The McCool Junction FFA Chapter officially signed their charter on October 1st, 2007 with a special meeting and celebration. However, the newly formed chapter started their activities early in the summer and has been busy ever since. The students at McCool Junction had the opportunity to take agriculture classes the previous two years and join the Fillmore Central FFA chapter in Geneva. This fall students are excited to have their own agriculture education program and FFA Chapter!

The chapter officers attended Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) in Aurora, NE to help them learn more about their offices and how to help their new chapter thrive. Their kick-off meeting was held on September 4th. They had a great turn out with nearly 30 members attending and joining the newly formed chapter. The members enjoyed a cookout with hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, dip, watermelon, and an FFA decorated cake!

Thirty-one FFA members attended Husker Harvest Days on September 12th. They enjoyed seeing the exhibits and learning about new and exciting things in agriculture.

The October meeting as mentioned previously was a special meeting with the signing of the official chapter charter. Mr. Cogswell, McCool Junction Public School superintendent, joined the chapter to help celebrate this event.  They discussed several items including upcoming events, ordering jackets and fundraising opportunities.

Twenty-five FFA members and agricultural education students attended the District Land Judging Contest held near Trumbull, NE on October 11th. Several students placed and it was a fun and educational experience.

Four members and Mrs. Hall represented the chapter at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN, October 23-27. The group toured the John Deere plant in Waterloo, IA en route to the convention. While in Indiana they not only attended the 80th National FFA Convention but also spent some time at the Indiana State Museum, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the National FFA Center.

On October 30th the FFA members hosted a Bloodmobile. They had a great turnout from students, staff and community members.  They were excited to exceed the goal set by the Red Cross. Members assisted with set-up, clean-up, registration and preparing food and drinks for those giving blood.

The chapter has been involved in many hours of community service with helping a local
resident after an accident by doing cattle chores and garden work. They have also been collecting batteries not only to raise money for their chapter but also to help the environment by properly disposing of the batteries. November has been another busy month with the start of fruit, nut, meat and cheese sales, preparation for Leadership Skills Events and our monthly meeting.