FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov 12 2021 
Contact: JoDonn Chaney, (573) 526-0949

 

 

Ashcroft Visits National Champion Paris FFA 

Jefferson City, Mo. — Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft congratulated the Paris Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter, this morning during a visit to Paris High School. The chapter was awarded the 2021 Model of Excellence during the National FFA convention last month in Indianapolis.

Paris FFA beat out nine finalists for the award, “because of their efforts toward the areas of growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture,” according to the National FFA organization. Community outreach included, providing smoke detectors to homes in Paris and purchasing locally grown food for meal box donations.

“Agricultural education provides such a strong foundation for our youth in Missouri,” said Ashcroft. “These young adults are a shining example of the positive impact FFA has in our communities. We all should be extremely proud of what this group has accomplished.” 

Ashcroft presented the chapter with a proclamation Friday, November 12, recognizing the feat, “Whereas, FFA members, advisors, school administrators, and staff of Paris High School are to be commended for their dedication to developing, not only an outstanding FFA program but, as well, the leaders of tomorrow in our state and the nation.”

“Agriculture is such an important part of life in Missouri,” Ashcroft added. “It’s the backbone of our state and it exemplifies qualities such as hard work, determination and innovation.”

The FFA has over 735,000 members nationwide between the ages of 12-21 across 8,817 chapters. Missouri has over 25,000 members. Learn more about FFA on their website: FFA.org.

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Visit www.sos.mo.gov to learn more about the Office of the Missouri Secretary of State.