FFA supporters hosted the second annual South Johnston High School FFA Alumni Reverse Raffle on February 24th at the school. The event was held during National FFA Week. Money raised from the event will be used to fund scholarships for graduating FFA members from the area through a scholarship endowment.
The $3,000 grand prize was sponsored by House-Autry Mills, based in Four Oaks, and was split by the final 5 ticketholders. House-Autry’s generosity was recognized with a plaque to be hung at the business. Catherine Lee, a current employee of House-Autry Mills and former President of the FFA chapter spoke, on behalf of House-Autry CEO Craig Hagood. Lee, a Four Oaks native, remarked about the impact and lasting impression that the organization had on her life and career.
With the funds raised through the reverse raffle through ticket sales and House-Autry Mills’ sponsorship and the generosity of some community members, who made donations to fulfill the goal, the SJHS FFA Alumni Endowment is now up to $25,000. The endowment will serve as a great starting point for a perpetual scholarship program at SJHS. Donations are still being accepted to continue to grow the scholarship endowment and the Reverse Raffle fundraiser will continue to be held.
350 tickets were sold by FFA Alumni members. Each ticket provided two meals to the event in addition to a chance to win the grand prize. The evening included an update of FFA information and entertainment by SJHS Assistant Principal William Weaver and local legend Greg Tart while drawing the 350 tickets from the tumbler.
South Johnston High School FFA Alumni President Edward Olive said, “It is great to see our community come together to support agricultural education and FFA. The National FFA Organization provides great opportunities for students through leadership, personal and career development and agriculture. We are excited to support those opportunities and to help students reach their goal of attending college.” Olive also thanked all who purchased tickets and attended the event.
The SJHS FFA Alumni Scholarship endowment will continue to build on the current scholarship gift in memory of former SJHS FFA Advisor the late Mr. Clarence Warren, by Mule City Specialty Feeds of Benson, which provides two $500 scholarships to graduating members. SJHS FFA Alumni Scholarship applications for this year are now available and can be requested from an SJHS FFA Advisor. Dr. David Pearce, Principal at South Johnston, was on hand for the event and spoke to attendees of his appreciation for their support for the students at South Johnston.
Membership of the FFA Alumni is open to anyone interested in supporting agricultural education and FFA. To become involved with this volunteer organization send an email to SJHSFFAAlumni@gmail.com
