Area FFA members host party for children

Officers of the Blacksburg and Cherokee Technology Center FFAs include (l-r) Josh Hardin, Lindsay Allison, William Wilson, Neely Thomas, Brent Ledbetter, Chris Trusty and Michael Bridges. FFA members from the Cherokee Technology Center in Gaffney and Blacksburg High School recently sponsored a Christmas party for residents of the Cherokee County Children’s Home, according to John W. Parris, State Director of Public Affairs with the S.C. FFA Association.

The event, held at the Cherokee Technology Center, included dinner and a surprise visit by Santa Claus. Cherokee Technology center president, Michael Bridges, shared the Christmas story with the children and Josh Hardin, president of the Blacksburg High School FFA chapter, led a group of FFA officers in signing “O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem.” The FFA officers assisted Santa in distributing gifts to each child. A large group of faculty members, school administrators, trustees, FFA member and their parents attended the party.

The local Sertoma Club along with a number of other organizations and individuals contribute to the FFA chapters for this special Christmas party.

Josh Hardin, Chris Trusty, Neely Thomas, Lindsay Allison, Brent Ledbetter and Michael Bridges helped Santa distribute presents at the party. FFA officers who participated in the successful community service event were Josh Hardin, Lindsay Allison, William Wilson, Neely Thomas, brent Ledbetter, Chris Trusty and Michael Bridges. The FFA advisors are Bob Lail, agricultural education teacher at CTC, and William Parker, agricultural education teacher at BHS.

The mission of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.