Nov. 17, 2023–The College Station High School FFA chapter was recognized as a three-star chapter at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis on Nov. 3. Out of nearly 1,200 FFA chapters from around the state, College Station was among 13 chapters to receive the award.
College Station High School FFA earned a 3-star National Chapter Award for their work in developing a variety of activities, including hosting 4 booths at the annual AgYouCate at the Brazos County Expo Center. Over 400 local second-grade students attended the event with their class. Each class moved from station to station as they learned from the high schoolers about the various pathways of agricultural education at CSHS.
“I am continually impressed by the dedication and leadership shown by our students,” said Erin Stutts, College Station High School FFA advisor. “The success our chapter has experienced has not only improved the quality of our FFA program but contributes to developing our students into well-rounded citizens.”
Six College Station High School FFA members developed a presentation on our local aquifer system because of a request submitted to the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District by a local company to pump 49,900 acre feet of water out of the Simsboro aquifer, the aquifer that provides water to our city. These FFA members attended public meetings, met with the business owner making the request, and developed a 15 minute presentation covering the benefits and drawbacks of approving the permit. They presented to seven local groups, including the City of College Station.
Chapters develop activities for chapter members to participate in that focus on leadership, community building and enhancing agricultural knowledge, awareness, and skills. Some of the activities included in College Station’s submission were:
- a presentation about a local aquifer presented at six public forums to more than 30 city leaders;
- a floral design class for life skills students to create flower arrangements for students to take home;
- a tour of College Station City Hall with city councilperson Elizabeth Cunha; and
- an event at the Brazos County Expo Center educating second-grade students through activities such as sausage making, floral design and a wildlife informational booth.
28 College Station High School FFA members toured the new College Station City Hall with City Councilperson Mrs. Elizabeth Cunha. Members explored the three floors of the new $39 million building and learned which city departments are housed there. FFA members sat in the council chambers while councilperson Cunha spoke to them about the importance of being engaged citizens.
Each chapter that competes for these awards receives a multi-year plaque and a spur designating their 3-star, 2-star or 1-star rating. Additional spurs are given each year chapters compete and receive a rating from the National FFA Organization. Chapters that receive a national 3-star chapter rating will be eligible to compete for the National Premier Chapter Awards and Models of Excellence.
Along with this year’s award, College Station achieved the three-star designation in 2022, 2021 and 2019.