News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Van Buren County High School FFA building benches for this year’s fundraiser.
Van Buren High Agriculture Teacher Lance Smith said before the building process, he teaches the students basic skills like how to read a tape measure, use the tools, and goes over safety. Smith said the club does a fundraiser similar to this one each year to help pay for club expenses, jackets, and tools.
“All the money that’s raised for this fundraiser goes right back into FFA which, in turn, goes right back into the students in some way, shape, form or fashion,” Smith said.
Smith said community members have been very supportive of this fundraiser in the past which has allowed allowed the club to branch out and build various things for other counties and even surrounding states.
“Each bench or each item has a plan, the kids are given the plan and we kind of just take it step-by-step,” Smith said, “I walk around and facilitate. Any questions that they may have, I’m glad to help them out, and we go from there.”
Smith said he hopes the students learn basic carpentry skills and responsibility throughout this project.
“I tell them on day one, you know, this has your name on it, my name on it, Van Buren County High School’s name on it,” Smith said. “Let’s do it, and do it with pride. If people (are) going to spend their hard earned money on something for us. Lets make it good.”
Community members can place orders now through the school. The cost ranges between $60 and $75 per bench.
