Tyrone FFA member Garin Hoy was recently interviewed by RFD-TV about the Tyrone High School FFA chapter. RFD-TV is the nation’s first 24-hour television network featuring programming focused on agriculture, equine and rural lifestyle, along with country music and entertainment.

Eagle Eye: Why were you interviewed?

Garin Hoy: “The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization.

These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality Chapter Standards (NQCS) and a Program of Activities (POA) that emphasize growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.

Our chapter was chosen as one of the top 10 in the nation for the National Chapter Award in “Building Our Community” POA area. RFD-TV requested an interview.”

EE: What types of questions were you asked?

GH: “The first item they wanted me to discuss was our Emergency Go Kits.  This idea came about when our school went into lock down due to a bomb threat, students and staff were hostages for 2 and 1/2 hours within the same room. During this time students grew restless because they had nothing to entertain them and many needed to relieve themselves. The chapter wanted to take action to create “Go Kits” in case of emergencies or lock downs.

Members made a great impact on the school district, who had been trying to determine the best way to provide emergency supplies in case of a lock down or crises. The 55 kits were distributed throughout the school campus; which houses approximately 1900 students (infants thru high school). The members also researched and created an information flyer to help guide the community through the emergency shelter plans here at the campus. Members will continue to work with this project and add more kits.

They then asked me about our chapter’s Environmental Excitement Day which educated youth about the importance of our environment and its impact on our lives is important for our program.

The Ag Literacy committee wanted to take Environmental Excitement Day and move beyond just the environment, but about Agriculture in our everyday lives. By adding these four educational stations taught by Ag students, we are building bridges to inspire children to be engaged and not passive in their environment, school, and home in regards to Ag.

The interview concluded with my opinion of the greatest lesson I have learned in FFA.  I believe the leadership skills I have again and continue to develop are the most important.  From gaining confidence in public speaking, to learning to plan, conduct and evaluate events, and finally to gain an understanding that we as youth can truly make a positive impact on our community are all part of my leadership development.

The other part I shared was about our chapter and how we are a family.  Our chapter has been faced with a lot over the past few years (good and bad), but we stand with each other and believe everyone has a value and talent to offer to our chapter.”

EE: What was it like to represent your chapter in a national interview?

GH: “I will admit I was nervous, since we were not given a list of potential questions.  It is an honor and a privilege to do the interview and to represent the Tyrone Area FFA Chapter.  I hope community and high school understand we are more than cows, plows and sows, but a youth group who accepts everyone into our FFAmily and find great pride in serving others.”