Strother FFA members from Seminole, Okla., anxiously waited in their seats during the sixth session of the 2023 Oklahoma State FFA Convention & Expo. A 2022 four-door Ford Super Duty truck was up for grabs, the prize of an annual giveaway that started in 2002 as a special project between the Oklahoma FFA Foundation and Oklahoma Ford dealers.
When the announcer called their chapter’s name as the winner, Strother FFA President Jessica Sneed and her fellow members rushed to the stage.
“I think we were nervous and excited at the same time, hoping it was going to be us,” she says.
From the beginning of the Built Ford Tough Giveaway, Oklahoma Ford dealers have requested the donated truck be used “as an incentive to recognize excellence at the local chapter level,” says Trevor Lucas, Oklahoma FFA Association executive secretary.
To be eligible for the random drawing, chapters must have their National Chapter Award application approved at the state level. In 2022, Strother FFA was among 33 Oklahoma chapters honored nationally as top-rated, 3-star chapters.
Randy Bean, Strother FFA advisor, says the new truck came at the perfect time — their old one was sitting in the mechanic shop. This year, his chapter used the truck to haul livestock and welding projects, as well as drive members to competitions.
“It was definitely a night to remember,” says Cheyenne Range, Strother FFA vice president.
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