Baird honors South Putnam, Indiana FFA students

Celebrating FFA Week as Feb. 17-24 at the Statehouse in Indianapolis Monday are South Putnam High School FFA members and their state legislator, District 44 Rep. Jim Baird (R-Greencastle). Taking part in the ceremony are (from left) Ryan Newmann, Hailee Young, Taylor Montgomery, Rep. Baird, Malerie Minor, Savannah McIntosh and Helen Eaglin. Baird co-sponsored a resolution honoring the South Putnam students and other FFA members.

Statehouse photo

INDIANAPOLIS -- District 44 State Rep. Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) helped honor the National FFA organization during a special page day Monday at the Indiana Statehouse.

Baird co-sponsored a resolution honoring South Putnam Community School Corporation FFA members -- represented by Helen Eaglin, Savannah McIntosh, Malerie Minor, Taylor Montgomery, Ryan Newmann and Hailee Young -- along with other FFA representatives.

This week, Feb. 17-24, is being observed as FFA Week, which is an opportunity to connect members, alumni and sponsors, and advocate for agriculture leadership and education, Baird said.

Indiana FFA has more than 12,000 members across the state. The organization provides high school students with opportunities to develop leadership and problem-solving skills, and explore potential career opportunities.

“FFA is dedicated to developing tomorrow’s leaders and has had a long history in Indiana,” Rep. Baird said. “This organization’s membership continues to grow as they help prepare students to succeed in a variety of fields, such as business, industry, science and agriculture.”

The FFA was established in 1928 to prepare future generations for challenges and new developments in the industry. The Indiana chapter was founded in 1929.

For more information on Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, visit iga.in.gov.

During FFA Page Day, more than 60 members of FFA were able to tour the Statehouse, learn about state government, and talk with their elected representatives and other statewide officials about the importance of agriculture education. This year, they were joined by National FFA Officer Piper Merritt of Oklahoma.

One of the highlights of the day was a joint resolution ceremony, led by State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) and State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston), honoring Indiana FFA and its record membership.

Rep. Baird represents House District 44, which includes all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties.