Forest Hills FFA helps students grow through agriculture, leadership and opportunity

When Gema Garcia Melendez first became involved in FFA, she did not expect the experience to change the way she saw herself.

Through Forest Hills’ AgTech program and FFA chapter, students explore agricultural education, develop leadership abilities and gain hands-on opportunities that connect classroom learning to future careers. For Gema, a rising senior, FFA has helped her build confidence and become more comfortable stepping outside her comfort zone.

“FFA for me is truly another family,” Gema said. “It is not just some club. It’s an organization that helped me get the best out of myself.”

Gema said FFA has challenged her to focus on personal growth, not just the outcome of a competition.

“Competing doesn’t always mean to just compete and just focus on winning,” she said. “It showed me how to be a leader and it has helped me a lot in improving my public speaking skills.”

Those lessons were put into action throughout the summer as Forest Hills FFA members took part in competitions, leadership activities and opportunities to explore agriculture.

The chapter’s summer began at the 97th North Carolina FFA State Convention in Raleigh, June 23-25, where students competed against FFA chapters from across the state. Forest Hills earned second-place finishes in both the Agricultural Mechanics and Agricultural Tools and Materials Career Development Events.

The convention also marked an important milestone for graduate Kaitlyn Grissom, who participated in the Agriculture Education Signing Ceremony and officially committed to North Carolina State University’s agriculture education program.

After completing a year at South Piedmont Community College, Kaitlyn will enter NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as a sophomore. She hopes to become an agriculture teacher and eventually return to Union County to share her passion for agriculture with future students.

“FFA is important to me because it taught me more about myself and showed me what I am truly passionate about,” Kaitlyn said. “Leading, teaching and supporting others is such a powerful skill that you carry with you for the rest of your life.”

The convention also brought recognition for graduate Joseph Baumer, who earned the highest individual score in the Agricultural Mechanics competition.

For Joseph, the experience was about more than the final placement.

“Competing at the state level has always been a highlight for me, not only because of the chance to show my skills but also the experience of traveling with my friends,” he said.

Forest Hills FFA also celebrated graduate Macey Courtney, a former AgTech ambassador, who earned the American FFA Degree, the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization. During her senior year at Forest Hills, Macey earned the North Carolina FFA State Degree before completing the requirements for the American FFA Degree after graduation. She is the first Forest Hills student in several years to receive the honor and will officially be recognized during the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis this October.

The chapter’s summer continued with 18 Forest Hills FFA members attending the North Carolina FFA Recreational Camping Program at White Lake July 6-10. Students participated in competitions, activities and leadership events with FFA members from across the state.

For rising senior Audrey Glass, the week was one of the highlights of the summer because of the connections she made with her chapter.

“My favorite part of the summer was getting to travel with my chapter to White Lake and getting to spend time with some of my favorite people while enjoying activities like the talent show, swimming in the lake and competing in activities against other chapters,” Audrey said.

Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Jonathan Deese said the most meaningful part of these opportunities is seeing students develop personally.

“As an agriculture educator, I am most proud of the relationships that these summer activities allow us to build with our students,” Deese said. “Having the opportunity to engage with students around the clock at these events allows us to connect with them on a much deeper level than a regular classroom teacher.”

Deese said career development events allow students to apply their knowledge while developing skills connected to careers in agriculture.

“Students who participate in these contests are learning and demonstrating essential skills that directly correlate with careers throughout the agriculture industry,” Deese said.

For Forest Hills FFA students, the summer’s accomplishments represent more than awards and recognition. They reflect a program where students grow as individuals, develop career-ready skills and discover opportunities to pursue their passions in agriculture.