Support local Whitcomb FFA members

A parents group was formed several years ago to support local Whitcomb FFA members at the Moorcroft High School. This informal gathering of supporters has been officially recognized by state and national FFA as the first Alumni chapter in Crook County. Welcome to the Whitcomb FFA Alumni and Supporters Group Chapter.

At the beginning of the 2017/2018 school year, high school agg teacher and FFA adviser Hugh Jenkins joined the group and they researched reaching the next step to better help the kids. "If we organized as a FFA Alumni chapter, that would open the door for the kids to be able to have more opportunities as far as scholarships and we would not have to do taxes because we'd fall under the FFA umbrella so we're a 501 C3 [a charitable organization]," said alumni president Cindy Mosteller.

The goal, Mosteller stated, is to ensure that every FFA member can develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. The local alumni plan to execute their goal by increasing participation among the group.

"Every member of an alumni affiliate – local, state or national level – brings different time, talents and treasures to the table."

The FFA currently count 109 members enrolled in Moorcroft High School and these kids depend on their community to fund chapter activities, scholarships, assist at FFA leadership classes and more.

Jenkins recently approached the school board for funds to build a barn south of the high school and the alumni is looking forward to assisting him with the process and the opportunities having a barn at the school will provide for the students. If the barn is approved by the town council and funded, reported Mosteller, "We have students who would be helping with the construction and using this opportunity as a learning experience."

She reported that 46 percent of the FFA membership resides in town or areas where kids are not allowed to raise live stock for fair projects. "Having a barn will help give them an opportunity to participate in doing so," she said.

Everyone is welcome to join, whether or not they have kids in the program, just fill out an application. The cost of doing so is free.

To officially welcome the Whitcomb FFA Alumni to the community, the newly formed organization is hosting an appreciation breakfast at the ag shop at the high school on February 16. Join the fun and check out what the group is planning and what they hope to achieve in the future for the youth of the community.

Call Mosteller with any questions at 307-391-1524.