The Gibson Southern Future Farmers of America chapter repeated its commitment to agricultural excellence by being named a national 3-star chapter for the second year in a row. Becoming a three star chapter is the goal going into every new school year. They made this possible by holding many events including the fruit sale, petting zoo, going to farm shows, having a plant sale and more. Meeting the 13 quality standards outlined by the FFA was also a requirement.
“We honestly kind of expected this because we got it last year, and our chapter has improved even from last year,” senior Treasurer Aleks Parmer said.
Senior President Deven Burger gave most of the credit to Mylie Rexing, the previous president.
“Last year’s chapter president, Mylie Rexing, worked extensively with Mrs. Mraz to complete this application,” Burger said. “Many of the other chapter officers helped working on the lengthy application and proofreading it. Many of the activities highlighted in our application are completed by our members throughout the year, so they also deserve praise for their accomplishments.”
Being a national 3-star chapter is the highest level of honor. This makes them one of the top agriculture groups in the country. This was a huge accomplishment to them according to junior chaplain Aleah Rexing.
“We are very excited and proud of this award,” Burger said. “We have worked hard to make sure that we are providing our students with all the opportunities that a 3-star national chapter program would provide.”
Everyone was excited to receive the award and proud of what they accomplished. Being a national 3-star chapter is not an easy task and takes a lot of work from everyone in the chapter.
“National FFA Convention is a huge convention with people from FFA groups from every state who get together,” Aleah Rexing said. “There are booths that are all about agriculture, little shops and so much more. It is a fun event that everyone looks forward to every year.”
Winning the national 3-star chapter distinction allows the chapter to receive its award at the convention. The chapter will be traveling to Indianapolis Nov. 2, 2023, to attend this convention and receive the award.
FFA has been around for many years at Gibson Southern, starting in 1974. The chapter has since tripled in size in the last five years under the direction of Jessie Mraz, and for many members, FFA is a family affair.
“I joined FFA to follow the footsteps of my sister (Mylie Rexing) who was the former president and to become more involved,” Aleah Rexing said.
