Shannon Miller, R. L. Turner High School Vocational Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the National Future Farmers of America Organization’s Grant for Growing program to be used for the high school’s FFA program. 

Miller will use the grant for a Farm Lab; specifically the construction of raised garden beds in the front pasture and covering feed cost for donated animals.   

This competitive nationwide program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, provides grant funds to local FFA chapters to support the development or improvement of agricultural education projects that enhance the classroom experiences for students. Funding is provided by consumers who purchase an FFA paper emblem at Tractor Supply Company stores during checkout. 

“This grant allows our students the ability to have hands-on experience with where their food comes from and the various methods used to help develop those products,” Miller said. “These funds will also assist in paying for our program to travel and give educational demonstrations to elementary and middle schools about the agriculture industry.”

Founded by a group of farmers in 1928, the National FFA Organization’s mission is to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. FFA provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education. According to their website, FFA members are future chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields. 

This is Miller’s 19th year as a dedicated teacher in CFBISD. 

“I manage the barns on Sandy Lake Road and assist my FFA members by guiding them in the care of their project animals, which are kept at the barn,” Miller said. “I also train leadership and career development teams for FFA contests and manage the new Veterinary Medicine Clinic at Turner.”

Congratulations, Ms. Miller and the R. L. Turner FFA program! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish with this grant!