Welcome to the excitement of May. While some may be counting down the days left in the school year, ag teachers are in the middle of recognizing students for their accomplishments. Many of you are returning from your state conventions in time to conduct your parent/member banquet. At the same time, you are preparing for graduation and helping students transition to the next chapters in their journeys. Please encourage your students to stay connected and engage as alumni members. Best wishes on finishing the year strong.
The focus of this month’s value statement verb is CULTIVATE. I vividly recall the encouragement my supervising teacher, Mr. BH Claxton, provided me as a young professional. “As you develop your program, keep a hoe in one hand.” His analogy offers an excellent glimpse into the reality of developing an inclusive agricultural education program and FFA. He further stated that weeds would pop up as our crops began to grow. Use the hoe to keep out any competing forces that could stunt the growth of our programs. He further clarified, “The hoe could bring forth more soil around the base of the plant to promote strong root development and sturdy base of holding up the plant.”
Mr. Claxton’s advice has been and is still today solid in thinking. In terms of the “hoe and weeds” analogy, he knew the basics of ensuring students were respected, embraced, and welcomed. Daily, we can be discerning, observant, and reflective of forces that may be altering our path to an environment that welcomes and engages FFA members. Our leadership in these situations is critical to creating an environment that allows us to attract students into our programs. As a result of our leadership in this area, more students will find value through FFA.
Additionally, students who enter our doors will have various needs, maturity levels and aspirations. Some students may need to develop and deepen their belief systems. Other students may need more of a foundation built around them to provide support and the basics of physical and emotional support. In either case, let’s use our cultivating skills to enhance their growth and the value they will bring to the community around them. Our intentionality in cultivating support for students will establish the basis for their success.
Thank you for all you do! I sincerely appreciate the positive difference you make in the lives of young people.
Here by the Owl,
James
Dr. James Woodard
National FFA Advisor
