South Central Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor TJ Bolin (left) is presented the WJBD-WSIQ Teacher of the Week award by WJBD-WSIQ General Manager Bruce Kropp.
South Central Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor TJ Bolin says COVID-19 has resulted in changes, but not stopping the program’s various activities.
Bolin is this week’s WJBD-WSIQ Teacher of the Week.
“I know we had to adapt and we just felt like we needed to be doing something for the students and community as well. Things are different and it’s different in the classroom but we are probably a little more active in our local community than what we would have been on a normal year. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. We are finding the silver lining in this COVID year.”
One of those new activities is going into the fields to the farmers bringing in their crops.
“We served about 150 meals to farmers and another 50 bags or so we were able to give to other businesses in our community. Also delivered some to firefighters fighting a field fire that evening. It worked out really well. The community really appreciated it and we were glad to do it.”
Competitions between schools are still taking place, but either in smaller numbers with social distancing or on-line in virtual events.
Bolin is in his 4th year as South Central Agriculture Teacher and feels blessed with 45 FFA members and other students taking his classes.
“Just working with the students on a daily basis. Being able to help them achieve their goals. Whether it’s with the record book, learning something in class, meeting students across the country from various states that have similar interests. They are getting to connect with them and ultimately become better citizens in the long run.”
Bolin says the FFA is also strengthened by a very active alumni group that is supportive of their projects. He also counts on large agriculture businesses in the community for support.
If you would like to nominate a teacher for the WJBD-WSIQ Teacher of the Week you can do so by filling out a nomination form. Look for the link on the home page of WJBDradio.com.
South Central FFA members Mitchell Brauer, Victoria Iler, Dennis Wollin, and Kayley Lacey, preparing bags and giving them to a farmer during the Farmer Appreciation Lunch recently provided by South Central FFA members.
Mitchell Brauer delivers a food bag to a farmer who is harvesting soybeans. Most of the supplies were bought using a Thrivent grant and the desserts were donated by community members.
