FFA Behind the Emblem: Plymouth

76 members
Plymouth, Wisconsin
Sheboygan County

Tell us about your chapter. The Plymouth FFA, led by advisors Mrs. Heinbuch and Ms. Schweitzer, is a group of 76 dedicated students committed to leadership and community service. Our members develop valuable skills through public speaking contests, Career Development Events and leadership conferences. We’re also very active in our school and community, participating in events like homecoming, partnering with the National Honor Society for our winter food drive and educating others about agriculture through our Food for America and Ag in the Classroom programs.

How does your chapter volunteer in the community throughout the year? Our chapter is dedicated to giving back to the community in many ways. We’ve collected canned goods for our local pantry at events like Trunk or Treat and donated milk to a local vet clinic’s “Give a Gallon” challenge. Our members have also made blankets for the Ronald McDonald House and put together thank-you bags for our local fire, police and emergency medical technician departments to show our appreciation. Additionally, we’ve supported local families by sponsoring one with back-to-school supplies and donating 10 backpacks to our school district for students in need. We have also baked cookies for the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center and Matthews Oncology Clinic. We love helping animals, too, by making and donating dog and cat treats to our local humane society. While our specific projects may change each year, our commitment to community service remains a core part of our chapter.

What fundraisers does your chapter do throughout the year? Which is the most successful? Each year, the Plymouth FFA chapter hosts two key fundraisers to support our members’ growth and opportunities. In the fall, our community looks forward to our homemade pizza sale. Last year, we were proud to make just over 1,200 pizzas, thanks to the help of our dedicated parents and members. In the spring, we shift gears and hold our popular fruit sale, which includes a variety of fresh items like oranges, grapefruit, apples, pears, pineapple and other Wisconsin products. Both of these fundraisers are successful for us. A portion of the funds goes directly into each member’s leadership account. This account helps them cover costs of important experiences like leadership conferences, their official FFA jacket and attendance at the state or National FFA Convention, making these opportunities more accessible to all. We are incredibly grateful for the community’s support, which directly invests in the next generation of leaders.

What are the biggest events of the year? Our biggest event of the year is our Food for America program, which we hold every May at Fischer Valley Dairy. This is a day-long event where more than 40 FFA members take on the role of educators for over 300 third graders and 4K students from the Plymouth School District, including our two parochial schools. Throughout the day, our members lead the younger students through 10 different learning stations. These stations provide a hands-on look at various farm animals, a tour of the milking parlor and a lesson on the importance of the dairy industry. The event ends with students receiving a dairy-themed swag bag, generously sponsored by local businesses and put together with the help of the Sheboygan County Farm Bureau. As a final treat, students also enjoy string cheese and milk for a snack.

What is unique about your chapter? What makes the Plymouth FFA chapter truly unique is its creative and diverse approach to community service, ensuring every member can find a way to contribute. The chapter actively supports a wide range of organizations, from donating to the local pantry, humane society and the Ronald McDonald House to volunteering time at community events like Charming Downtown Christmas and Project Angel Hugs. By participating in varied projects, like raising trout for the Trout in the Classroom program, the chapter provides opportunities that cater to a wide variety of student interests, ensuring there is a meaningful way for everyone to get involved, make a difference and learn their strengths as an individual.

When was your chapter founded and how has it evolved? The Plymouth FFA chapter has a rich history, having received its charter Oct. 7, 1929, making it one of the earliest chapters in the state. Since those early days, the chapter has evolved into a strong program filled with leadership and agricultural excellence. Our members earn high recognition in Career Development Events, FFA proficiency awards and leadership events, competing at local, state and even national levels. A part of our success is the support from our FFA alumni. They are deeply involved in our program, serving as guest speakers in the classroom, coaching CDE teams and volunteering at our many events. The partnership between our current members and our alumni helps us achieve our core mission: to grow leaders, strengthen agriculture and build our local community for years to come.