Eastside FFA & Newton College and Career Academy FFA Named National Gold 3-Star FFA Chapters
The Eastside High School FFA and Newton College and Career Academy FFA chapters have been recognized as National Gold 3-Star FFA Chapters as part of the National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization. This is the top ranking an FFA Chapter can receive. In fact, only one percent of chapters nationwide attain this recognition.
The program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters from throughout the country that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.
Eastside FFA and Newton College and Career Academy FFA were recognized at the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo, November 3, 2023. All star-rated FFA chapters receive honors made possible by corporate sponsor John Deere. Eastside FFA is led by advisors Dr. Catrina Pollard and Ms. Sarah Beth Hammond. Newton College and Career Academy FFA is led by advisors Dr. Cecily Gunter, Mr. Andrew Pollard, and Dr. Marcus Pollard.
“Receiving the National Gold 3-Star Chapter recognition at the 96th National FFA Convention is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our FFA members. It symbolizes the exceptional commitment to excellence that our chapters embody.”, said Dr. Cecily Gunter, FFA advisor at Newton College and Career Academy’ “We are immensely proud of our students for their relentless pursuit to always be their best and represent the values that FFA stands for. This achievement is not just a recognition of our chapters’ success, but a celebration of the bright future our young agricultural leaders are building for themselves and their communities.”
"Congratulations to both the Eastside High School FFA and Newton College and Career Academy FFA for achieving the prestigious National Gold 3-Star Chapter recognition,” said Newton County Board of Education Chair, Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker. “This accomplishment reflects the exceptional dedication and leadership fostered within our FFA programs. Our students and teachers have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, and we take immense pride in their achievements. This recognition not only honors their hard work but also highlights the outstanding agricultural instruction in Newton County, showcasing the bright future ahead for our students and the agricultural community."
"The recognition of Eastside FFA and Newton College and Career Academy FFA as National Gold 3-Star FFA Chapters is a testament to the high quality of agricultural education in our county,” added Mrs. Abigail Coggin, Vice Chair of the Newton County Board of Education. “The commitment to growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture shines through in the achievements of our FFA members. This accomplishment not only highlights the importance of agricultural education but also reflects the collaborative efforts of our community in nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders."
The National FFA Organization is the largest school-based national youth leadership development organization with more than 50,000 student members as part of 8,995 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.