FFA Presents Iconic Jacket, Reaches Milestone
North Miami HS FFA member Allison Burns is presented with her FFA jacket. (photo courtesy: Ron Hoskins/FFA)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe National FFA Organization, based in Indianapolis, has just hit a milestone with its iconic blue jacket. It has gifted its 10,000th jacket through its Give the Gift of Blue program.
Members traditionally wear the official blue jacket at FFA functions, such as the national convention held in Indianapolis, as part of the FFA official dress code.
In 2014, the organization created the program in response to a large number of members who do not own an FFA jacket.
North Miami County Hgh School student Allison Burns on Wednesday was presented with her own jacket.
“I am very thankful for the generous donation from the sponsors and Give the Gift of Blue program that sponsored my jacket,” Burns said, a newly active chapter member. “Having this jacket helps me further my journey into FFA and gives me more opportunities.”
According to FFA, more than half of its membership does not have an FFA blue jacket for official functions.
Many of the students borrow jackets from family members, or fellow and past members.
“The blue corduroy represents so much for our members – a sense of belonging, a sense of pride, a sense of commitment,” said Molly Ball, president of the National FFA Foundation. “Not only is it an honor to provide the jackets to our members – but many of our supporters feel that same pride when they give back to the program. By donating to Give the Gift of Blue, they continue the legacy of the blue jacket.”
FFA says the jacket program is funding by individual donors and corporate sponsors.