Superintendent’s Corner
By Andrea Sheridan
The School District of Athens is proud to offer middle and high school students an opportunity to participate in Future Farmers of America (FFA).
The mission of this student-centered organization states: “FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.”
A total of 32 middle and high school students are active participants in the Athens FFA. This co-curricular program offers individual students the option to become involved in a wide variety of events, which are intended to prepare them for potential careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.
Members of the Athens FFA Chapter participate in various activities throughout the school year. Students attend monthly meetings, study nights, and special chapter activities like pumpkin carving and the Christmas party. They host an annual plant sale, community auction, and participate in Food for America.
During the summer months, these students are busy attending and presenting at local fairs, and volunteering their time at the dairy breakfast.
We celebrate the accomplishments of these young people during a yearly awards banquet.
Did you know, FFA Career Development Events are judged contests designed to help students build teamwork, work ethic, communication skills, and value ethical competition?
Leadership Development Events are speaking contests intended to develop public speaking skills, as well as teamwork and individual responsibilities. A majority of the Athens FFA chapter members participate in events such as these during the school year.
When Mrs. Bunkleman was asked to share why she enjoys being the Athens FFA advisor, and what this leadership role means to her. I was touched by her heartful and sincere response. “Being an FFA advisor means that your FFA members become your children. Their failures are your failures and their successes are your successes. You will do anything you can to watch them succeed whether that is in the classroom or out in the show ring. You will spend countless hours driving to and from events, and spending late nights going over award applications and SAE grants. Being an FFA advisor may be difficult at times, and you sometimes wonder why you are doing it, but then you remember that FFA member who just competed in their first competition and moved on to the next level, or the member who thought they would never speak in front of anyone and they did; and you realize why you continue to show up for your FFA members.”
This year, in addition to her teaching responsibilities at the middle and high school, Mrs. Bunkleman is spending time at Maple Grove Charter School interacting with staff, students, and families. She is drawing connections between agricultural education standards taught at Athens middle and high schools, and the educational focus of our district charter school.
The overarching goal is to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for agricultural education within our schools and greater community, beginning at the elementary level. The School District of Athens supports and encourages our young people to become involved in our local FFA Chapter. We embrace the Vision of the Future Farmers of America organization, “Growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world, ” and our school district mission will continue to move us in this direction.
Andrea Sheridan
