Although the FFA Chapter closed 36 years ago, in 1990, this year at the North Dakota State FFA Convention coming up in June delegates from the Devils Lake FFA Chapter hope to receive their re-instated Chapter Plaque.
DLPS Superintendent Ned Clooten had something to say about the return of Ag Education and FFA to Devils Lake Public Schools, as he offered this quote, “Yes! I’m so excited about the return of Ag Education AND FFA to DLPS!”
“FFA played a HUGE role in my development growing up. I was a town kid, but I was drawn to FFA and its leadership opportunities. I was a chapter officer for three years and I learned so much in the program. Agriculture is the number one industry in the Devils Lake area so not having an Ag program was a big hole in our curriculum. I believe that the opportunities we are now providing students have the potential to affect their lives going forward.”
Carie Moore is the FFA Advisor and she is enthusiastic about the return of Ag Education and FFA. She says, “As with any new program, it’s taken time, legwork, and patience. It’s a constant effort to keep building momentum on both the student side as well as the classroom logistics.”
Moore adds, “I stepped into the role knowing that the work would be rewarding, seeing students participate in events and not only smiles, but personal accomplishments as well.”
“We have a core group that are increasing their confidence and leadership which in turn will allow them to grow with the program and take ownership. They have been willing to contribute, and it makes the hard work worthwhile.”
“FFA is only a part of the Agriculture Education Program, students have to be enrolled in one of the offered classes. This has allowed students to see that there is more to the program and organization than just farming as a whole. Granted, in a rural community like Devils Lake, everything is centered around agriculture, and this program allows them to make the connection.”
“Many of their family members work in agriculture in some form and it affects their lives without them even knowing it. I’m excited for State Convention coming up in June and having our delegates receive their re-instated Devils Lake FFA Chapter Plaque as well as competing in events they are working hard preparing for,” Moore concludes her statement.
Brittyn Sailor is the DLHS student who is the President of FFA. She writes the following statement, “My experience getting the opportunity to be a big part of Devils Lake FFA has taught me many things including leadership skills, communication skills, and overall, a better work ethic. I would recommend FFA to everyone as it’s a great way to build leadership skills, get new opportunities, and discover new careers you may not have known were available. Overall FFA is a great program allowing you to gain skills, friendships, and opportunities.”
Lainey Ness serves as the Sentinel for the Devils Lake FFA and she contributed the following statement, “My experience with the Devils Lake FFA has taught me many new skills that I will be able to continue to use. I have been able to develop a better work ethic and leadership skills that I will use in my future career. I believe that FFA is a great organization for students in Devils Lake as there are many agricultural opportunities around us. FFA shows students how to take charge, have fun and learn new skills. FFA is a wonderful program for students to gain many new skills and friendships while doing something they enjoy doing.”
According to Mike Connor, longtime Lake Region resident, he writes, “According to the 85th Anniversary Book (ND FFA) published in 2014 the last voc-ag program/FFA at Central High School/DLHS was 1990, the teacher was Dennis Peterson.”
Adding, “There were Ag programs at LRJC (now LRSC) after that ending in 2014 with Craig Stromme listed as instructor (don’t believe that involved FFA, though). It was discontinued mainly due to lack of instructors statewide, to best of my knowledge.”
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