NHS Induction

The Allentown FFA was asked to make a number of arrangements for the Allentown High School's National Honor Society induction. The FFA created some centerpieces as well as two asymmetrical arrangements to be used to decorate for the ceremony. In addition, officers or members help out as ushers during the ceremony. 

Thanksgiving Floral Decorations

The Thanksgiving Floral sale is a fundraiser we hold where we sell fall-themed floral arrangements, cornucopias and centerpieces, that are meant to be decorations for the Thanksgiving season. All the arrangements sold are constructed by members with the help of alumni. Our leadership team has created a sign up sheet for chapter members interested in helping construct the floral arrangements or interested in learning more about floral arranging. Construction will take about 2 days after school from 2-4 which is also the pick up period for the orders.

Popcorn Park Refuge Collection

The Popcorn Park Animal Refuge is a animal refuge located in Lacey Township, New Jersey. This zoo is filled with rescued wild animals that have been taken in through the years. These rescued animals range from lions to tigers to bears. They also rescue animals such as cows, donkeys, horses, deer, squirrels, etc. Every year, the Allentown FFA Chapter hosts a donation drive for this zoo. During the drive, multiple items that the zoo needs to take care of its animals are collected from various local businesses including, Tractor Supply, Ricks Saddle Shop, school locations, etc. Some of the items include blankets, toys, treats, food, cleaning supplies, etc. At the end of the donation drive, the items are separated and organized before being loaded onto a school bus and being taken to the zoo. This year's donation drop off will take place on December 22. At the zoo, students and members that volunteered to come unload the bus into a supplies shed, and are given a free entrance into the zoo from the generous zookeepers. Students are able to learn about the rescued animals that are cared for at the zoo, as well as their backstories and why they were rescued.

National FFA Convention

National Convention is the largest FFA event held in Indianapolis Indiana. This convention is when chapters from across the United States come together in celebration of all their hard work, and compete at the National level after winning at their state level. This year the convention was held from November 1st through the 4th. Throughout the convention, they hold sessions to award members in their competitions, hear keynote speakers, and hear the retiring addresses of the National Officers. This past convention our chapter competed in Creed Speaking and Conduct of Chapter meetings, along with accepting our 2 star chapter and having 2 of our members accept their American degree which is the highest degree earned in the FFA. Our competitors in Creed Speaking ranked silver, and our Conduct of Chapter Meeting team ranked bronze. The convention has a whole expo hall full of FFA sponsors, supporters, colleges, and a whole shopping area. This is a great experience for our members to gain confidence, learn more about FFA, explore different opportunities around them, and overall connect with other FFA members from across the US.

Allentown Fall Festival 

The Allentown FFA participated in the Allentown Fall Festival. We had a booth and a station for cutting wandering travelers. We also showed off all the agriculture classes along with selling Allentown FFA alumni merchandise.  This is a great way to promote our chapter by sharing our fundraisers and overall what our chapter does for our community. This was held on the 14th and 15th of October and we set up a booth on both days with the help of members and alumni.

Lead

LEAD is a two day conference that took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Somerset Hotel and Conference Center. The Allentown FFA is proud that multiple members could attend all three sections of the conference. The chapter's Leadership Team attended Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT), seasoned FFA members attended Leadership and Opportunities Conference (LOC), and the newer members of the chapter attended the State Greenhand Conference (SGC). Chapter members discussed local problems, some being in Allentown, and how they could develop a plan to fix said problems or form a group that will collectively fix said issues. LEAD was used as a tool that enhanced all members way of life, such as increasing their leadership skills, learning to work efferently, gaining confidence in themselves and others, and last but not least how to make lasting memories. Students engaged in multiple activities and workshops to help learn leadership skills amongst each other. Not only were students working on themselves and learning very valuable lessons, they also had time to mingle with others during breakfast, lunch, and dinners. They also experienced a dance at the end of the first day where they all enjoyed numerous songs and dancing but also getting to meet new and exciting people.

Apparel Sale

Allentown FFA will sell apparel, including short sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts, zip up sweatshirts, crew neck sweatshirts, and sweatpants. This year we are allowing members to input their designs to help us succeed in promoting the Allentown FFA. All proceeds will be going right back into the chapter balance. 

Roost Fundraiser

We held a dine to donate at the Roost restaurant. We created flyers for the fundraiser, to print and post about. This was to help fund our trip to the national convention on October 22-26. We communicated to alumni, members, teachers, and family members. We got 10% of the profit they made that night. We also got donations from family members of officers and members. 

Halloween Poster Contest for 3rd and 4th grade

 The Halloween Safety Poster Contest is an annual event held by the Allentown FFA with the goal of teaching 3rd and 4th grade elementary students how to be safe on Halloween, while also allowing them to be creative. Members of the FFA will first go to the elementary school and give a presentation on the details of the contest with some examples on how to be safe on Halloween that they can use on their posters. The students will be given approximately two weeks to create their posters. Once collected, posters will be judged by FFA members in 5 categories including, most creative, most eye-catching, most informational with imagination, spookiest and most related to C.A.R.E.S. After selecting the winners, prizes will be awarded and posters will be hung in the cafeteria to be a reminder on how to be safe on Halloween. This event is always enjoyed by the students and is excellent in teaching them how to be safe during Halloween while providing them with an element of creativity. 

September Chapter Meeting

Every third Thursday of the month, the Allentown FFA holds a chapter meeting. The chapter meeting is held in the ag building of Allentown High School and runs from 4:30-6. Typically the meetings follow this order; opening ceremonies, reports from the treasurer, secretary and committee chairs, old business, a demonstration of parliamentary procedure, new business, door prize drawing, member of the month and then closing ceremonies. Following this, members enjoy an activity with a theme decided by the officer team and snacks are always available. Chapter meetings give members a chance to interact with one another, as well as keep updated on what is happening within the FFA.  

Millstone Day

On Sunday, September 8th, members represented Allentown FFA at Millstone Day. We had tents that spread awareness about agriculture, games, and even live animals! This was a fun event that everyone enjoyed! 

Flower Bulb Sale

The flower bulb sale starts on Thursday, September 5th, and ends on Wednesday, September 25. This is a fundraiser our Chapter puts on to raise money for travel expenses for our trip to FFA Nationals in October 2024. This sale included bulbs for Daffoldis, Tulips, and many other flowers that will bloom in the spring! 

Summer 2024 Recap!

Allentown Officer Leadership Training (AOLT)

The leadership team stayed over at the Allentown Presbyterian Church after Freshman orientation to finish up our summer of planning and preparing. We spent the day working with our Committees to plan the year's events. In addition, there were various team-building activities to improve our teamwork. We ended the night with our sponsor's dinner to communicate with our sponsors and discuss ways to improve the chapter and better connect with the community!!

9th-Grade Orientation

On August 29, the leadership team gave presentations and set up displays to show incoming freshmen what the FFA was all about. We wanted to spark interest and introduce them to our agriculture program and its many opportunities. 

Canoe Trip

The newly elected leadership team participated in a canoe trip down a river to further their bonding. Officers learned how to work together better and create bonds that they will rely on throughout the year. This was a fun trip that everyone looks forward to every year!

Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) 

Allentown sent two members to Washington DC this summer on July 17 - 19. They were taught different principles, including exploration, encouragement, advocacy, and service. In addition, the participants learned how to become change makers and create "living to serve" plans that they can incorporate into their communities. This conference also allowed members to learn about the history of Washington DC and connect with members from all over the country. 

Summer CDEs 

 Over the summer Allentown FFA sent one team to compete in the Safe Tractor Driving CDE. This event took place at the Burlington County Farm Fair on July 16. The team represented Allentown very well! Two individuals placed in the top 5, with one placing 1st overall! 

AHS Graduation

On June 20th members of the Chapter assisted with Allentown High School Graduation. Members made flower arrangements for the stage and handed out pamphlets and water to families and guests attending. 

POW-WOW

POW-WOW is a performance objective workshop for all the newly elected officers. This activity happened across the span of two days during the summer and it is a requirement for all officers to attend. Some topics that were discussed include expectations, what it means to be an officer, how to set proper goals, navigating AET and SAE's, and team building. 

Ag Day

Ag day is another opportunity for our chapter members and ag students to teach elementary school students about agriculture through activities and presentations of animals. Our members, officers, and alumni brought their own pets and farm animals to exhibit agriculturalist values. At Ag day, there were ag-themed games such as Barnyard tag, lasso the bull, and a corn pit. It was a fun day for young kids and older kids alike!

June Cookout

On June 5th, our Chapter hosted a cookout to wrap up our school year. There were snacks, games, and some discussion of upcoming plans for the next year. Many people attended and it was a great way to kick off summer!

Thank you for keeping up with us!

Sincerely,

The Allentown FFA Chapter