Tioga FFA members at Duarte Nursery.
Every year, Tioga FFA puts on a poinsettia fundraiser for the Groveland, Calif., community to spread Christmas spirit and FFA cheer.
This fundraiser is a staple in the community that many look forward to. Not only does it put the community in a festive mood, but it’s also a way for Tioga’s small FFA chapter to inform their community about what FFA is, how it’s impacted the agriculture industry and what its purpose is.
Poinsettia in the Duarte Nursery.
This year, a handful of active Tioga FFA members traveled to Duarte Nursery in Hughson, Calif., to pick up more than 80 poinsettias to bring home to begin their sales. This trip is something Tioga FFA members look forward to each year because it’s educational.
During the visit each year, workers at Duarte Nursery give a short presentation about the history of their nursery and some background information about their greenhouses. Tioga FFA members typically find this trip inspiring and make an effort to bring the new information they learn back to their school and community.
Duarte Nursery poinsettias.
Once the poinsettias travel safely back to Tioga High School, the horticulture class typically cares for the plants until they are all sold. This is an opportunity for students to get a hands-on learning experience they can share with their fellow classmates, friends and families.
The pre-sale is the biggest part of this fundraiser, and this year, Tioga FFA oversold their poinsettias. Community members shared with Tioga FFA that they really enjoy this annual fundraiser because they love to support the program. Tioga FFA has made this fundraiser a memorable experience for all members of their school and community and will continue to do so every year.
