CAMBRIDGE FFA PROGRAM MAKING PROGRESS;
STUDENTS AND ADVISOR EXCITED FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES
By: Carter Wilkins
CAMBRIDGE- In the 1990s, the agriculture programs were cut at Cambridge Central School due to budget cuts amid declining enrollment. In the decades following, the district heard time and time again from community members and students alike that they wanted it to return, especially in more recent years.
Recent Work
In 2019, current Board Vice President Jessica Ziehm was elected to the Board, running on a platform to bring the agriculture and FFA programs back to the district. A few years prior, the Strategic Planning team of the time also discussed this project, which was brought back into discussion when the team regrouped. Simultaneously, calls to restore it from the public continued. In 2020, the district faced many issues that delayed the planning, most namely the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coming out of the pandemic, the desire for an agriculture program returned, especially since many students were leaving the district to spend time in others for their programs, such as Greenwich, whose agriculture program was already strong and growing at this point while Cambridge had nothing. In particular, the June 2022 Board meeting saw several community members and beyond speak on the issue. Then student, Allison McLenithan, spoke on the opportunities the program could bring, and that it was more than a place for “farm kids” to hang out. She talked about how FFA can improve communication and leadership skills, and teach students more about the jobs they could have in agriculture following graduation.
Shortly after, the district announced agriculture classes being offered, as well as the appointment of Brooklin Drake, the enthusiastic agriculture teacher. Drake herself was involved in agriculture and FFA throughout her entire life, and she holds a Bachelor’s in agricultural science and a minor in agricultural education. In an interview with The Eagle last year, she was enthusiastic to begin, and the program has made much progress since then.
FFA Program
One of the programs that often coincides with an agriculture program is Future Farmers of America (FFA), which aims to support students in their plans for a career in agriculture and leadership. A chapter at Cambridge began this year with Drake’s arrival, and those involved have put a lot of work into growing it.
The FFA chapter is advised by Drake, and it currently has over 35 members. The officers for this year include the following: Kennedy McLenithan as the President; Coral Boehlke as the Vice President; Preston Peabody as the Treasurer; Isabelle LeBarron as the Secretary; Carter Hamilton as the Reporter (Hamilton worked with The Eagle in addition to Drake to collect information for this article); and Danyelle Trinkle as the Sentinel. The officers and members were eager to discuss their plans and outlook on the program.
“My short term goals I have for this organization go on and on,” said McLenithan. “I really hope to make a positive difference in each and every one of their lives (members). I want to help them take their next step into a career. I hope they can see the impact FFA can have on you and how wonderful the program is, and I hope they can value that forever." She also hopes to use her role to shape the organization before she graduates this year. Other officers spoke about how it feels to take on the revitalized program.
“I feel very grateful that I am part of the first officer team, and I am very happy to be part of such an amazing team,” said Isabella LeBarron. “I can talk to more people and expand their knowledge of FFA and show them how fun and exciting the organization can actually be.” Boehlke picked up on that thought as well and said, “I feel great about being involved with something that has opened so many doors to different opportunities I never thought I would have.” Kendra LeBarron spoke on the opportunities she has and said, “FFA helps develop my communication skills and leadership opportunities. It helps give me a perspective on what I can do to become a better leader and a better person.” Drake continued the discussion by providing an overview of what the program has done so far and will do in the future.
Interim Superintendent Ken Facin also expressed excitement for the program. He said that the return of the program has been “wonderful.” He also said that the number of members is outstanding, and that Drake’s
leadership had brought several new opportunities to the students, and that the district is “very excited” to see how the program proceeds.
At the time of the conversion, Drake said the students would soon be participating in the SLE Leadership Conference in Albany, which she said is for “prestigious members.” Students will have the opportunity to learn about the legislative process, and to talk to legislators about agriculture. She said the students have been working very hard to prepare, and that 16 members will be doing so. She called that “huge” for a new chapter.
In addition, within the last week, Cambridge FFA participated in their first Leadership Development Event/competition. According to a social media post by their page, the day was “extremely successful” and Drake said that she “could not be prouder” of the students who participated for their preparation and scoring.
Six of the 16 members who attended will move to the Sub-State competition in Windsor, NY. The students and their rankings as the last events are: Franklin Ziehm, who placed 3 out of 22; Jillian Robinson, who placed 1 out of 18; Carter Hamilton, who placed 3 out of 11; Peyton Drew, who placed 6 out of 13; Kennedy McLenithan, who placed 4 out of 13; and Coral Boehlke, who placed 1 out of 17. This competition will take place on March 16.
Between now and August, the students will participate in a convention in Buffalo, helping to organize the Agstravaganza, and planning fundraisers to help with the club. The program is hard at work building itself up after decades without one, and Drake invited the public to follow their Facebook page to stay up to date on their progress.