Wilson says he is very excited to have been selected as the winner for Scott County. "There have been budget cuts, so the school might not have the funds available like they've had in the past to support groups like the FFA chapter," explains Wilson. "Not many kids are involved in agriculture anymore. One way to keep them involved is through programs like FFA. Monsanto's grant program is great. It will help give recognition to what farmers do."
Jamie Gray, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, says the $2,500 will be used to help the students develop leadership skills by attending career development events, state leadership conferences and the National FFA Convention.
"American farmers are the backbone of this country, and without them we wouldn't have anything," says Gray. "The communities that make up the North Scott School District are very lucky to be surrounded by the farming industry. It felt good to know that Ron felt the North Scott FFA Chapter could benefit from this program. Monsanto has always been giving back to the communities and supporting organizations like the FFA. They know the importance of FFA and agriculture in the classroom and all it has to offer students and the community."
Brandon Messer, North Scott FFA member adds: "I would like to thank Ron Wilson for nominating us for this award. I feel our farming community is very supportive of our FFA chapter and would like to thank them for all their support."
The $2,500 donation was awarded at a ceremony held April 8 during the North Scott FFA Banquet and Awards Ceremony in Eldridge. The America's Farmers Grow Communities Project was offered throughout Iowa and in parts of Missouri and Arkansas. It is part of a broad commitment by Monsanto Company to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to our society by helping them grow their local communities. More than 7,500 farmers participated in the program, which is designed to benefit non-profit groups such as ag youth, schools and other civic organizations. The program is currently in the process of being expanded to include additional states. Visit www.growcommunities.com to see a complete list of winners.
