Three SVRCS students receive alumni jackets
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LOGANTON -- Three lucky Sugar Valley Rural Charter School students have recently received their FFA Alumni Jackets.
Lilly Jones, Kohana Yamashita and Marrin Clester, all in ninth grade, applied for and received their jackets at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Mid-Winter Convention.
The three students have all been active in 4H since they were around 8 or 9 years old; fostering a love for agriculture as they grew.
"We all get along really well and don't really have any problems socially. We all have the same fondness for agriculture," said Yamashita, who was elected to be Parliamentarian for their chapter during their awards banquet in April 2023.
Since 1933, the iconic blue jacket has unified members in a long-standing tradition and reminds them that they are part of something bigger than themselves, and is also often required to be worn as official dress in competition.
Typically, chances aren't great to receive a jacket in your first year -- there are often far more applicants than jackets.
This year, however, there was a record amount of jackets to be given out -- around 970.
Alumni and sponsors send money in -- an $85 donation provides a current FFA member with a jacket and tie/scarf.
In order to receive their jackets, new FFA members have to apply by sending in an application as well as an essay describing what the jackets mean to them, their interest in Agricultural Education and explain what goals they hope to achieve in the FFA.
Clester wrote that her jacket means her future.
"I plan on doing something in AG, it's a good opportunity to get me out there and see what I like and what I don't like," said Clester.
Yamashita explained that, to her, the jacket is a symbol of unity.
"(Especially) among people who have a love for agriculture and want to learn more about it," said Yamashita.
Jones wrote about how the jacket means possibilities.
"There's a lot of possibilities in agriculture and in family. FFA is just like a big family who always loves and supports each other," said Jones.
One of their FFA advisors, Chuck Bechdel, noted the promise these students have.
"These three are going to do a lot in the next couple of years. They've been involved during 7th and 8th grade and they all competed in the States Collide (Agronomy Contest) four times -- that's a national contest. Sometimes they had it twice a year. Kohana is already an officer, and I expect all three to be officers," said Bechdel.
According to Bechdel, when the students are dedicated to the FFA, they will let you know.
"They'll come to you and tell you, 'Hey, I want a jacket.' In certain contests you have to be in official dress, and also when you go to states. They're a great group. They're just taking right off with the contests. We're proud of them," said Bechdel.