Troy FFA, oldest chapter in Pa., marks 80 years

But the Troy FFA at Troy High School can claim an extra distinction as well. In addition to celebrating 80 years, the organization can also hold its head high for being the oldest active FFA chapter in Pennsylvania, having been chartered in January, 1930.

Recently, members of the FFA, alumni, and friends got together at Troy High School for a gathering marking the occasion.

Troy’s Agriculture instructor, Ernie Cole, said he feels good about the chapter’s heritage.

According to Cole, the Troy chapter has been "quite accomplished" over the years, especially with the amount of American FFA degrees, formerly known as American Farmer degrees, students have earned. He said it’s the highest degree you can get in the FFA.

"Over 80 years, it’s been quite a few," he said.

One change in the organization has been the type of awards students received in the past. In the early years of the FFA, students would get paintings for awards, he said. Some are on display in Cole’s room at the high school.

"Instead of giving you money or a trophy or a plaque — times were different back then…people appreciated a picture, I guess. They were given to students for their projects."

"I thought that was kind of unique."

Today, the record of accomplishment continues for the Troy FFA. A team of students took third at the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg and one student placed ninth and another placed tenth in the competition, Cole said.

Paige Cook of Columbia Crossroads, the current president of the Troy FFA, is proud of the organization, which has about 40 members.

"It’s a big honor to know that we’re here and still going at 80 years," she said. "It’s a very good organization."

Last year, she noted, the Troy FFA had a stuffed animal drive for children at Christmas. She placed ninth and Kali Terrel, FFA treasurer, placed tenth at the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg.

Tom Hojnowski, who leads the Canton FFA, was on hand for the celebration in Troy.

"It’s good to hear that we actually have the oldest FFA in the state," he said. "It’s kind of neat, and we hope, of course, it continues for another 80-plus years."

Another visitor at the event was Dean Jackson of Springfield Township, who had been involved in the Troy FFA in high school, having served as the North Central Region Vice President in 1981, calling it "the best experience of my young life." He operates Mt. Glen Farm along with his wife, Rebecca, and their four children in Springfield Township.

"I have told many people that degrees are fine, but your leadership skills, public speaking skills and the way you handle yourself are the most important because you use these skills every day of your life, and I don’t know where else as a young person you can find that kind of training other than FFA programs, 4-H, or Junior Holstein programs," he said.

Continuing his comments, he noted that the opportunities available through FFA in public speaking training, leadership training, and parliamentary procedure "are the best kept secret in our school districts in the last 40 or 50 years."

"And I feel passionate about getting that word out, the opportunities that are available in FFA programs."

As for the future, the Troy FFA has a special project.

To help ensure that it continues to thrive, the organization is forming an FFA Association to support, inspire, and train young agriculturalists for the future, Cole said, noting the association is open to all members of the public.

"We’ve never had one in Troy before," Cole said. As for whether there will be interest, he is crossing his fingers. "We hope so."

To get involved with the association, call Nathan Harkness at (570) 423-5247. Involvement with the Troy FFA runs in his family.

His father, Dana Harkness, who passed away in 1989 and was a lifelong dairy farmer, signed the original Troy FFA charter and earned an American Farmer Degree through the FFA.

"When he attended the national (FFA) convention, they offered him the national secretary (officer position), and he declined it because he didn’t want to be away from home," Nathan Harkness recalled. "He kind of regretted that over the years; he thought that would be an opportunity where he could see a lot of the country and meet people. That being the depression years, he thought he needed to stay home and help raise family."

Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; e-mail: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.