Taylor High FFA bestows new members with jackets
Following his grandfather’s footsteps, Taylor High School freshman Jovin Maybin was excited to receive his Future Farmers of America jacket.
Maybin is among seven new members of the high school’s chapter, who all received the blue corduroy jacket at a Nov. 4 ceremony to mark their initiation.
“It feels like I’m finally a part of something big, not just doing my own thing anymore,” Maybin said. “I think I made my grandpa proud when I joined, which was really my main goal.”
Like Maybin, many students involved were introduced to the organization through family who were former members or through an interest in agriculture.
FFA is a leadership development organization with local, state and national levels for agriculture education students who want to pursue careers in horticulture, aquaculture, food sciences, wildlife management and more.
“For someone who wants to pursue a career in agriculture, it’s definitely, like, something that you need,” said Sydney Raney, Taylor High FFA president and a senior who hopes to become an agriculture teacher.
Any student in an agricultural class at Taylor High can join. Those interested can attend the school’s FFA monthly meeting to learn more and contact advisor Carlee Chambers, an agriculture science teacher at the school, to order a jacket and officially join.
“It’s just a big opportunity for people that are not coming from the farm lifestyle or do come from a farm lifestyle,” sophomore Jackson Havens said. “I’m just really glad it’s a thing, you know, because I don’t have to search somewhere for it. It’s right here at my high school.”
Members don the jackets on top of their uniforms — a white button-up shirt, a tie or scarf, black slacks or a skirt with pantyhose and black boots, dress shoes or heels — when they head off to competitions and other FFA events.
Students have the opportunity to compete in livestock shows, leadership and career development events, agriscience fairs, public speaking events and more.
“To me, it (the jacket) represents, like, respect, leadership, honoring FFA,” Maybin said. “When you wear the jacket, … you got to be more responsible, and it teaches you better habits. Instead of doing whatever you want, you represent a whole organization.”
In their uniforms, called official dress, some Taylor High FFA members felt more dressed up than they were used to but welcomed the outfit when it opened opportunities to connect with like-minded young leaders, also clad in blue corduroy.
“My freshman year when I had to wear official dress, I was like, ‘Oh my God, I look so silly.’ Like, I did not want to go in public,” Raney said. “But then when you get to contest or state convention, it’s like, ‘OK, well these other people look silly too.’ … No one is judging each other. … You can go walk up to anybody and have a conversation, and I promise that they’d have a conversation back.”
Through the meetings, preparing and traveling for competitions and events, students have made not only longlasting memories but close friendships.
“You get to talk more with your friends. You hangout outside of school for practicing, and you get to, like, not only expand your knowledge but grow closer with them,” sophomore Anthony Gallardo said.
Chambers still remembers her FFA days when she was in high school, working on her public speaking skills that allowed her to grow into the teacher she is now and become an advisor for the Taylor High organization three years ago.
“Seeing all the kids come together and laugh and joke, and then learning stuff about FFA — it makes me happy. It makes me proud of them,” she said.
