Horace Maynard FFA was established in 1928. Over the years many families have been involved in the organization and have molded their lives around agriculture in some shape or form because of the incredible impact from the experience. Currently the UCHS agriculture program holds around 130 active members, including current students and at least four who are currently in college and working to achieve their American Degree, the highest accomplishment within the organization.

At the beginning of October, a group of alumni FFA members and advisors gathered to form an Alumni FFA Chapter in Union County. Several attended the meeting at Union County High School, including folks from across several generations. With enough interest present and more expressed in the community, the group voted in officers to kick off an exciting formation of the brand-new Horace Maynard FFA Alumni Chapter.

Current officers are: Sidney Jessee, President; Allison Campbell, Vice President; Melissa Jones, Treasurer; Vanessa Merritt, Secretary. Horace Maynard FFA Advisors and Ag teachers, John Fugate and Peyton Scharett, were driving forces in getting this process started.

At the organizational meeting, ideal expectations were discussed including support in the community, recruitment of members, and long term goals - specifically wanting to offer a scholarship. It is important to the advisors and members to keep agriculture in the scope of education for our young people.

If you were ever a member of the Horace Maynard Future Farmers of America or are a supporter of agriculture, please consider becoming a part of this group. Feel welcomed in joining this new alumni chapter and extending the love of agriculture to our future generations. If you are interested in becoming a member, would like to learn more, or like to be added to the mailing list, contact advisor Peyton Scharett at peyton.scharett@ucps.org or Allison Campbell at 865-680-1135.

The next meeting will be held Monday, November 15 at 6:00 p.m. in the Union County High School Greenhouse Classroom. Follow the Facebook page “Horace Maynard FFA Alumni Chapter” for future information.