November 4, 2023 Issue, Page 8 of 12

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8 - The Elk City News November 4, 2023 Local FFA Member Awarded National American FFA Degree Pictured are Merritt 5th Grade students that attended STARBASE, Burns Flat during the week of October 30-No- INDIANAPOLIS (Sat, Nov FEA Degree. vember 3. STARBASE is a STEM Academy that is fully funded by the federal Department of Defense and costs nothing 5, 2023 /National FFA Orga- Each recipient of the for public schools or homeschool groups to attend. STARBASE is a youth outreach program geared to Sth grade students nization) ~ Each year, the Na- American FEA Degree receives throughout western Oklahoma and strives to captivate students’ interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & tional FFA Organization hon- a gold American FFA Degree Math.) ors FFA members who show key and certificate after be- the utmost dedication to the ing recognized at the national Students attend STARBASE Academy organization through their desire to develop their poten- convention. ‘The National FFA Organi- tial for premier leadership, zation is a school-based na- Students attend STAR- ent food items to donate to This helps students to con- are going to expect our stu- personal growth, and career tional youth leadership devel- success through agricultural opment organization of more BASE Academy for 25 hours of the food pantry at Western tinue their education with less dents to be difference makers than 945,000 student mem- “hands on, minds on” experi- Technology Center in Burns stress. in our communities, we have education. bers as part of 9,163 local to give them the opportunity ‘The American FFA Degree ments, which align to Sth grade Flat, called P. Willy's. P. Willy's The STARBASE staff and is bestowed upon a select FFA chapters in all 50 states, to do so!” Puerto Rico and the U.S, Vir- math and science standards set is a resource center for local Merritt Sth graders partnered More information can be group of students in recogni- gin Islands by the State of Oklahoma. high school students that at- together in the food drive as found about STARBASE, Burns tion of their years of academic About National FFA Orga- These Merritt students tend WTC. They provide food, an outreach project. Director Flat on their Facebook page or and professional excellence. nization helped collect over 185 differ- personal items and clothing. Shannan Cloud stated, “If we at wwwstarbaseok.org. ‘This year over 4,400 American ‘The National FFA Organiza- Degrees were awarded. tion is a school-based national Blake Miller, a member of youth leadership development or- SWODA Aging Services offers respite to caregivers the Elk City FFA chapter in Elk City, Oklahoma was awarded ‘ganization of more than 945,000 the American FFA Degree at student members as part of the 96th National FFA Con- 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 By Joanie Swanson, that may benefit many care- sistance due to a cognitive or maintain their own health, and vention & Expo on November states, Puerto Rico, and the US. SWODA AAA Information givers in southwestern Okla- other mental impairment.” have reduced levels of stress if 4, 2023. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission andAssistance Specialist homa. Also served are individuals they can get away from the re- Sponsored by Cargill, Case is to make a positive difference The SWODA AAA provides 55 years of age or older who sponsibilities of providing care IH, Elanco Animal Health, and in the lives ofstudents by devel- November is National respite services for eli care for grandchildren, step- even if for only a few hours. Syngenta, the award recogniz- oping their potential for premier Family Caregivers Month. This caregivers in partnership with grandchildren, or children re- Respite does just that. It pro- es demonstrated ability and leadership, personal growth, and month, caregivers are honored the Department of Human lated by blood or marriage and vides a way for a caregiver to outstanding achievements in for their dedication in tak- Services, Aging Services Divi- who live with the child, serve get out of the everyday rou- agricultural business, produc- career success through agricultur- ing care of their loved ones. sion. Caregivers are defined as as primary caregiver, and have tine of caring for their loved tion, processing, or service al education. For more, visit the It is important that caregiv- “people of any age caring for a legal relationship with the one. For example, a caregiver programs. National FFA Organization on- ers know they are not alone someone 60years of age or old- child (custody, guardianship, has the option of using respite To be eligible, FFA mem- line at FFA.org and on Facebook, in their struggle to help their er with two Activities of Daily or raising child informally). services to go to a doctor's ap- bers must have earned at least Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. loved ones. The South Western Living impairments (dressing, The child must be no older pointment, get their hair done, $10,000 or earned at least About National FFA Founda: Oklahoma Development Au- bathing, eating, transferring, than eighteen years. visit friends at a coffee shop, or $2,000 and worked at least tion thority (SWODA) Area Agency toileting, or walking) and/ Studies have shown that even go to a movie. 2,250 hrs outside of class time ‘The NationalFFA Foundation on Aging (AAA) has a program or requiring substantial as- caregivers will give better care, ‘These services are funded in through a supervised agricul- builds partnerships with indus- part by state and Older Ameri- tural experience (SAE) pro- try, education, government, other cans Act funds from SWODA AAA and DHS Aging Services gram in which they own their foundations, and individuals to It is the policy of SWODA own business, hold a profes- secure financial resources that AAA to serve all individuals sional position as an employ- recognize FFA member achieve- Comforting! who are eligible for its pro- ee, or conduct research. Recip- ments, develop student leaders grams without regard of race, ients must also complete 50 and support the future of agri- national origin, ancestry, color, hours of community service cultural education. A separately religion, gender, age, or dis- and demonstrate outstanding registered nonprofit organization, ability. leadership abilities and civic the foundation is governed by a To apply for respite ser- involvement through comple- board of trustees that includes cot tee p vices, a caregiver should call tion of a long list of FFA and the national FFA president, edu- Joanie Swanson at SWODA AAA 1-800-627-4882, ext. community activities. Less cators, business leaders and in- 126, or directly at 580-562- than one percent of FFA mem- dividual donors. For more, visit 5026. bers achieve the American FEA.org/Give. (@ First 100 VETERNS Drive thru so we can say Friday, Nov. 10, 2023 THANK YOU! 7am till we run out SCAN FOR MORE S$ @ 40d E SRD STREET INFORMATION ABOUT PREVENTION ELK CITY, OK! EFFORTS IN Fr Fe, Havpy Veterans Day Services Administration, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, SWODA, and local coalitions.