Bath, SD (September 30, 2024) - To its owner, the FFA jacket is a physical reminder of the personal accomplishments achieved through the organization - a symbol of commitment and dedication for all who wear the corduroy. This fall, a record number 458 South Dakota FFA members from 88 chapters, will receive their own FFA jackets - carrying forward that long-standing tradition of pride, dignity and honor. Jackets were sponsored by various individuals through the SD FFA Foundation program, welcoming new members into the fabric of FFA. FFA members filled out the Blue Jackets Bright Futures FFA Jacket Program application, answering short essay questions about their FFA experience and goals, competing to earn their own FFA jacket instead of purchasing one. Garretson's 2024 recipients are:
- Brielle Weir sponsored by Ed & Julie Mueller
- Chloe Bryan sponsored by Ed & Julie Mueller
- Elise Gundermann sponsored by SDSU Little International
- Jordyn Kuphal sponsored by Alpha Gamma Rho and Sigma Alpha
- Natalie Brazee sponsored by CROPLAN by WinField United
- Brecken Weir sponsored by Dacotah Bank
- Ragean Dempsey sponsored by Dakota Grain Connection
- Chloe Hermanson sponsored by BMO Bank
"Receiving my first FFA jacket from the Blue Jackets Bright Futures program kickstarted my career in FFA. Without the help and support that this program gave, I never would have pushed myself in FFA. Because of this program, I can look back at my old jacket and truly appreciate all the memories that happened in it. Putting on that jacket for four years filled me with pride in our association and myself, like it does with many members, and I am very grateful to have had that opportunity to do so, only being possible through the Blue Jacket program," shares Ethan Hendrix, State FFA Secretary from Rapid City.
When students join the FFA, they typically purchase or borrow jackets to compete in the many Career Development Events offered through FFA. The jacket is their team "uniform" to be worn at all official FFA events. The blue corduroy FFA jacket has been the status symbol of the national FFA organization since 1933, when delegates to the national convention voted to make the jacket part of the organization's official attire, thus creating the long-standing tradition.
Individuals and businesses interested in sponsoring an FFA jacket for a SD FFA member should contact Gerri Ann Eide, SD FFA Foundation Executive Director at 605-765-4865 or . Sponsorships are $90 per jacket.
The SD FFA Foundation is proud to support Agricultural Education and the FFA's mission to make a difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more information about the South Dakota FFA Foundation and South Dakota's FFA programs, visit www.sdffafoundation.org or like us on Facebook.
