INSTEAD OF the usual clinking trays and not-so-muffled chatter, Lincoln County High School’s (LCHS) cafeteria vibrates with the boisterous hum of a community gathered. Seated around linen-covered banquet tables are faces etched with the lines of sun and soil. They’re swapping stories, discussing planting forecasts and livestock prices. For many present, their iconic blue and gold jackets, traded for rugged Carhartt, now hang proudly in their closets. The mouthwatering aroma of steak fills the air, tinged with the sweet smell of vanilla and almond, and anticipation builds as the time for the awards presentation draws closer. This isn’t high school lunchtime — it’s the annual Agricultural’s Finest banquet, where Lincoln County’s former FFA organization honors the success others harvest from a commitment to farming, agribusiness, technology, and other agricultural careers.
According to ffa.org, the National FFA Organization has 850,823 student members in grades 5-12 who belong to one of 8,995 local chapters across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It continues to provide agricultural education, leadership development, and career opportunities for all students. One of those chapters is the Lincoln County FFA, and, with agriculture being the county’s largest industry, it shapes tomorrow’s leaders and serves us all.
In an interview with another Good News writer in 2022, LCHS FFA Teacher and Advisor Julie Burnum said, “I was an FFA member, and I know full well what this program can do for kids. People like to think of it as Future Farmers of America. In 1988, that name changed, and it’s just the letters now. While we continue to recognize our history with FFA, the number one thing our students are doing by being involved in FFA is building leadership skills.
They’re not necessarily going into farming. Agriculture is a hugely diverse industry. So, the biggest thing we can offer our community is the development of leadership skills that these students can build and use in their careers, families, businesses, and our community. We want students to walk away with an appreciation of where their food, clothing, and housing come from and how all those necessities funnel back to the agricultural industry in some form or fashion.”
Students’ connection to FFA doesn’t end with high school graduation; it opens the door to the alumni association, where former members and other agriculture supporters invest in student members and their programs.
Melanie Kelso, vice president of the Lincoln County FFA Alumni, said, “LCHS has had an active FFA alumni for at least 30 years. Most of us are former FFA or 4-H alumni, and we understand the benefits of these programs. We are there to support the ag teachers and students in any way we can.”
FFA members are an active group, continuously learning, growing, and utilizing the skills they acquire through the program.
Burnum said, “We travel at least once a month to a conference, camp, convention, or contest. Our alumni are always open to helping in any way they can. They’ve hosted meals for our district chapter contests and helped serve at our banquets. And, of course, they are integral in their support of our annual Tractor Day.”
Alumni are actively involved in the students’ FFA work, assisting with events at the school and attending state competitions, FFA summer camp, and national events when needed. They stay connected through monthly meetings with the agriculture teachers and current student officers.
“Alumni officers are elected every three years. The current officers are President Neilla-Susan Thompson, Vice President Melanie Kelso, Secretary Allison Heffington, and Treasurer Will Scott,” said Kelso. “We all come from agriculture backgrounds, but that is not a requirement to be an officer. The alumni have about 50 active members who help with fundraising activities and anything else asked of them throughout the year. Our main focus and goal is to support the FFA members any way we can.”
The alumni’s largest fundraiser is its annual Agriculture’s Finest banquet. Nominations open in December for awards for local farms and businesses in five categories: Farmer You Need to Know, Friend of Agriculture, Best Century Farm, Alumni Choice, and Young Farmer. When nominations close in January, the public votes on the top three nominees in each category. Winners are announced at the banquet held the Saturday following FFA Week in February, receiving an Allie Isbell one-of-a-kind painting explicitly designed for their award.
“The proceeds from this night are used throughout the year for hotel stays, meals, and other things for our students. We also sponsor scholarships to some of our seniors for college. Other funds are set aside for larger projects like future improvements for our classrooms or transportation needs,” said Kelso.
The alumni’s most popular event is Tractor Day, held each year the day before the Agriculture’s Finest banquet. Agriculture students may drive their tractors to school and participate in a tractor parade — a day-long event now in its 44th year. In 2023, the parade included alumni for the first time. What a great way to celebrate the tradition as a community!
The alumni welcome your involvement if you’re passionate about agriculture and Lincoln County’s rich history.
Kelso said, “We would love for everyone to help us support the future generations of students who want to come back here and keep the farms and businesses in the agriculture field thriving.”
As the evening draws to a close at Agrigulture’s Finest, award recipients pose proudly with their prized paintings surrounded by family and the FFA’s student president. It’s a picture of a community connected by agriculture, committed to supporting tomorrow’s farmers, agribusiness owners, and leaders in the diverse industry rooted in FFA. It’s a picture of hope. GN
