Laurens Electric Cooperative’s Pay It Forward Program Supports Clinton High School’s FFA Chapter

Laurens Electric Cooperative’s Pay It Forward initiative continues to make a positive impact in the community, with Member Service Representative Kerington Armstrong recently donating $500 to Clinton High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter. The donation will help the chapter send students on trips and competitions, enriching their education and experiences in agriculture.

Shayne Faulkner, an advisor for the Clinton High School FFA chapter, expressed gratitude for the generous support. “Our club relies heavily on sponsors and donors to create the many opportunities for our students. This money will help to send us on trips and competitions with other high school FFA chapters from across the state. Every dollar makes a big difference, and we are so grateful for your support.”

The Clinton High School FFA chapter raises funds through raffles and plant sales, has hosted regional swine shows, and provides students the opportunity to attend FFA camps. The nationwide program boasts 9,235 local chapters and over 1 million students who participate in activities designed to prepare the next generation for careers in agriculture and related fields.

Founded in 1928, the Future Farmers of America’s mission is to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the challenges of feeding a growing global population. As FFA’s website explains, “Agriculture is more than planting and harvesting – it’s a science, it’s a business, and it’s an art.” The program emphasizes the Three Components of Agricultural Education:

• Classroom/Laboratory instruction

• Supervised Agricultural Experience programs

• Student leadership organizations

Kerington Armstrong shared her perspective on the value of the FFA program. “FFA is more than just farming. It helps students develop leadership, communication, and career skills. These programs prepare students for careers in agriculture, science, technology, business, and much more! Supporting a local chapter will help fund scholarships or cover the cost for students to participate in competitions, educational trips such as state conventions, and hands-on learning opportunities.”

The Pay It Forward program, which began in 2015, allows Laurens Electric Cooperative employees to contribute to local causes of their choice. Each month, one employee is randomly selected to receive $500, which they can use for an act of kindness within the community. The funds for this initiative are provided through Laurens Electric’s charity events, which are made possible by employee volunteers. The program is designed to be budget-neutral, ensuring that the cooperative continues to serve its community in meaningful ways.