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FFA Cooks Up Successful BBQ
Fundraiser
Nearly
300 BBQ tri-tip dinners were cooked, prepared, and
delivered to various community families through the
annual Atwater “FFA Take-Out BBQ” dinner. This
event was held on September 24th with
over 900 lbs of tri-tip, salad, beans, and rolls
packaged and sold by Atwater FFA students.
“This
event is a win-win situation for the students and
community,” said FFA advisor and BBQ extraordinaire
Sam Meredith, “The students gain skills in food
preparation and the community receives a great
tasting meal.” For some of the students such as
freshman Justice Petterway, the BBQ was an
opportunity to gain skills, have a good time, and
enjoy the company of their classmates. “I didn’t
expect barbequing to be so much fun but I ended up
really enjoying myself,” said Petterway. FFA advisor
Sam Meredith utilized the opportunity to share with
the students the Atwater FFA “secret recipe” which
is widely regarded in the Merced-Mariposa FFA
section through local legends Richard Regalo and
Martin McKellips.
The
“FFA Take-Out BBQ” is one of two current fundraisers
for Atwater FFA. The other current fundraiser
taking place is the placemat ad sales. “All the
money that is raised goes directly toward the
students in providing resources and opportunities
for all of them to achieve personal growth, academic
success, and career objectives,” said FFA advisor
Beth Knapp. Over $20,000 in funds and agriculture
resources is expected to be raised this school year
to help support the agriculture program’s operation
and activities.
The
success and growth of the Atwater FFA and
agriculture program is due to the continued support
of the Atwater High School staff and administration,
the Merced Union High School District, the Atwater
Ag Boosters, and the hundreds of local community
members and parents.
“We
want to ensure that there is a return on the
community’s investment by motivating and encouraging
our students to go after their educational and
career interests,” said FFA advisor Dan Flatt, “The
excitement and effort we are seeing this year from
our students is generating just a “taste” of what is
still to come!”
Written By: Mekayla Coughran, Atwater FFA
September 2009 |
