley Ag Credit, who cares about, not only the members it serves, but also the communities and next generation,” Carter said.
Carter, a current farmer, is very proud Murray High School students are able to now experience an FFA chapter. “When I attended Murray High School there were not any programs offered like this, so I am glad this opportunity is now available to the students and the community. Agriculture is such a wide and diverse sector, which means there is room form multiple different career paths for students. Not only will this program provide students at Murray High school an edge in the agriculture field, but will also assist them when selecting an agriculture career, in college, or whatever career path they choose.”
Carter said FFA teaches many aspects of leadership. “Problem solving, speech writing, public speaking, planning preparation/ team building, research, while bringing out many skill sets and intelligence that other sectors of education or learning do not.”
The Rising Sun initiative is an effort by the Kentucky FFA Foundation to support the expansion of agricultural education in Kentucky, and is funded through its project LEAD endowment. The Kentucky FFA Foundation cultivates partnerships, which support the FFA vision to grow leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture. Kentucky FFA Foundation initiatives impact nearly 14,500 FFA members in 161 FFA chapters across Kentucky.
Sheldon McKinney, executive director, Kentucky FFA Foundation Inc., said The Kentucky FFA Foundation exists to support agricultural education’s vision of Growing Leaders, Building Communities & Strengthening Agriculture. “There is rich agricultural history in Calloway County and the Kentucky FFA Foundation, Inc. is thrilled Murray High School students have the opportunity to be a part of Kentucky FFA. We look forward to celebrating and rewarding their accomplishments for years to come.”
Mehr, a MHS senior and vice-president of the Murray Independent FFA chapter, said farming is all she has ever known, being reared in a long-line family generation of farmers. “I grew up sleeping in combines, and driving tractors on the farm.”
Mehr said ushering in this Murray Independent chapter brings her dream to pursue a career in Ag education a step closer. Mehr, a MHS 2021 graduation candidate, will pursue an Ag Education degree. Originally, she had considered an extension services career; however, she is now leaning towards an Agriculture Education degree, and teaching. “This year, our Murray Independent Chapter has been represented in numerous around the state virtual convention and workshops with other Kentucky FFA Chapters,” she explained. “Attending these, provides more direction and organization efforts for our Murray chapter.”
The new chapter was launched through a collaborative effort with MISD AGR Career Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Council: Coy Samons, MISD superintendent, Lou Carter, MISD assistant superintendent, Clayton Morris, MHS AGR/Science Teacher, Dr. Brian Parr, MSU Assistant Dean Hutson School of Agriculture, Seth Carter, River Valley Ag Credit (Mayfield Branch) and MHS alumnus, Matt Chadwick, Calloway County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Jerry Boyd, Former SBDM Parent Rep. MHS Parent, Jesse Adams, MHS student, and Autumn Mehr, MHS student.
Throughout Samons 37-year educational career, he has provided leadership to schools who were home to very active FFA Chapters. “We are excited for the Murray Independent Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter to become a part of the high school experience, and adding agriculture instruction, and a career pathway for students into our curriculum,” Samons said.
(Lou) Carter, a former four-year member of the Farmington High School FFA Chapter (1980-1984) while in high school, said implementing this program in the MISD is a dream come true. Carter served as Reporter, Treasurer, President, and Region 1 Secretary while in the Farmington FFA chapter. “This has always been a dream of mine to see MHS students wear the infamous blue corduroy jackets,” she said. “Several of our graduates have chosen agriculture as a career choice through the Ag Business pathway, or family related fields. This FFA Chapter will provide the edge our current students need when scheduling their agriculture classes at their college choice.”
Parr said the Murray State University and the Hutson School of Agriculture is very proud to see this chapter emerge and move forward for MISD students. “It is a good time to be involved with agriculture as a career focus. Western Kentucky is a very strong agricultural region and has been for many years. Community and school support of agricultural education has always been very strong in our area. We are excited Murray students now have agriculture choices to strengthen their educational career choices.”
Parr explained there was a dip in interest from school policy makers and funding through the 1970-1980s, while most of the decline in the western Kentucky FFA chapters, was due to school consolidation, rather than the closing or programs.
Ironically, the current property Murray High is located, was once part of the Mabel and Stanley Pullen farm, now located on MSU’s campus, and home to Murray’s Arboretum and green house complex. The late, Stanley Pullen, was the first agricultural educator at Murray State University, and passed away in 1935, only 10 years after moving to Murray. His widow, Mabel, lived on her farm, and supported agricultural education until her death in 1995.
Mabel donated her farm and a substantial amount of money for agricultural student scholarships to Murray State University. “Sharing that space with the newly formed Murray High agricultural education program to allow them to have hands-on experience is certainly appropriate and would be in line with Ms. Pullen’s wishes for the farm,” Parr said. “We at Murray State have always valued our relationship with the Calloway County FFA chapter, and now are happy to see the addition of the Murray Independent chapter. We strive to serve all chapters in the Purchase and Pennyrile Regions, as well as other chapters across the state. It is our goal to partner with secondary programs for the success of students!”
Jerry Gilliam, former Hopkinsville Community College agriculture instructor (current ag business professional) and father to Gilliam, FFA reporter . “I have always been happy that he (Carson Gilliam), attends one of the best schools in the state, I just hated that he didn’t get to experience the FFA. I am glad that this is coming to fruition.”