Foundation Presents Checks to Arizona Association FFA and Department of Agricultural Education, Technology and Innovation at the University of Arizona |
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The Arizona Agricultural Education/FFA Foundation is dedicated to providing expanded educational and leadership opportunities for the agricultural education programs and FFA across the state of Arizona.
Our vision is to secure resources to support, enhance, and strengthen the educational and leadership effectiveness of the Arizona Association FFA, the Arizona FFA Alumni Association, the Department of Agricultural Education, Technology and Innovation at The University of Arizona, and the Arizona Agricultural Teachers Association.
During the recent 92nd State FFA Leadership Conference the Foundation presented a check for $374,895 to the Arizona Association FFA from the support received this past year through several grants funded by other foundations, the scholarship program, Career Development support, proficiency awards and other FFA Programs. The support provided assisted not only the Arizona Association FFA but also FFA Districts, Chapters and students from across Arizona.
The Foundation was also honored to present Dr. Robert Torres and Dr. Amber Rice of the Department of Agricultural Education, Technology and Innovation at The University of Arizona with a check for $50,000 to support the Cullison Program, Cullison Endowment Scholarships, Tom Jones Scholarship, the Teacher Retention Program and the new Teach Ag Institute to be held the summer of 2022.
The support provided could not occur without the support of our long time donors, other Foundations which support agriculture education and the FFA in Arizona and the many attendees that particpate in the annual Blue & Gold Gala and the Bustin' Clay for FFA. The impact we can make together is tremendous and makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
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Welcome New Foundation Staff |
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We are thrilled to have Thelma Muñoz Goucher as a part of the team serving as the Administrative Assistant for the Arizona FFA Foundation. Thelma will assist in coorindating the Blue & Gold Gala silent auction, Bustin Clay for FFA raffle, Blue Jacket Legacy Program, and assist with the Fundraising for Ag Education Raffle. Additionally, she provides administrative support to the Foundation. Thelma has spent most of her professional life in the travel industry having worked for companies such as Aeromexico, Carlson Wagonlit Travel-GE and most recently with the wholesaler Exito Travel. Thelma is married with a 17-year-old daughter who is gradutating this week from the Army Basic Combat Training in Fort Sill, OK. She also has one 13-year-old Chihuahua-pug. Thelma currently volunteers as the Peoria High School Panther Band Booster Club’s Secretary, enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to Mexico, within the USA, and Europe. |
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Give the Gift of an FFA Jacket |
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The Blue Jacket Legacy program kicked off in 2019 and over the past three years we have gifted 285 FFA jackets to members from across Arizona through the generous support of donors.
The Official Dress jacket was adopted in 1933. The FFA corduroy jacket is an article of faith, honor and pride. The jacket unifies members in a long-standing tradition and reminds them that they are part of something larger than themselves.
This coming year we hope to gift 125 FFA jackets. Students will have the opportunity to apply for a jacket grant beginning mid August through October. The FFA Jackets will be on display at the 6th annual Blue & Gold Gala on February 19th and then distributed to the students at the Spring FFA Conference.
Through the generosity of many donors we are getting closer to reaching our goal of 125 jackets sponsored. We need 45 additional jackets sponsored this year! You can support the program and make a difference in the life of an FFA student by sponsoring a jacket for $75 through this link FFA Jacket Sponsorship.
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Congratulations Dr. Amber Rice |
Congratulations to Dr. Amber Rice who recently earned the promotion to Associate Professor with tenure. Dr. Rice joined the Agriculture Education, Technology and Innovation (AETI) at the University of Arizona faculty as an assistant professor in 2016. She has served the AETI department in various roles, including a lead role in teacher preparation, Director of Graduate Studies, mentor to numerous undergraduate and graduate students, and a key University liaison with school-based agricultural education teachers in Arizona. She continues to provide leadership to agricultural education, regionally and nationally. She has been recognized with multiple awards for excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. Recently Dr. Rice was also recognized at the 92nd State FFA Leadership Conference by receiving her Honorary State Degree. Congratulations Dr. Rice for your promotion and recent award. It is an honor for the Foundation to work with you. We greatly value the partnership. |
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Foundation Board Feature - Kevin Hicks |
This month we are featuring Arizona FFA Foundation Board member Kevin Hicks. Kevin grew up in the northern California town of Etna, a ranching and farming community.
He received his Agricultural Education Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University-Idaho. Kevin is an Agriculture Educator at Chino Valley High School in Chino Valley, Arizona. As an Agriculture teacher, Kevin believes it is especially important to instill amongst his students, the values of learning and becoming a better individual in life. He tells us, “The FFA is such an amazing organization that grows leaders, changes lives for the better, and helps individuals grow their desire to provide meaningful connections to the world. The FFA can help anyone who wants success.”
For Kevin, the FFA program means so much in so many aspects. He strongly believes the Arizona FFA Foundation is a KEY asset to the whole of Arizona FFA and Agricultural Education. “I want to help continue to grow this great program so many more students and teachers get the opportunities for success they need.”, he declared. Because of volunteers with a passion to help like Kevin’s, the Arizona FFA Foundation can pave the way to a successful professional life for the Arizona youth and support Agriculture teachers throughout the state.
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Don’t let the term “planned giving“ scare you, it doesn’t have to be a complicated process. It simply involves making a decision now to give a gift in the future. That’s it! It may be a gift of cash, real estate, securities, or other appreciated property. If you’d like to learn more please contact Rochell Planty at 602-705-9211 or Rochell@azffafoundation.org.
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National Association of Agricultural Educators
Honors Two Arizona Teachers
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Congratulations to Dennis Bushong, retired Agricultural Education Teacher from Gilbert High School for receiving the 2021 Region I Oustanding Service Citation Award and AJ Argueta of Chandler Agricultural Education Program as the 2021 Turn the Key Award receipient. The award program recognizes the culmination of hard work, dedication and member success of the teachers. They will be recognized at the upcoming 2021 NAAE Convention, the end of November in New Orleans, LA. |
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Save the Date for the 6th annual Blue & Gold Gala presented by Arizona Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Financial. Watch for more details at www.blueandgoldgala.org. |
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You don't want to miss the 8th annual Bustin' Clay for FFA Trap Shoot! We had almost 200 particpants at this past event. Watch for more details soon at www.bustinclayforffa.org. |
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