Appomattox FFA Has a History Lesson
By: Nicole Ballagh, Chapter Vice-President
Appomattox Senior FFA is one of the largest student-led organizations at Appomattox County High School (ACHS). The organization held its February meeting at the end of February. In an effort to recognize key events in community and FFA history, chapter leaders hosted two speakers. February also coincides with National FFA Week and Black History Month.
Former Appomattox Future Farmers of America member and local Agricultural Educator, Dennis Torrence, and former New Farmers of America (NFA) member, Alfonso Morgan, spoke to students during the meeting.
According to the National FFA Organization, the NFA was an organization formed to serve African-American young men in agricultural education classes. The organization was originally founded in Virginia in the early 1930’s. The FFA and NFA served similar purposes prior to schools integrating. In 1965, the two organizations merged on the national level. It took several years before Appomattox integrated schools in 1971 before the merger happened locally.
Mr. Torrence explained that he grew up just a few miles away from Mr. Morgan, and they never knew each other because of segregation. Now the two are good friends. He used several firsthand accounts to illustrate the failed concept of “separate but equal.” Torrence elaborated on the impacts of segregation on society and how slow it takes to make cultural changes.
Mr. Morgan attended both Carver Price and Appomattox County High School. He said, “I didn’t realize that both schools were not the same. My eyes were opened when I came to the High school. You all’s shop was a lot bigger and better than what we had.”
Morgan also shared about some of his memorable moments from agriculture class. He enjoyed learning about forestry. He remembered walking through the forest in class and using a Biltmore stick to measure timber. Many of the students related to his story because it is a skill still used today. He also explained that during the merger, many NFA activities were not adopted by the FFA. There had been a choral competition among NFA members that was lost in the transition.
FFA members are known by their infamous blue corduroy jacket. The duo brought a Carver Chapter NFA jacket to display. Many noticed similarities between the two. Torrence pointed out the differences between the NFA and FFA emblem to students.
At the conclusion of the meeting, students reflected on the experience. Participants felt like Mr. Torrence and Mr. Morgan made history come alive with their firsthand accounts of an important time in our chapter’s past.
Chapter president, Bruce Jones, said, “Their heartfelt message to us was inspiring and informative. I appreciated their willingness to share their very personal experiences from their time in agriculture class.”
