Chapter highlights: Dora ffa
If there was a common thread between all New Mexicans, it would probably be the love for green chile. This past year, members from the Dora FFA Chapter capitalized on this popularity through their annual Green Chile Sale. Just like any other fundraiser, Dora had to market their product—only this time with a spicy twist. Chapter Sentinel Blair Hamilton and Reporter Rilee Belcher took to the local radio to advertise their green chiles. “If you want people to buy your product, you have to put it out there for the world to see,” says Blair.
However, green chiles aren’t the only thing being advertised at the Dora FFA Chapter. Last November, the chapter put on the FFA Futures Fair, where 4th, 5th, and 6th graders had the opportunity to learn about all parts of the organization through lessons put on by older members. “They taught them about different LDE contests, about our chapter and chapter banquet, about traveling and competing, and even a few of our FFA CDE competitions including Entomology, Horticulture, Forestry, and Meats,” says the chapter. Chapter Sentinel Blair explains that it is a good way to “keep a record of kids who are interested in FFA.” With a smaller program than most chapters, Dora FFA knows how important it is to entice future members with the prospect of ag classes. The future of the organization and the agriculture industry depends on the next generation to be involved.
Speaking of involvement, Dora invited kids from across the school to compete in Ag Olympics, hosted by the chapter during FFA Week. Games included horse racing, cow milking racing, wheelbarrow racing, and the egg toss. “Ag Olympics is a great way to get kids outside of the organization involved in hands-on activities that still teach something about agriculture,” says Chapter President Ashton Davis. “Opening our chapter to the rest of the community is the best way to increase participation in future years,” he remarks.
It’s evident that Dora FFA prioritizes engagement with the community outside of the organization. But what are some achievements Dora’s active members have made. For starters, Dora had an extremely successful time at the State Career Development Events last month, walking stage with 7 teams. The Milk Quality and Entomology teams placed 1st. The Forestry, Horticulture, and FBM teams placed 2nd. And lastly, the Wool and Meats Evaluation teams place 5th. Most schools are happy to place top 5 in one contest. Placing top 5 in 7 contests demonstrates another level of dedication. Dora FFA remained steadfast in their pursuit of success by eyeing the goal at the end of the road. “There’s this big climax at the end. This is state. This is a big deal,” says advisor Mr. Daugherty.
While their accomplishments have been attributed to the countless hours of work that went into each pursuit, the members make sure to give the people that make it all possible a special thanks. Each year, Dora puts on a Teacher Appreciation Breakfast. “The breakfast is for our schoolteachers to show how much we appreciate them and all that they do,” the Chapter says. Members get up arrive to school early sporting their Dora FFA t-shirt and start cooking pancakes, bacon, and eggs for teachers to enjoy. Much of the success in FFA is dependent on what happens outside of the ag classroom. Whether it’s being flexible with homework or letting a classroom be used for a contest, the Dora FFA staff plays a pivotal role in fostering an accomplished program.
There's no doubt that the Dora FFA Chapter has had a year full of success. This success has been possible through the commitment of members, advisors, and the support from teachers and the community. The chapter will always be defined by their hard work and resilient character. Chosen by the chapter officers, the word “driven” is the perfect fit to describe Dora FFA.