Principal Thole plays a big part in ensuring the Princeville FFA Chapter in Illinois can accomplish its goals.
Because of the immense effort required to run an FFA chapter, advisors and student leadership cannot do all of the heavy lifting on their own. Without the support of the community, alumni members and school administrators, a chapter cannot thrive.
Principal Thole plays a big part in ensuring the Princeville FFA Chapter in Illinois can accomplish its goals of developing the future of agriculture and instilling its members with the leadership skills necessary for their futures.
For example, he recognized Princeville FFA member Rylie Walsh for her acceptance of a $5,000 grant from the National FFA. Thole attends and helps judge numerous FFA events, serves as a public advocate of agriculture in schools and participates in many other activities.
Thole also believes agriculture in schools is necessary for the future of all students. “Our nation’s strongest asset is our agriculture,” he says. “Across the globe, it’s cutting edge, it’s leading the way … We almost have a requirement to make sure this is a focus in schools.”
In an interview, he also said administrators should support FFA in schools because of the immense benefits it brings. “The FFA mission and goals should kind of mirror the mission and goals of most schools — making a positive difference in the lives of our students,” he adds.
Thole also said his time in FFA helped him become a better leader. “I served as our local chapter’s vice president for two years,” he adds. “That experience helped build my confidence … FFA taught me that with passion and hard work, real results follow.”
Thole believes administrators across the country should get involved in FFA and can simply start by “getting into one of the FFA meetings, talking with the chapter sponsor and the student leadership … find out what it’s all about.”
Mr. Blunier, the chapter advisor, also said administrative support is crucial for the FFA chapter to flourish and is thankful for Thole’s support. “It helps the community see the importance,” he adds.
Blunier also emphasized that without administrative support, the chapter would not be able to do as many activities to support and educate its students. “With their support, we’re able to travel and participate more, and the students are able to have more experiences and learn more,” he adds.
Overall, Thole’s support has not only helped the Princeville FFA Chapter succeed, but is actively helping students flourish every day.
