The SD FFA Email Newsletter highlights special projects of the SD FFA and SD FFA Foundation. Please forward this newsletter to others you know who are involved and interested in FFA and agriculture education. Thank you for your support of the FFA in South Dakota!
 Director's Message:
December is time to gather with family and friends, reflect on what we are thankful for, and express our gratitude. I am thankful for the many growing experiences and special people FFA has provided for me over the years. Happy Holidays everyone!
Gerri Ann Eide, Executive Director, SD FFA Foundation, Inc. |
Making members feel like they belong ...
During the holidays, we all want to be home, or someplace we feel safe and like we belong. The SD FFA gives many young people that safe haven, or "home" at school. Members can be themselves, try new things and grow to their full potential without ridicule from others. The SD FFA Foundation believes in SD youth and works to create positive learning experiences in a safe environment. That's why we support awards, events, activities, and scholarships for agriculture programs and FFA members.
Brittany Austin, Centerville FFA member says "I was honored to be chosen to receive my own FFA jacket through the SD FFA Foundation Blue Jackets Bright Futures program. I believe having my own personalized jacket is very important. It helps me feel like a true part of my FFA chapter. Thanks to all sponsors, especially those of the BLUE JACKETS!"
EVERY donation, big or small, individual or corporate, is valued by the SD FFA Foundation and helps members know they belong to something great.
You make a difference – thank you!
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Upcoming events:
January 16-17 - District Officer Training, Pierre
January 17 - FFA Legislative Breakfast and Foundation meeting, Pierre
January 28 - SD FFA Executive Committee meeting, Pierre
February 4 - FFA Night with the Stampede @ 7:05pm
February 14 - Proficiency and National Chapter Judging, Brookings - JUDGES NEEDED!
February 25 - SDSU Corduroy Classic Basketball game @ 5:00pm, Brookings
March 2 - Redfield CDE
March 6 - DeSmet CDE
March 9 - State Officer & Ambassador Applications DUE
March 12 - Tri-Valley CDE
March 19 - Flandreau CDE
March 20 - Last day to add members
March 29 - Lennox CDE
April 15-17 - State Convention |
 State Leadership CDE’s
Congratulations to the 478 students from 54 chapters who participated Dec. 4-5th in Pierre. Click here to check out the winners. The SD FFA Foundation, through specific sponsors and the general fund, provided the banquet meal for student participants in eleven events, the awards for the top individuals and teams, and travel scholarships for those that advance to nationals next October. The sponsors and volunteers who help make this event happen are truly appreciated. |
Sharing the FFA Story with policy makers
Remember being nervous and tongue tied the 1st time you talked to a state legislator, the governor, or a Congressman? For some of us, that was an experience FFA provided and coached us through at the FFA Legislative Breakfast. District FFA officers will be hosting the SD FFA Legislature for Breakfast January 17, sharing key messages about agriculture education and FFA and learning about the issues facing SD this year ... another example of how FFA "BELIEVES" students do the best job of selling the benefits of our program. About 50% of the legislature attends annually – please encourage your representatives to attend and learn about agriculture education. In addition to the breakfast, district officers will receive a capitol tour, and leadership and key message training. Thank you to our continued and new sponsors who see the value of this important event. |
 1st State FFA Alumni Event
The first SD FFA Alumni event was held Dec. 4th in conjunction with the FFA State Leadership Career Development Events. Alumni and friends shared memories, learned what is new with the SD FFA, discussed ways to assist chapters, and met students from the new Fort Pierre FFA program.
Thanks to the SD FFA Star Partners - RDO Equipment and Farm Credit Services of America, for making this event possible, as a special project of the SD FFA Foundation.
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 Featured Fundraisers:
Remember the SD FFA Foundation!
During this season of giving, please consider making a year-end tax-deductible gift to support SD FFA members.
Your gift, no matter the amount, makes a huge difference to SD Agriculture Food, Fiber and Natural Resources programs and FFA member success. Click Here to make an online holiday gift to FFA or mail a donation to: SD FFA Foundation, 39393 133rd St., Bath, SD 57427
Shop AVON and support the SD FFA Foundation
 Just a few days left to benefit the SD FFA Foundation with your Christmas shopping! Buy jewelry, beauty, or bath & body products and the SD FFA Foundation makes 25-50%! Click here, chose “online events” across the top of the page, and then SDFFA2011. Avon is donating the proceeds from purchases made before December 16th to the SD FFA Foundation. With a $30 order you get free shipping directly to your home in time for Christmas. |
