CEDAR RAPIDS — The Solon High School National Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA) has a new partnership this year with Cedar Rapids Prairie High School. Previously, Solon FFA was combined with the West Branch FFA.

“The partnership with Prairie has gone well this school year, and we will continue to work on the logistics and schedule to reduce class time missed at SHS for those students attending Prairie for their ag courses,” said Solon Principal Drew Bunkers.

In his first year as principal at Solon High School, Bunkers said the community has been largely supportive of the new collaboration and is focused on providing students with the best possible opportunities to explore their interests.

“We have a student population interested in ag courses, yet not enough to employ a full-time ag teacher here at Solon High School,” Bunkers said. “This partnership still allows students to have quality classroom experiences related to agriculture within a reasonable distance of our high school.”

18 students at Solon High School are enrolled in FFA and are taking an introduction to agriculture course, a yearlong class that meets every other day, according to Bunkers. He emphasized the benefits of FFA involvement, saying the district has seen substantial positive impacts.

“I believe student involvement in FFA helps build leadership skills that are essential to their development as both students and individuals,” Bunkers said. “This benefits the community as well because students take those skills and bring them into their employment.”

Kristy Thomann, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Cedar Rapids Prairie High School, agrees. “FFA is a national organization that promotes premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education,” Thomann said. “FFA provides numerous opportunities for students to become leaders in their school and community.”

Beyond the classroom, Prairie and Solon students also have access to the Prairie Agricultural Facility, which opened in fall 2022. The 6,400-square-foot building sits on more than 150 acres of farmland, offering students a hands-on learning environment in a variety of agricultural topics. Many students say the facility is a highlight of the program, and Solon students Kaden Recker and Jack Steinbrech cited the opportunity to visit the building as their favorite part of the new partnership. Other Solon students have embraced the new connections they’ve made through the program.

“One major highlight is being able to meet new people and connect our school districts,” said Alannah Mahoney. “Before doing FFA, I didn’t know anyone from Prairie other than some family members. Now, I have friends and peers that I know through school.”

Students also said they enjoyed workshops, attending conventions, the jacket ceremony, and learning fundamental FFA values.

“The organization is extremely hands-on, and it offers multiple contests, training, and workshops for students to strive for success and build on their personal and career related skills,” Thomann said. She added that the benefits of the program extend beyond skills and career development. “The goal of the program is to always help students find their place in agriculture, regardless of their previous knowledge or background,” Thomann said.

Overall, the program has been well received in both communities. “The students involved in the ag program have had a very positive experience, and I believe having the ag partnership with Prairie has provided them opportunities that otherwise would not be available,” Bunkers said.