02-25-26 Commissioners Issue Proclamation Honoring FFA Week In Douglas County (Photo) - 02/25/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 25, 2026

Commissioners Issue Proclamation Honoring FFA Week in Douglas County

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman are pleased to issue a proclamation recognizing February 21-28, 2026, as FFA Week in Douglas County prior to and during their weekly business meeting on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Douglas County Courthouse.  The proclamation was read by Commissioner and Board Chair Tom Kress on behalf of all three Commissioners and recognizes the important role that the FFA youth programs and agricultural education classes in our local high schools play in providing a strong foundation for youth to excel in leadership roles, realize personal goals, and obtain valuable tools to prepare them for real-world success.  A copy of the outdoor and indoor video presentations can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment or on our YouTube Channel youtube.com/watch?v=UGZyJQLZUns.

“What a great group we have here today!  Every time I go to one of your (FFA) judging competitions, I leave just blown away at how well you do and how well you are prepared.  I tell people that if they ever get a chance to watch FFA competitions, they should do it, because it is pretty amazing.  You are all pretty amazing!  We support our local FFA programs, not only personally, but also at the County because of who you are and how bright our future is because of you,“ commented Board Chair and Commissioner Tom Kress. 

Forty-nine high school FFA students and eight agriculture science teachers and advisors, representing seven of the ten Douglas County FFA Chapters attended the proclamation ceremony at the Douglas County Courthouse.   Douglas County’s FFA Chapters include Camas Valley, Days Creek, Douglas, Elkton, Glendale, Glide, Oakland, Roseburg, South Umpqua and Sutherlin.  In total, Douglas County has over 1,200 youths that participate in FFA competitions, livestock rearing and leadership programs annually. Receiving a proclamation from Commissioner Tom Kress and representing their FFA Chapters today were Anthony Storns, Glide FFA; Ryder Murphy, Sutherlin FFA; Juniper Crocker, Roseburg FFA; Ariel Parsons, Elkton FFA; Katelynn Simpson, Camas Valley FFA; Natalia Harris, Days Creek FFA, and Madeleine Gosselin, South Umpqua FFA.  A special shoutout to Douglas, Glendale and Oakland FFA Chapters that were not able to attend today.  Also joining us today were FFA Members & Advisors from: Days Creek FFA – Chyson Hayes, Landon Smith, Eli Pickett, Rowen White, Nymara Gideon, and Advisor Katie Michaels; Roseburg FFA: Holly Britton, Jasmine Olson, Hannah Dammann, Brenden Matz, Sophia Jones, Brodie Boggs, Quintin Pederson, Taylor Johnson, Quinn Coopride, Aidan Morrow, Marek Dewbre, Royal Grayner, and Advisor Cailey Powell; South Umpqua FFA: Teagan Powell, Shayla Carnes, Grace Shadbolt, Ian Vernoy, Emily Huse, Catalina Rodriguez, San Quinn, Ivy Scroggins, and Advisors Justin Hulse and Kyle Huntley; Camas Valley FFA: Susan Simpson, Tayten Jones, Alillyana Parret, and Advisor Heather Brown; Elkton FFA: Jastrut Brar, Ariel Parsons, and Braden Groth; Glide FFA: Zoey Nederhood, Holland Towne, Blake Miller, Hayden Mendenhall, Montana Holcomb, and Advisor Ben Kercher; Sutherlin FFA: Reece Sandberg, Noah Magana, Camila Castillon, Nathaniel Cook, Lyon Peng, Khloe Grotting, Samera Lopez, Morgan Singleton, and Advisor Wes Crawford. 

“The FFA students are really the expectation of what FFA does.  They are the faces here.  It is an example of what we are trying to achieve.  On behalf of the Ag Teachers in the room, I want to say thanks very much to the Commissioners for having us here today.  Today is not a one-time thing when it comes to our interactions with the Commissioners.  So, our thanks is not just for today, but for your year-long consistent and authentic support for what ag education does and for what FFA does for students.  We see you (Commissioners) all year round at judging events and supporting activities and that is really appreciated.  What we are trying to make sure is that when our time with these kids is done, they leave and are ready to be useful citizens in our democracy.  They know that the real-life experiences that we can provide them through career and technical education - that they can have a voice and influence – and not only is that powerful, but it is seen and appreciated by our community,” remarked Wes Crawford, Sutherlin FFA Chapter Advisor and Umpqua District Advisor which includes Douglas and Coos Counties.

In addition to the presentation of proclamations to each chapter by the Commissioners, all local FFA members were invited to stay for the Board of Commissioners Weekly Business Meeting and say a few words about why FFA is important to them. Umpqua District President Camila Castillon Gordian from Sutherlin FFA and Umpqua District Vice President Noah Magana from Sutherlin FFA spoke on behalf of the Umpqua District. 

“On behalf of FFA members across our district, I just want to say thank you Commissioners for recognizing FFA Week and for supporting agricultural education in our community.  FFA has truly shaped who I am.  When I first joined, I would never have imagined I would be where I am now.  Through FFA, I have gained confidence, learned how to lead and developed a passion for serving others.  I know my story is not unique, across our district there are students discovering their strengths, building friendships and learning skills that they will carry far beyond high school.  FFA is more than just agriculture, it’s about preparing young people to step up, work hard, and give back to their communities.  It teaches responsibility, resilience and the importance of being involved.  In a world that is constantly changing, those lessons matter more than ever.  Your support has shown us that we are valued and investing in students truly makes a difference.  We are incredibly grateful for that.  Thank you, Commissioners, for believing in agricultural education and the future of our generation,” stated Umpqua District President Camila Castillon Gordian from Sutherlin FFA. 

“Thank you, Commissioners, for inviting us here today.  National FFA Week is more than just wearing the blue corduroy jacket.  It’s about celebrating an organization that prepares the next generation of leaders.  Being a part of FFA ensures that the students will thrive in our society.  This organization gives members the opportunity to exit their comfort zone and grow into wonderful young men and women.  FFA installs a belief built on community service.  FFA is worth more than this blue jacket.  It’s worth learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live and living to serve.  Thank for believing in us and supporting us in each of our journeys,” commented Umpqua District Vice President Noah Magana from Sutherlin FFA

FFA and agricultural education programs help to provide a future for food production, the fiber industry and natural resource systems, by ensuring a steady supply of young professionals to meet the growing needs in the art, science, business and technology of agriculture in the United States and beyond.  FFA is a national youth organization, founded in 1928 as “Future Farmers of America” and officially renamed “FFA” in 1988 to reflect the growing diversity and new opportunities in the industry of agriculture.  The Commissioners also want to recognize that the national FFA youth program is not just for students who want to be production farmers, but welcomes members who aspire to be future chemists, veterinarians, government officials, bankers, entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, scientists, international business leaders, and leading professionals in many other career fields.

“One of my favorite parts of this job is the opportunity to work with young people and teaching essential skills.  Everything from business to production agriculture to forestry to more importantly interpersonal communications – which includes shaking hands and doing business face-to-face.  Thank you to the county for your support.  And especially to our three Commissioners who truly put their money where their mouth is in supporting FFA in Douglas County - from attending fair activities to dinner auctions to other events where they spend money out of their own pockets to support our members on their road to success.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the opportunity to be here today and for supporting our mission,” remarked Ben Kersher, Advisor Glide FFA. 

“What an amazing morning.  It’s not just about recognizing you here today, it’s all year long.  We are always excited and happy to get invited to and be at your events.  At each of those events the way you students represent yourself and your school and your community is amazing.  We get to witness what really are some of the best youth in our communities.  We look forward to your future and those coming in behind you.  We are always here if there is something we can help you with- please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.  We truly do appreciate the effort you all put into FFA.  But also in a very real way, what you are going to turn into is important to our community,” stated Commissioner Tim Freeman.

Following the Business Meeting the Sutherlin FFA Chapter thanked and presented all three Commissioners with special ‘Proud to Support Sutherlin FFA” signs to place in their front yards. 

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Media Contacts:   Tamara Howell | Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Attached: Proclamation & Photos © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County.