Enid Public Schools is pleased to announce the donation of $40,000 from Alva State Bank to the Enid High School Agricultural Education program. An initial donation of $25,000 was donated during the summer of 2024 with an additional $15,000 being gifted this winter.
The funds will be used to assist in the purchase of a truck to pull the trailer that was purchased this summer by their initial investment. These will be used to transport livestock to Future Farmers of America (FFA) shows.
Mark Hager, program director, said that the support of the community will have a positive impact on the program for years to come.
“Starting the new program in Enid has been an honor and privilege but would not be possible without the generous support of the local business and individuals,” said Hager. “I am extremely grateful for the support from the Alva State Bank, the Wisdom Family and Brad Boeckman.”
There are currently 68 students enrolled in the EHS Agriculture Education program and student interest continues to grow. EHS had one student show a goat at the Garfield County Fair this school year and two more students have purchased heifers to be shown. Students also participated in the State Junior Conduct of Meeting contest and placed in the top 10.
Dr. Dudley Darrow, superintendent, expressed his heartfelt thanks for this generous donation and to the community actively supporting this new but vital program at EHS.
"On behalf of Enid Public Schools, I extend our sincerest thanks to the Wisdom Family, Alva State Bank, and Executive Vice President Brad Boeckman for their incredibly generous financial support,” said Darrow. “These invaluable donations from the Wisdom Family have been instrumental in alleviating financial obstacles students would typically have and allow instructors to focus on providing students with the best possible learning experiences. We are deeply grateful for the commitment to our program and the positive impact it will have on the lives of our students."
Brad Boeckman, Executive Vice President of Alva State Bank, expanded on their desire to support EHS students.
“Alva State Bank and the Wisdom Family are proud to help with the start-up of Enid Public Schools new FFA program,” said Boeckman. “As ag lenders, the bank is very aware of the need for quality agricultural education”.
The FFA helps students develop their talents and explore agricultural career pathways. The organization's goals include: premier leadership, personal growth, career success, building communities and strengthening American agriculture. The FFA is the largest student-led organization in the United State with more than 1 million members.
Photo caption: Dr. Dudley Darrow accepts check donation from Alva State Bank Executive Vice President, Brad Boeckman.