New FFA chapter enhances Santa Rosa students' learning

Santa Rosa FFA students have a greenhouse and planter to use in learning about horticulture. Photo by Jackie Ballard

By Jackie Ballard, Menifee 24/7 Intern

This summer, Santa Rosa Academy developed its own FFA chapter.

FFA is a nonprofit American youth organization that promotes and supports agricultural education. At Santa Rosa, this means fostering a love of horticulture and landscaping, as well as developing public speaking and leadership skills.

Robert Montoya, the club’s supervisor, has been teaching a horticulture class at Santa Rosa for the past two years. However, this year, the school has partnered with FFA to further the educational opportunities of students interested in this pathway.

As part of FFA, members will be able to travel to competitions and other FFA events, learn leadership skills, and earn a complete horticulture education experience.

Most importantly, students will have the opportunity to complete a Supervised Agricultural Experience. This involves an horticulture-oriented project to better the community. This could include starting a landscape maintenance business or working in an agricultural business as an intern.

Throughout these past two years, the students have built their own planter beds, developed their own compost, and grown a variety of crops including but not limited to sunflowers, mint, corn, and beans.

They are now working on their most ambitious project yet: the construction of a greenhouse. Construction began in January, and it is projected to be finished by December.

Montoya, the club’s supervisor, said that his goals for the upcoming year include finishing the greenhouse and expanding the club. Currently, the club has 16 members, but will hopefully reach 25 members within upcoming years.