Amboy Junior High School Launches New FFA Chapter for Students

Amboy Junior High School has officially established its own chapter of the national FFA organization, expanding opportunities for students in grades seven and eight. The charter was signed on September 4, 2023, and the school celebrated this milestone during an open house event on November 10. Previously, the FFA, which stands for Future Farmers of America, was exclusively available to high school students within Amboy Public Schools.

The initiative for a middle school FFA chapter was largely driven by student interest. According to Kelly Viall, the agriculture teacher and FFA adviser at Amboy Junior High, younger students were inspired by older family members involved in FFA activities. “It really was student-driven. I’ve taught middle school agriculture and done middle school FFA before, so I kind of brought in a skill set that helped to get that going,” Viall stated.

One student, motivated by an older cousin who attended a state FFA convention, played a pivotal role in advocating for the new chapter. This student approached district administration and school board members with the request to establish the middle school chapter. Viall expressed enthusiasm about the supportive environment at Amboy, stating, “This is an amazing school to work at. The kids are great. We’re trying to get stuff off the ground here, so we’re working on getting the kids involved in all the opportunities that are available.”

As part of the FFA program, students elect leaders known as the officer team and participate in competitions with other schools. The new Amboy FFA chapter currently boasts 60 student members. While some activities are tailored to specific grade levels, middle school members are encouraged to participate in the same events as their high school counterparts.

Recent activities organized by the Amboy FFA include a career development event and a grain fair, where students showcased their fall crops, such as corn, soybeans, and pumpkins. Additionally, the chapter hosted agronomy and dairy foods contests, which involved identifying various crops, weeds, seeds, and dairy products. These events provide students with hands-on experience and practical knowledge in agricultural subjects, further enhancing their educational journey.

The establishment of the middle school FFA chapter reflects a growing commitment to agricultural education and leadership development among younger students in the Amboy community. This new opportunity not only fosters interest in agriculture but also encourages teamwork and personal growth among participants.