Agriculture is more than just planting and harvesting the fields or raising livestock. FFA is a part of Tyrone’s history that will continue to develop leaders from all walks of life.

To commemorate another year of achievements, the  Tyrone Area FFA Chapter will hold their annual Award Recognition Event at the high school cafeteria on April 5 starting at 7:00 PM. The community is welcome to attend and see how the chapter has grown over the years. More than $1500 in awards will be presented to local youth.

The history of FFA in the Tyrone area began in 1938 when the Warriors Mark-Franklin High School first established classes in vocational agriculture. That year a charter was also instituted for the Tyrone Area Chapter of the Future Farmers of America .

Twenty area men were the original members of the Tyrone Area FFA, at first called the Warriors Mark FFA. Those men included Robert Peterson, President; Jim Clark, Vice President; Alfred Behrer, Treasurer; George Rossman, Secretary/Reporter; Clair Baney; James Baney; Harey Carper; Steve Cushion; Bill Geist; Dick Gensimore; Walt Gensimore; Calvin Harris; Earl Jones; Dick Marshall; Joe Sills; Don Smith; John Stover; Ronald Taylor; Russel Taylor and John Wilson.

Today, there are 653,359 students that are representing the National FFA Organization through 8,568 local chapters across the US and its trust territories.

The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs.

FFA chapters are organized by an advisor and officer team who conducts business based on a program of activities they have developed. Programs of activity include goals for student, chapter, and community development. Members participate in career development events.

These events help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly and perform effectively in a competitive job market. There are 24 CDEs, covering job skills in everything from communications to mechanics. Some events allow students to compete as individuals, while others allow them to compete in teams.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Tiffany Hoy, FFA Advisor at [email protected] or 814-684-4240 ext. 3131.