The Future Farmers of America (FFA) has been around for 94 years and is still going strong today. New and returning members from ninth to 12th grade, gathered at the first FFA meeting of the 2022-2023 school year. The freshman chapter, J.F. St. Martin, and the upperclassmen chapter, Durant Sr., combined into one whole meeting that introduced everyone to this new year!

At the first Club Day of the year, Sept. 14 the members and officers were very excited for the upcoming year and can’t wait to see where this journey takes the chapters as a whole. Treasurer Cooper Davis said, “The other officers and I are excited to see our legacy within Florida FFA continue to expand as we have a brand new group of excited freshmen as well as a constant group of dedicated senior members who are the backbone to our chapters.”

The FFA chapter officers set up the cafeteria with podiums, decorations and games prior to the opening ceremony and FFA parliamentary procedure. Then, the chapter leaders took turns sharing information about upcoming events, deadlines and competitions to the club.

Sr. Chapter Student Advisor and Sophomore Emma Leiss announced the new 22-23 J.F. St. Martin Chapter Officer team. These new leaders will be spearheading the freshman chapter this school year. After their name had been called, each officer walked up to the front in their gray officer polo to receive their new officer pin for their jacket.

This day was very important not only to the students but also the advisors. Advisor Thomas Sturgis said the first meeting is important because, “It introduces our new officers, reviews the accomplishments over the summer and allows the kids to have a little fun.”

The Senior Chapter Officers planned the first meeting according to the goals they wanted to achieve. Sophomore and Student Advisor Carly Varnum explains, “The FFA meetings are important because we are able to connect with our members and inform them of upcoming events.”

After social and game time, and the wrap up of the meeting agenda, the officers performed closing ceremonies and the FFA meeting was adjourned.

If students are still interested in joining FFA, contact Brittany Coleman, Thomas Sturgis or Tim Cribbs for more information. For updates about the FFA chapters follow @durant_ffa on Instagram.

22-23 J.F. St. Martin Chapter Officer Team

President Kaylee Marsh
Vice President Kennedy Schrier
Secretary Savannah Waters
Treasurer Caroline Crim
Reporter Audrina Rogers
Sentinel Mya Salter
Chaplain Lane Jellison
Historian Jessie Parker
Parliamentarian Ian Mercer
Student Advisor Madison Hurley
Student Advisor Olivia Lawton