The year 2020 will not long be forgotten. For many, many reasons, but the most treasured reason we will forever remember this year is the class of 2020. While many of us had to change up how we went grocery shopping, how to proceed with work, and how we showed love and affection toward each other, the class of 2020 lost many of their lasts — last time to close their locker, last time to attend a ballgame sitting in the student section, last time to hang out in the ag classroom, etc. etc. However, many school districts are still trying to celebrate graduation and prom for these students.
In an effort to get the most out of their graduation ceremony, many students chose to get creative with their graduation caps and express the things they are most thankful for. Many decided to dedicate their cap to the love and family they found in the National FFA Organization.
However, the students are not the only ones celebrating. The National FFA Organization just announced that is has expanded upon the FFA Forever Blue Network. This is a professional and personal development platform that allows former FFA members and supporters of FFA to find ways to volunteer, serve as a mentor, post-career opportunities, and much more.
Now, the network is celebrating the newest FFA alumni members — the class of 2020, through the Grad2020 group. This group was designed to recognize this year’s high school and college seniors by sharing messages of support and providing a space for seniors to share their favorite memories of FFA.
Members of the Forever Blue Network can participate in this group and celebrate those graduating in 2020. This year’s graduates can post their senior pictures, pictures with their blue and gold, favorite FFA experiences, favorite FFA friends, favorite memories, and more. This is a great opportunity for students who wanted to connect with each other, talk about their similar experiences, and display their passion and creativity skills.
For example, students are able to combine multiple passions into one cap. For this particular cap, Amanda Rose Wilcox talked about her son’s experience. “The 76 part is the logo for the fire station he is an explorer at. As you can see by the red line, he wants to be a fire fighter. FFA helped ‘shape’ him that’s why it’s the emblem shape. He is a 4th generation FFA member.”
“We’re excited to celebrate our members who have graduated this year,” said Joshua Rusk, executive director of National FFA Alumni & Supporters. “Forever Blue Network allows our future leaders to connect with our current leaders within the agricultural industry and beyond and, through the Grad2020 group, we are able to celebrate our graduates while acknowledging their success.”
While this won’t make up for missing out on many of their last moments, students are still able to get an unique experience of their own. The National FFA Organization and the school districts and are trying new things to show their appreciation towards the students and their families.
