When you think about the organization Future Farmers of America (FFA), you could assume that a large suburban high school would not have an active group. But, the SHS chapter of FFA is competitive and thriving.

FFA is a student organization that promotes and teaches agricultural education and leadership skills. 

“We know that not everyone is involved with agriculture, and we want to show how much agriculture can help people’s lives,” FFA adviser Nicole Harper said. “We teach a lot about this in our agricultural courses.”

Senior Hope Miller is the president of the school FFA. She joined FFA when she was a freshman.  

“It taught me how to work with others and solve problems as quickly as possible,” Miller said. “Without FFA, I would never be able to learn the skills that helped me become a good leader.”

Miller also raises pigs, which can be eventually sold on the market. These pigs are also trained to look presentable at livestock shows. According to her, pigs are challenging to take care of, but the experience is wonderful.

“The first pig that I took care of had a stubborn personality, and she acted somewhat like a dog,” Miller said. “She gave me challenges that I never thought that I would have to face, and through this we created a strong bond.”

Miller’s first pig was about 12-weeks old when she first got her, and she had her for about 5 months. Miller said one of the greatest challenges of raising an animal is getting attached to them.

“They tell us not to name our animal to avoid being attached, but it’s hard not to,” Miller said. “I named her Molasses.”

Miller said Molasses had a unique personality, loved receiving attention and got excited about food and being outside.

“Molasses would sprint around to try to find some of the cows and some of the goats,” Miller said. “She would also buck around and nudge me then sit like a dog and wag her tail.”

Miller said that even though she knew she was raising Molasses to eventually sell, it still hurt to see the pig being sold and taken away.

“It was really hard for me to see her get on the trailer and leave,” Miller said. “It took me a while to learn that the time she spent with me was probably the best way that she could have lived her life.”