Senate Resolution No. 2661
BY: Senator METZGER
MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
February 22-29, 2020, 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 22-29, 2020,
as FFA Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance
of National FFA Week; and
WHEREAS, The FFA motto: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to
Live, Living to Serve, gives direction and purpose to those students who
take an active role in succeeding in agricultural education and
leadership; 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, FFA develops members' potential and helps them to discover
their talent through hands-on experiences, giving the tools to achieve
real-world success; these members are future chemists, veterinarians,
government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business
leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields; and
WHEREAS, In the past year alone, New York FFA has experienced a 60
percent increase; they have been recognized as having the highest
percentage of membership increase nationally in 2019; with 12 new
chapters in that same year, that brings the total of new chapters in the
last few years to 41 across New York; 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, promoting citizenship, volunteerism, patriotism
and cooperation; and
WHEREAS, Agricultural education and FFA ensure a steady supply of
young professionals to meet the growing needs in the science, business
and technology of agriculture; 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 22-29, 2020,
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.