Considered a “home away from home” for some, the Salem FFA chapter has a knack for cracking open the shells of students and widening their horizons, giving them the confidence to open up and take charge. Students both past and present echo these sentiments and credit the teachers, advisors, and even other students at Salem with helping them be more outgoing and creating lifelong connections. They all work together like one big family for good causes. Serving students and staff at the FFA Breakfast, participating in the Adopt-A-Family program during the holidays, and various fundraisers throughout the year among other activities, they do it all. On top of preparing and competing in agriculture and leadership competitions! The lessons students at Salem take away from their time in FFA not only help them learn more about agriculture and community service but push them to become leaders and active citizens in all aspects of life. They wear their blue corduroy jackets with pride.

 

RJ chats with Marty Raybon of the band Shenandoah before the show in Marion.

 
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The Cisne FFA chapter, lead by advisor Mrs. Jennifer Timm. Her name came up time and time again in our nominations, pointing out her leadership and influence on many Cisne graduates over the years. She always pushes her students to step outside their comfort zone and reach for the stars. Despite being a smaller school, the Cisne FFA chapter pushes forward and is consistently winning awards and contests at the section, district, and state levels. Not to mention over half of the entire school is involved in FFA! Community involvement is an important aspect, of which there is no shortage in Cisne. Everything from bailing hay for local farmers in the summer, participating in Wreaths Across America, to small acts of kindness like community yard cleanup days, the Cisne FFA chapter dedicates their time to their hometown community. Great work and congratulations for reaching the Top-4!

 
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Justin Moore came to the Cord McCoy PRCA Rodeo in Du Quoin March 2023.  RJ had a chat with him.

 
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