FFA Chapter starts at Rend Lake College

INA, Ill. (Sept. 5, 2014) - The Future Farmers of America has taken root at Rend Lake College with the creation of the Collegiate FFA Chapter.

The chapter formed last week on the Rend Lake College campus for students interested in professional development opportunities to help them get an edge in today’s job market. The club will meet again at noon on Thursday, Sept. 11 in the Mark S. Kern Applied Science Center, Room 102.

Kathy Craig, RLC Agriculture Associate Professor and FFA Sponsor, said the club was formed because of student interest. At the club’s first meeting, she said there were approximately 30 students in attendance.

“I had several students who asked if we could do this, and I told them if they had enough interested to do it, I would be happy to form the chapter,” said Craig. “One student took an initiative to start the process of looking up what we needed to do and then began recruiting students to join. It’s a great club, because it will help our students jump start their careers. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education.”

Also at the first meeting, the 2014-15 FFA Officers were elected and installed, Craig said. They are Eli Liske (Okawville) as President, Tylor McGehee (Mt. Vernon) as Vice President, Wyatt Capps (Mt. Vernon) as Reporter, Kayla Mayberry (Norris City) as Secretary, Austin Hagene (Nashville) as Treasurer, Rachel Spotanski (Waltonville) as Sentinel, and Emily Marlow (Bluford) as Historian.

Already, the club is planning to participate at Fun Fest, a student-focused welcome event on Sept. 24, and Warrior Fest, a family-friendly day of activities and events on Oct. 18. They will also take part in contests throughout the year.

“We’re going to discuss what activities we’ll do during Fun Fest and Warrior Fest at our next meeting,” said Craig. “As for contests, the students will decide where to compete by looking at the schedule to see which ones we can make and what interests the majority.”

Students interested still have time to join the FFA Chapter. To do so, stop by the next meeting or contact Craig at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1066, or craigk@rlc.edu.