Gravette High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter has earned the National Organization’s highest honor, the 3-Star Chapter designation, for the second year in a row! This year, Gravette is the only chapter in Arkansas to receive this distinction.
The National Chapter Award Program recognizes FFA chapters that advance the organization’s mission by growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. To qualify, chapters must complete at least 15 activities, meeting specific standards in each of the three program divisions. Only chapters earning a gold rating at the state level are eligible for a national star rating.
The 2025-2026 FFA Chapter. From left to right, Front: Svea Stauffacher, Maddilyn Vollweider, Maddilyn Samuelson, Owen Merworth, Chase Gibson. Back: Suzannah Macleod (Instructor), Jarett Fort, Colton Bell, Will Gillespie, Kaden Fox, Owen Thurlo, Justin Malott (Instructor)
“To be recognized as a National 3-Star Chapter is such a huge honor,” said Gravette High School Agriculture Science instructor and FFA advisor Suzannah Macleod. “We are so proud of our chapter and kids for all of the hard work they put in year after year. We’re thrilled to be recognized on stage at the National FFA Convention this October.”
The 3-Star designation honors chapters that go above and beyond in three key areas: growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Each year, Gravette’s officer team builds a Program of Activities around these pillars, and the National FFA evaluates their success based on completed activities.
Recent projects include:
Cultivating Curiosity - Partnering with Gravette Upper Elementary to read agriculture-related books to 4th and 5th graders, teach the importance of agriculture, and introduce students to FFA programs (with bunnies and chicks making an appearance).
Eggs for Others - Donating all eggs collected from the middle school chicken coop to the local food pantry each week, now expanded to include vegetable produce from the campus garden.
Lions Gear Up for Winter - Organizing a sock and coat drive, resulting in donations of over 41 coats, 168 pairs of socks, 2 winter beanies, 12 pairs of gloves, and 1 blanket to the 7Hills Homeless Shelter in Fayetteville.
Back to School Bash - Hosting a board game night at Gravette High School to connect with agriculture students and families, serving walking tacos and ice cream to more than 150 attendees.
FFA members also take part in community service projects, including installing a fence for the Glenn Duffy Elementary outdoor classroom, rebuilding the fence at Maysville Cemetery, assisting at high school concession stands, and providing petting zoos for district events.
The Gravette FFA hard at work installing a new fence for the Maysville Cemetery. The corner posts, crafted by our ag mechanics classes this past school year.
Future Farmers of America is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership, and it is one of the three components of agricultural education. Any student enrolled in an agriculture class at the high school or middle school is eligible to participate in activities and competitions. Gravette FFA offers classes beginning in 7th and 8th grade, with opportunities to advance through animal science and agriculture mechanics pathways at the high school.
Gravette’s 3-Star recognition comes with an invitation to be recognized on stage at the National FFA Convention in October, a moment that will celebrate the accomplishments of its students and the strength of agricultural education in the district.
Last year's FFA team celebrating Easter holiday by helping with face painting at the Glenn Duffy Elementary Easter egg hunt.
