On March 9, the Warren Hills Regional High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter, hosted its annual alumni line dancing fundraiser. Students, teachers, FFA Alumni, and community members came together at The Nook restaurant in Hackettstown to help support the chapter on their way to the state competition.
Each year, current FFA members raise money to cover the costs to go to states and nationals, including travel, lodging, dining and registration fees. That’s where FFA alumni play an important role, they sponsor students so everyone can participate! Their support helps ensure that every member has the chance to compete, learn and grow.
According to FFA, “FFA brings agricultural education to life by providing opportunities for members to develop their skills and gain valuable work experience sometimes through friendly competition. These four career development events (CDEs) showcase the creative programming offered by states and chapters nationwide.”
Leading up to the event FFA members worked hard to increase attendance, especially event co-chairs sophomore Kaylie Perticari and FFA President, junior Elizabeth Noreen. On March 5, the chapter hosted line dancing lessons after FFA’s Career Fair. Before the event started, FFA decorated The Nook’s event room with balloons and streamers with FFA’s signature colors: national blue and corn gold.
During the event Kaylie Perticari led step by step line dancing lessons to make sure everyone could dance even if they never had before! DJ David played a mix of country classics and newer country for line dancing, and beat DJ Dave’s record (155 people) for the most people line dancing while he DJ’s!
The massive turnout not only made a fun night for alumni and current members, but it ensured that the chapter would have the funds to go to state competition. “The event turned out even better than we expected we were absolutely thrilled with the amount of people who showed up, not only to support our chapter locally but statewide as well!” said President Elizabeth Noreen
With another successful fundraiser done, Warren Hills FFA members are looking forward to competing at states. Competitions like these give FFA members the opportunity to show their skills, knowledge and connect with other students with a passion for agriculture and FFA. State competitions open the door for students to compete at national level competitions, where they can win cash prizes, scholarship money, medals and plaques.
The chapter wants to thank the FFA Alumni, attendees, and volunteers who made the event possible. Their contributions not only help individual students, but also strengthen the chapter as a whole, allowing Warren Hills FFA to continue its traditions in agricultural education.