BLUE CORDUROY HAS BIG IMPACT FOR LA FFAers

    Five Langford Area FFA members recently received official blue corduroy FFA jackets, giving them the opportunity to fully take part in the organization’s events and activities while wearing the symbol that represents leadership, service and agricultural education.
    The jackets were awarded to Maddox Nickeson-Brennan, Jordyn Nickeson-Brennan, Josie VanderVorst, Breckette Zubke and Brooklynn West through support from the South Dakota FFA Foundation and two anonymous donors. The jackets serve as the “uniform” of FFA, worn at official events and competitions, and are widely viewed as a visible sign of commitment and accomplishment within the organization.
    Langford Area FFA advisor AnnaMarie Sachs said receiving the jackets carries meaning far beyond the clothing itself. “To be selected to receive a chapter set of jackets means that we can give students the opportunity to feel like they belong in the organization, no matter what background they have or constraints that they may have in their lives,” Sachs said.
    The jackets were made possible through a South Dakota FFA Foundation initiative that uses funds raised on Giving Tuesday, along with a matching grant from the Wendy Mortenson Agency/American Family Insurance and a prize from the SD Day of Giving campaign. Through a competitive application process, 10 FFA chapters across the state were selected to receive funds for sets of 10 chapter-owned jackets, including Langford Area.
    Chapter-owned jackets help remove financial barriers for students who may not be able to purchase their own. The jackets can be borrowed as needed, ensuring that every member has the chance to participate fully in FFA activities and competitions.
    “Having chapter-owned jackets will help encourage students to become involved and give FFA a try,” said SD FFA Foundation Executive Director Gerri Ann Eide. “They can experience the pride, dignity and honor of wearing a blue corduroy FFA jacket and be inspired to become more involved and eventually purchase their own.”
    Sachs echoed that sentiment, noting that inclusion is a core value of the organization. “The national FFA organization strives to include all members and create a sense of belonging,” she said. “That sense of belonging helps our chapter members live by the values and mission they hold as part of FFA.”
    The South Dakota FFA Foundation supports more than 10,000 agricultural education students statewide by funding leadership development, supporting 113 FFA chapters, and recognizing student and chapter achievements. For Langford Area FFA members, the new jackets represent both an opportunity and a symbol—one that helps ensure every student can stand shoulder to shoulder as part of the FFA team.