Agriculture Education and FFA - Opportunities at HHS
by Mandy Kern
February 26, 2007
Agriculture Courses at HHS
* Introduction to Agriculture, Animal Science, Horticulture Science, Wildlife Management, Agriculture Mechanics, Advanced Agriculture Mechanics, Agriculture Leadership and Agriculture Business.
Opportunities available to Agriculture Students:
* Hiawatha FFA offers $6,300 in local scholarships alone
* Another 1 in 4 go on to receive a National FFA scholarship of $1,000, plus thousands of dollars worth of other agriculture/FFA scholarships state and nation-wide
* Leadership Experience - Students gain multiple day leadership training sessions in Junction City, Great Bend, and Manhattan
* Travel - Students have earned trips throughout the state as well as Kansas City, and Indianapolis, IN
* Communication Skills - By participating in various FFA activities, you will gain the courage and self-confidence needed to speak in front of anyone!
* Career Development Activities - You will gain exposure to more career opportunities than you can image, this will allow you to make an informed choice of what you would like to do for a living. Career Development Events will allow you to apply what you learn in the classroom in a competitive setting.
* Earn Money for College - Many supervised agriculture programs are available to all students, we can help you get a job while you are in high school to allow you to afford any college or university you want!
* Team Activities - Agriculture Education offers a variety of experiences in all aspects of the agriculture industry... from horticulture and landscaping to livestock judging and public speaking
* Fun, Exciting activities for everyone - hayrack rides, pizza parties, bowling, softball and basketball games and so much more!!
Common Misconceptions about Agriculture Education and FFA
* Agriculture Education is for BOYS only...WRONG! Nearly 40% of Kansas FFA membership and Agriculture students are female. There are just as many job opportunities for females as there are males.
* If I enroll in agriculture education, I will have to build a project...NO WAY! Out of the eight agriculture courses offered at HHS, only 2 offer welding opportunities. ALL courses offer leadership training, career development opportunities, and apply important math, science, and English skills.
* I won't know anything about agriculture, I don't live on a farm...SO WHAT? Only 27% of today's FFA members live in rural, farm areas, the remaining 73% lives in cities and towns all across the United States including New York City, Chicago and Philadelphia. In fact, you don't even have to want a job in agriculture. The experience alone will sharpen your leadership and communication skills and make you much more marketable to any employer.
* I will wait until I am a sophomore to take an agriculture class; I don't need Introduction to Agriculture...BIG MISTAKE!!! Intro to Ag opens the door to the basis knowledge that you need to succeed in Agriculture Education and the FFA.
