Special to The Messenger
“Ignite, leadership, growth, success” is this year’s national FFA week theme and ignite is what the Goshen FFA chapter did recently with FFA day at Tractor Supply Company. On that day, shoppers were able to add $1 to their purchases to benefit the Goshen FFA.
In conjunction with TSC, an FFA sponsor and students from the Ag Academy in Goshen brought FFA awareness to the community when they greeted TSC patrons as they entered TSC.
Students made available information about FFA and the Ag Academy and answered questions as shoppers visited the store.
FFA is a national youth leadership organization that allows students in agriscience classes opportunities to practice leadership skills, explore agriculture opportunities, and develop their entrepreneurial ambitions.
Scholarships are awarded to students who want to further their education in agriculture and who show outstanding leadership qualities. Goshen’s FFA chapter has 60 members and is active in participating in area and state competitions.  Students are encouraged to be involved in community service activities as well as a personal project that will get them involved in the agricultural industry.
Some students have little or no experience on a farm, while others are heavily involved in farming.   No matter their situation, FFA strives to provide outlets for students who will one day be leaders in agriculture.
Students from Pike County’s Ag Academy provide the student leadership for the FFA chapter.
The Ag Academy, located at Goshen High School, is open to students from both Pike County and Troy City Schools.  Students apply for admission in their 10th grade year and those accepted spend the next two years in strenuous coursework in agriculture, science, and history.
The goal at the Academy is to prepare students to be effective contributors to society as they finish their high school careers and move on to college or work.