K 406: Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of New York FFA

 Assembly Resolution No. 406 BY: M. of A. Tague COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of New York FFA WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of New York FFA, to be celebrated at its annual convention on May 7-9, 2025, at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, New York; and WHEREAS, Agriculture remains the economic engine of upstate New York, and FFA continues to be a driving force in cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders; and WHEREAS, Today, New York FFA serves more than 13,000 middle and high school members in nearly 200 active chapters; over the course of the organization's history, more than 521,000 students have engaged in the development of premier leadership, personal growth, and career success throughout the past century of New York FFA; and WHEREAS, New York FFA is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education; and WHEREAS, Agricultural education continues to become more meaningful and more relevant as our communities evolve; New York FFA is an organization aspiring to prepare young people for careers and lifetimes of empowered choices as consumers and citizens; and WHEREAS, This incredible and storied organization encourages student development of agricultural literacy, college and career readiness, employability skills, workplace safety, and personal financial literacy through individually developed Supervised Agricultural Experiences and 58 award and degree programs; and WHEREAS, New York FFA supports student excellence through 76 unique competitive events ranging from dairy quality and products to veterinary science, and from welding to environmental systems agriscience research; by developing student interests and skills, New York FFA serves as a committed piece of the talent pipeline for careers in agriculture, food science, natural resources management, power, structural and technical systems and more--careers essential to New York's economy and the well-being of all New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, New York FFA opens the walls of the agriculture classroom to the world through competitions, events, networking, recognition, and community; FFA students believe they can positively transform the field of agriculture by collaborating with peers and esteemed leaders in the industry, while also working to educate others on the importance of agriculture and community service; and WHEREAS, This year's centennial New York State FFA Convention theme is "Excelsior: Legendary Foundations. Limitless Futures"; and WHEREAS, Through the annual convention and a variety of programs, sessions, and events, students grow as public speakers, run committees and meetings, participate in team challenges to navigate differences and solve problems collaboratively; they also develop growth mindsets and a richer personal understanding of their talents, passions, and ambitions; and WHEREAS, Students in attendance of this year's New York State FFA Convention will compete in Career and Leadership Development Events (CDEs/LDEs); participate in hands-on agricultural workshops, service-learning projects, and livestock learning clinics; explore educational and career opportunities with agricultural colleges, businesses, and industry leaders; hear from inspiring keynote speakers and student presenters; and be recognized for their outstanding achievements during the 2024-2025 school year; and WHEREAS, The FFA motto, "Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve," gives its members impactful, guiding words to consider in the course of all their meaningful life pursuits; and WHEREAS, Agricultural education in New York affects and instructs students in all parts of the State, and through their efforts, the officers and members of New York FFA are achieving increased levels of national recognition for themselves, their schools, and their communities, while simultaneously advancing the field of New York agriculture; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and applaud the leaders of commerce and industry whose accomplishments contribute to the economic health and prosperity of the communities of the State of New York and to the quality of life of its people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of New York FFA; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to New York FFA.