A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring the memory of those who have contributed to the state's agricultural education program and the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization while observing national ffa week and north carolina agricultural education and ffa day.
Whereas, agricultural education provides a strong foundation for the youth of America and for the future of our food, fiber, and natural resources systems; and
Whereas, agricultural education ensures a steady supply of young professionals to meet the growing demands of agriculture, including the areas of science, business, and technology; and
Whereas, agricultural education is a 12‑month educational program providing summer agriculture and agribusiness experiences and leadership training through 23 different career and technical education classes; and
Whereas, North Carolina's agricultural education program is the seventh largest in the United States and has one of the highest high school student retention and graduation rates in the nation; and
Whereas, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization is an integral part of the State's agricultural education program; and
Whereas, FFA was founded in 1928 by a group of vocational agriculture students meeting in Kansas City, Missouri; and
Whereas, FFA grew as it merged with other agricultural organizations, including the Young Tarheel Farmers, founded in 1928; the North State Farmers, also founded in 1928; and the New Farmers of America (NFA), founded in 1935; and
Whereas, today, FFA is a national organization of 550,000 students involved with agricultural education in secondary schools, technical colleges, and universities with chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; and
Whereas, the FFA motto, "learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve," gives direction of purpose to the students wanting to succeed in agricultural education; and
Whereas, North Carolina's FFA members are recognized nationally for their quality agricultural training, leadership abilities, academic achievements, and community service; and
Whereas, North Carolina's agricultural educators are known and respected throughout the nation for their exemplary leadership in planning and implementing superb programs on behalf of FFA members; and
Whereas, since 1929, there has been a succession of outstanding leaders and educators in agricultural education and FFA, including Tom Brown, S.B. Simmons, A.G. Bullard, R.J. Peeler, Vaiden Hairr, C.V. (Vic) Tart, and Charles Keels; and
Whereas, agricultural education programs and FFA organizations are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of their members by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives honors the memory of Tom Brown, S.B. Simmons, A.G. Bullard, R.J. Peeler, Vaiden Hairr, C.V. (Vic) Tart, and Charles Keels and expresses its appreciation for their leadership, dedication, and contributions to agricultural education and FFA in North Carolina.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives recognizes and commends North Carolina's agricultural education program and the FFA organization and all who support, promote, and encourage the outstanding students of this program and organization.
SECTION 3.  The House of Representatives encourages the citizens of this State to observe February 17‑23, 2013, as National FFA Week, and February 12, 2013, as Agricultural Education and FFA Day in North Carolina.
SECTION 4.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the President of the North Carolina FFA.
SECTION 5.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.