OXFORD – Oxford Academy hosted national and state officers from the Future Farmers of America (FFA) as part of their 1,600 mile tour of the state Tuesday morning. The purpose of the FFA is to provide youths with unique opportunities to learn leadership skills and better prepare themselves for the future.

Although Oxford’s FFA chapter has a long history, the program had etiolated in recent years. Three years ago, Oxford agricultural teacher and long-time FFA member Crystal Aukema took the reins of the faltering chapter and began to breathe fresh life into the program. Yesterday, FFA officers from as far away as Alaska congratulated Oxford students on reinvigorating their chapter.

Last year, two Oxford students secured an award handed out to only 16 other New York State FFA members. Thomas Ryan and Megan Golden were the recipients of special FFA jackets with their names embroidered below the right lapel.