Following the recent shooting in Dallas, Texas, which claimed the lives of five policeman, individuals and organizations alike supported their community by helping make the situation a little less tragic. Among those aiding the City of Dallas was the Fairfield High School FFA.
FFA will compete on Sep. 24 at a Stock Show in Waco from Oct. 13-15. In preparation of these events and others, the Fairfield FFA officers attended the State FFA Convention in Dallas, Texas on July 11-14, where they sold bracelets in support of the Dallas Police Department.
“I have never seen anything like it,” junior MaKenzie Winner said. “Teachers and members were buying bags of them to sell to their schools.”
The FFA State Convention was held four days after the fatal shootings, and many schools brought their own personal campus policeman to usher students around. Downtown Dallas had an unusual atmosphere, and safety was a priority for the students as they listened to speakers and learned about leadership and service to those in need, such as the DPD.
“FFA teaches about giving back and helping others,” sponsor Mr. Phillips said. “The city of Dallas was excited to have us and they did an outstanding job of making sure we were safe.”
The bracelets, bought in support of the policemen and their families, display the phrase “TX FFA DPD #Allinittogether” in bold golden lettering and were sold for $1. At the end of the week, the Texas FFA organization earned over $13,000 to donate to the DPD.
“I wear my black and blue bracelet everyday to show my continuous support to all officers,” Winner said. “And with that, even as a high schooler, I helped make a difference in someone’s life.”
Other activities at the convention included electing new state officers and donating 1,500 backpacks full of school supplies to Dallas inner city children. Fairfield FFA President Cody McQueen and Vice-President Mikaela Stamper also received Lonestar Degrees. As time passes since the State Convention in mid-July, the students in FFA look forward to their next event, their goals for the year, and the opportunities presented to them by FFA.
“FFA teaches responsibility,” senior Cody McQueen said. “When you have different projects going on, you’re responsible for those projects and getting them finished.”
Brittani Oglesbee reporting – Junior Staff Reporter of FHS’s “Eagle Beat”
