By Blake Jackson
Urban agriculture takes root in the heart of Louisville at Seneca High School, where chickens snack on gourds and Future Farmers of America (FFA) members cultivate not just crops, but dreams.
Jack Grimes, a four-year FFA veteran, finds inspiration among the clucking hens and leafy greens. "Instead of acres of land, we have urban agriculture," he explains, pointing to the school's chicken coop and greenhouse. This hands-on experience has ignited his passion to become a veterinarian technician.
"Regular vet school seemed daunting," Grimes admits. "But vet tech is a perfect fit, and FFA helped me discover it."
For FFA president Laura Ponce Jimenez, the program has unearthed a hidden talent. "I fell in love with the animal program," she says, her eyes sparkling with affection for the creatures she cares for. "I learned I can multitask and achieve more than I thought."
But FFA goes beyond technical skills. It cultivates empathy and appreciation. Ponce Jimenez recalls gifting challenge coins – symbols of value and gratitude – to her dedicated teacher and a beloved Kentucky five-year worker. "Losing them was hard," she confides, "but giving them those coins, showing them, I cared, meant a lot."
Grimes echoes this sentiment, sharing the story of his history teacher who battled personal struggles. "Giving him a challenge coin, even though it didn't save him, brought him joy," he says, his voice tinged with sadness. "That's what FFA teaches us – to care for both animals and people."
Seneca FFA, part of the school's Urban AG magnet, is a testament to the program's reach. Nearly one million students across the country find their wings, their passions, and their futures nurtured within FFA's fertile ground.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-joshua-resnick
Categories: Kentucky, Education