When someone thinks of farmers, they think of animals, farms, small towns, and lots of dirt. However, it isn’t always what it seems. There are Future Farmers of America everywhere, and now, they are in Lakeview.

“I feel behind but I also think this is an great opportunity for us to show what LC is made of,” junior Zachary Palmer said.

While many other GISD schools already have FFA, this is the very first year it’s offered here. There are still many things that need to be worked out in order to receive the charter, like requirements and costs. However, the chapter is still continuing to compete and work hard for next year.

“I hate that we can’t get our charter this year, but I think it was best considering we got a late start,” FFA Vice President junior Tadea Vallejo said. “This way we can be ahead of everyone else next year with experience.”

Due to the program not starting up until November 2017, it was behind on paperwork and projects. The advisor, agriculture teacher and JV soccer coach Larry Jones, was left out of many meetings and communication within the Texas chapter and many rules were unclear.

“I had no idea what I was doing when I first started; I felt like a fish out of water,” Jones said. “All I had was a few students who were interested in the prospect of the program. If it weren’t for them, FFA wouldn’t be here.”

The officers and members are constantly brainstorming ideas for events and fundraising in order to gain traction within the district. With a restaurant night in the works, and catalogs selling food, FFA is making a name in the school.

“I hope students will become more interested in the program in the coming years,” Palmer said. “I’d hate to see the program disappear before we really got off the ground.”