Declare FFA Week Statewide

Senate Resolution No. 343 BY: Senator RITCHIE MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 18-25, 2017, as FFA Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to support and promote the historic and significant observance of Future Farmers of America (FFA) Week in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 18-25, 2017, as FFA Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National FFA Week; and WHEREAS, This year's FFA theme is "Transform - Purpose to Action", indicating that the future of agriculture is strong, as is the need for a healthy and abundant food supply; and WHEREAS, By acting together, FFA students believe they can transform the message of agriculture and can continue to educate others on the importance of agriculture, giving back to others, and serving their communities; and WHEREAS, The FFA organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education; and WHEREAS, The FFA motto: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve, gives its members words to live by; and WHEREAS, 2017 marks the Centennial Anniversary of the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act of 1917 which provided for the existence of FFA organizations and agricultural education in our nation's high schools; and WHEREAS, Growing from a handful of students from agricultural classes who came together to form Future Farmers clubs throughout the country in the 1920s, to an FFA membership of 100,000 by 1935; today, the National FFA organization has more than 610,000 members in more than

7,600 chapters and encompasses all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; and WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for the FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs; and WHEREAS, In accomplishing its mission, FFA has made a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education; and WHEREAS, Agricultural education in New York affects and instructs students in all parts of the State, and through their efforts, the officers and members of New York FFA are achieving increased levels of national recognition for themselves, and their schools and communities, as well as New York agriculture; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and applaud the leaders of commerce and industry whose accomplishments contribute to the economic health and prosperity of the communities of the State of New York and to the quality of life of its people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 18-25, 2017, as FFA Week in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.