By Kevin Shannahan

Lakeview High School’s Future Farmers of America Chapter held a fundraiser Saturday, May 13 at Tractor Supply in Natchitoches. They were selling hanging flower baskets that were grown in the school’s greenhouse by the FFA members in order to raise funds for their trip to the FFA state convention in Baton Rouge.

Lakeview’s FFA chapter is 80 strong and has posted an enviable record of success. In March’s Spring Judging Career Development Events held at LSU, Lakeview’s FFA members competed against hundreds of FFA members from throughout Louisiana. The Gators placed 1st in Nursery & Landscape, 2nd in Electricity and 3rd in Dairy Foods.

In addition to the 100 flower baskets, the FFA grew 3,500 tomato plants, 300 pepper plants and 200 squash plants, all sold locally.

The Future Farmers of America has had a chapter at Lakeview since the school’s founding. While charged with promoting Agriculture Education, the FFA is not only about farming. They also work towards personal growth, career success, team building and other skills useful in any endeavor.