HHS chapter forms FFA alumni association
First off, let's get one thing clear: You don't have to be a former FFA member to join.
But many have, including local parents, FFA supporters, and business people. They're all a part of the 39-member Hillsboro FFA Alumni Association, which came into existence nearly one month ago.
The organization held its charter meeting on Nov. 19 at Hillsboro High School.
The idea for an alumni association has been floating around for awhile, said Tim Kilgore, ag teacher and FFA sponsor at the high school. But it wasn't until this fall that it became a reality.
To have the organization recognized at a state and national level, the group needed at least 10 charter members to get started, Kilgore said. So Nov. 19 was set as the informational meeting for anyone to attend.
Around 50 to 60 people came that night, Kilgore said. Melanie Mainquist, a former state FFA officer, was the guest speaker, and she talked about the benefits of forming an alumni association.
When the night's activities were over, 39 people had joined to form the first Hillsboro FFA Alumni Association. That number is pretty close to the total number of students currently involved in FFA, Kilgore said.
Before evening ended, a formal meeting was held, which elected four officers. Kevin Suderman was elected president, Jerel Pankratz was elected vice president, Marlin Bartel was named secretary, and Nicole Suderman treasurer.
Kevin Suderman was a member of the HHS FFA chapter before he graduated in 1992.
During the past several months, Suderman had been discussing a possible alumni association with some friends who are ag teachers. They benefited from a similar organization, Suderman said.
Suderman hopes that the new group can be a positive force for the current FFA, supporting them in leadership activities and fundraising efforts if needed.
The group also wants to promote agriculture education in schools, he said.
Both men stressed that the alumni association is open to anyone, whether they're a former FFA member or just an interested supporter. Just like the first meeting's program reads, "You didn't have to wear the 'blue jacket' to join the FFA Alumni Association."
Meetings will probably be held three or four times a year, Kilgore said. Right now, all the guidelines haven't been laid out, since the organization is still in the beginning stages.
Kilgore hopes that the group will continue to grow.
"I could forsee it being twice as big," he said.
For more information about the FFA Alumni Association, contact Kevin Suderman, Tim Kilgore, or any of the other officers.
