Tucked away in Louisiana, you will find the small town of Elton. In that town is a hard working FFA chapter that is setting the way for the future of agriculture. With a FFA chapter that includes 73 members, and growing, the Elton FFA Chapter does all they can to help out their rural community.
Lana Myers, the Elton FFA advisor for the past 13 years, is very proud of her students and their dedication to remain active in the community while also working hard on their Career and Leadership Development Events.
Myers said, “Over 90 percent of our members compete in a Career Development Event or Leadership Development Event above the local level. Also, over the last few years, Elton has had at least 8 state degree recipients each year, which is a wonderful accomplishment for such a small chapter.”
Students realize the support of their community is what makes their chapter so successful, so they do all they can to give back. Myers said, “Through numerous community service projects, we involve the community. For the majority of the year, on a monthly basis members work the Coushatta Tribe’s Farmers Market, by assisting vendors and customers with their food and craft booths. This is a project that we have been a part of for many years.”
In addition to the farmers market, the Elton FFA chapter participates in many more community events. Myers said, “Our largest agriculture activity is our annual Community Day. Not only do we host a 5K run to promote physical fitness, but members also have agricultural games and activities to teach the younger generation what agriculture is all about.”
Students have so many opportunities made possible through the chapter and the community. Members are encouraged to serve on various committees for Elton’s Program of Activities. The Elton chapter has set up a star reward program. This program gives every member a star for participating in the chapter’s activities. The top 25 members with the most stars attend the end of the year field trip to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!
In addition to the community involvement, the Elton FFA alumni help shape the experiences of current members. Myers said, “Alumni members are instrumental in preparing members for Career Development Events and Leadership Development Events. Also, members who have served as former state and area officers serve as trainers for current students who are now running for these positions.”
With all the hard work the students have put in with the community and their LDE’s, students have left their mark on the FFA community. Not only has the Elton chapter been successful in helping their community, but also in their accomplishments in the classroom.
Elton FFA was the inaugural winner of the Louisiana FFA Conduct of Chapter Meetings LDE and the National Champion winner of Conduct of Chapter Meetings at National FFA Convention in 2018. Myers said, “This team was also awarded the Top Test Score along with team member, Kaiden LeJeune, receiving the Outstanding Member Award. Remaining members of the team include Lainie Deshotel, Endeya Boling, Caitlin Coleman, Kaleb Lemoine, Landon Fontenot, and Parker Kelley. This accomplishment was a testament to the many long hours and practices that this team put in.”
There are a few ways to describe the Elton chapter, but their advisor said it best. “Elton FFA members are all about their school, chapter, and community. Officers and members are always looking for ways to improve all three of these areas. With the support of a wonderful community, administration, and school faculty, our chapter is looking forward to many more successes in the coming years,” Myers said.
