In Monday’s Elkin City Schools Board of Education meeting, Northwest Regional Coordinator for Future Farmers of America Jerry Davis presented FFA teacher Clarence Edwards with a check for $5,000 in grant money, then commended Edwards’ work and the Elkin FFA program.
Davis specifically thanked Principal Joel Hoyle, a former FFA teacher himself, the board of education, Jeff Jennings and the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. Hoyle reciprocated and thanked the team for the consideration and giving the school the money.
Davis said North Carolina produces $75 billion of income from agricultural programs and 17 percent of high schools are involved in helping with that number, said Davis. The FFA coordinator said more good news in the agricultural outlook is happening around the state with 10 new high school programs set to start. He said they are rewarding proposals for a grant trust of $180,000 across the state. Thirty-five programs have been added, said Davis.
Davis emphasized the importance of agricultural education and reminded of the adage, “learning by doing.” The education is a necessity and a great opportunity for hands-on projects.
The money most likely will be spent on a storage building next to the greenhouse, said Hoyle. Davis said it will create opportunities for more students to learn about agriculture and perhaps bring a focus on attending state and national conventions. “I look for good things to happen,” said Davis.
Jennings, also a former PTA president, told the board, “You are doing the right thing by supporting FFA students and agricultural programs in Elkin. We’ve got to eat, have food on the table, and have crops.” Agricultural representatives said that remains a bottom line need and one that will not be diminished.
