Murray Independent's FFA Chapter may be fairly new to Murray Independent High School, but the opportunities the organization offers to students are vast. Murray Independent FFA has 55 active members in the FFA chapter, and the program includes classes such as Greenhouse, Animal Science, Agmath and Small Animal Sciences.
This spring many FFA members are preparing for upcoming speech contests, Agriscience Fair projects, working towards earning their Greenhand and Chapter Degrees. For National FFA Week, the Murray FFA will be thanking farmers and teachers, enjoying a spirit week, and celebrating with the entire student body.
As the Chapter grows and students become more interested and involved in the program, new projects have started to benefit students for years to come. The Murray High School now has a greenhouse which will allow students to experience the growth, development and sale of many different plant varieties.
Brittany Forgey, Murray Independent FFA Advisor, said the chapter is growing and the students are thriving through leadership, classroom and FFA experiences.
The Murray Independent FFA Chapter is led by Carson Gilliam, president, Ryann Doss, vice-president, Kelly Parr, secretary, Grayson Gibson, treasurer, Allyson Rossi, reporter, and Lane Cunningham, sentinel.
Gilliam said as president he has seen first-hand the impact of the chapter. "The FFA is more of a family than an organization, everyone that wears the blue jacket has a bond to help each other and has the duty to serve the community together."
"FFA has taught me how to come out of my comfort zone and try new things," said Lane Cunningham.
Parr said FFA has helped her develop leadership skills. “These skills will help me be successful in all areas."
"Murray Independent FFA has amazing students and many new projects which will lead to a bright future," Forgey said.