New FFA jackets have been given out to Reece Stitley, Victoria Oswald, Leslie Linton, and Colt Loring.

Receiving the signature blue jacket is a rite of passage for FFA members, including those in the C.L Payne Chapter here at LHS. 

The national FFA jacket symbolizes faith, honor, and pride. The FFA jacket was first created in 1933 by Gus Linter. The patch on the FFA jacket is to help remind you that you are ¨living to serve,¨which is a FFA motto. 

The millionth FFA jacket was sold in 1964. By 1976, there were 2 million jackets sold. Today more than 80,000 jackets are sold.

Members can choose to get a FFA jacket if they are continuously participating with their FFA organization. If they win in competitions they may receive a pin to place on their jacket, underneath their name. Their jacket will state their name, their position, and what state they are from.

It is not customary for members to have more than three pins on their jacket. The three medals on their jacket should represent the highest degree, the highest office, and the highest award earned by the member. If the member has a state or American degree, they place the pin above their name. 

 These jackets will mostly be worn to national conventions, state conventions, workshops or competitions that require official dress. The cost of a jacket is $60. 

¨My jacket makes me feel special and proud of myself,¨said Stitley. 

Oswald said she works very hard at all competitions and the jacket shows everyone what she can accomplish. 

¨My FFA jacket reminds me of loyalty and honor. We are like a family and are very close to one another¨ said Loring. 

Linton explains that to her the FFA jacket is to show the future of agriculture and all the great things to come from it.