Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders, Giving Back to Rural Communities
Tri-Valley High School is set in the rural town of Downs, Ill., but majority of students do not have traditional farming backgrounds. So, the chapter’s FFA advisors make it their mission to expose as many students as they can to the importance of agriculture in their local community, state and nation.
“Regardless of the career students pursue, the skillset they learn in FFA can benefit them,” notes Shelby Davis, Tri-Valley FFA advisor. “Exposing them to the opportunities in agriculture can open their eyes.”
Maggie St. Peters was first introduced to the Tri-Valley FFA Chapter as a high schooler. After a successful FFA career, ending with a run for state office, her interest in supporting the chapter has never wavered. As an active member of the alumni chapter, Maggie has given her talents to help the chapter grow tomorrow’s agricultural leaders like her son, who is now a member himself.
“This FFA program helps students gain leadership skills and experiences – the same ones I learned and now use on a daily basis in my career,” says Maggie. St. Peters, Illinois Giving Tuesday contest winner. “Watching my son grow through this program and see the impact from generation to generation has been really cool.”
As recipients of the $2,500 Giving Tuesday donation in Illinois, Tri-Valley FFA will work to further improve student experience and offer more opportunities.
Pictured above (from L to R): Maggie St. Peters, Compeer Financial’s Illinois winner of the 2024 Giving Tuesday contest; Zoey McCartney, Tri-Valley FFA Chapter president; Shelby Davis, Tri-Valley FFA Chapter advisor; Keith Detwiler, Compeer team member
“We really appreciate the support from Compeer and our local community – especially seeing how much our work means to the St. Peters family. It’s important to the students and teachers that our hard work is recognized year-after-year.”
This isn’t the first time Tri-Valley has benefited from support from Compeer. They are a two-time agriculture classroom equipment grant program recipient.
The Tri-Valley FFA Chapter was selected as a winner of Compeer Financial’s Giving Tuesday 2024 contest, which gave winners the opportunity to designate a $2,500 donation to their favorite local organization. Three winners were chosen – one from each state in Compeer’s service area. Check out the heartwarming stories from the other two winners:
- MINNESOTA: Kyle Miller designated his donation to the Zion Lutheran Food Pantry
- WISCONSIN: Lance Kamm gave back to the Baldwin Wide Awake 4-H Club
Feeding Hope in Rural Communities, One Meal …
Zion Lutheran Food Pantry is helping neighbors in need with meals and a food pantry. This Giving Tuesday, their impact grew even more with the help of Compeer.
A Gift That Grows, Supporting Youth Service …
The Wide Awake 4-H Club, driven by a mission of service and agriculture education, will use a $2,500 gift to inspire and uplift their Wisconsin community.
Donations Uplift Rural Communities on Giving…
Compeer Financial supports food pantry, FFA chapter and 4-H club in rural communities across three states after Giving Tuesday contest winners are announced.