Earning the Greenhand Degree is the first major milestone for members of the National FFA Organization, and for CCHS students Hunter Lewis, Bentley Rose and Evan Campbell, it marks the beginning of something much bigger.
“I chose to do this because it’s the next step,” Hunter said. “It’s a start to something that’s going to get way bigger in life.”
To receive the Greenhand Degree, students must learn the FFA creed, motto and emblem, including what each symbol represents. Hunter explained that the eagle stands for America and the owl represents knowledge and wisdom. Bentley added that the emblem reflects the roles within a chapter, while Evan said part of the process included placing the emblem pieces in the correct spots.
All three students grew up around agriculture. “I’ve been on the farm and in ag my whole life,” Hunter said. Evan joined FFA to gain knowledge he can use to one day take over his family’s farm.
Beyond history and tradition, members also completed team-building activities, including an obstacle course. “It will show how well we work together if we want to be officers in the future,” Evan said.
Agriculture teacher Justin Yount said the Greenhand Degree is an important starting point for all FFA members.
“It’s the first stepping stone into their future FFA careers,” he said. “It’s the first step you take to acknowledge the impact FFA could possibly have. It gives them insight into the opportunities that are to come.”
Yount said the program introduces students to FFA history while also challenging them to grow. “We show them what this can become if they’re willing to step up and take the challenge,” he said. “This is a program where you get out of it what you put into it.”
Students will receive a certificate and Greenhand pin at the chapter banquet, symbolizing their first accomplishment in FFA.