GENTRY, AR — Gentry FFA has reached a new milestone, earning a National 3-Star Rating for its Program of Activities from the National FFA Organization — the first time in the chapter’s history it has achieved the distinction.

A National 3-Star rating places Gentry FFA among chapters recognized at the highest level of the National Chapter Award rating system. Three-Star chapters are also eligible to compete for additional National FFA recognition, including Premier Chapter awards and Model of Excellence honors.

The National Chapter Award Program recognizes FFA chapters that actively put the organization’s mission and strategies into action. According to the National FFA Organization, chapters receiving national ratings demonstrate strong chapter operations through the National Quality Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that provides educational experiences for members while emphasizing three key areas: Growing Leaders, Building Communities and Strengthening Agriculture.

To qualify for state or national recognition, chapters must complete at least 15 activities — five activities aligned with each of the three divisions — and meet the requirements of the National Quality Chapter Standards. State Gold-rated chapters are eligible to compete for National FFA 3-Star, 2-Star or 1-Star ratings.

For Gentry FFA, the 3-Star distinction represents much more than an award. It reflects the breadth of opportunities provided to students throughout the year and the chapter’s commitment to developing students through agricultural education, leadership, service and hands-on experiences.

“This 3-Star rating is something we are incredibly proud of because it represents the work our students have put in throughout the entire year,” said Wendy Jackson, Gentry High School agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. “FFA is about so much more than competitions and awards. It’s about giving students opportunities to grow as leaders, serve their community, develop real-world skills and explore the many possibilities within agriculture. Seeing our students take ownership of these experiences and watching them grow along the way is what makes this recognition so meaningful. This is a tremendous accomplishment for Gentry FFA, and I’m so proud of every student who helped make it possible.”

The National FFA's mission is to develop students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. National FFA also identifies its vision as providing the next generation of leaders who will change the world.

“Growing Leaders, Building Communities and Strengthening Agriculture” can be seen throughout the experiences Gentry FFA students have throughout the school year — from leadership opportunities and community involvement to supervised agricultural experiences and hands-on projects.

One recent example is the chapter’s Pullet Chain program, which culminated in a competitive show featuring nine Gentry FFA students.

Students spent the year raising and caring for their pullets, gaining hands-on experience with animal care, responsibility and agricultural practices. Some of the pullets had even begun laying eggs by the time of the show.

Gentry students earned numerous first, second and third-place ribbons during the competition.

Among the top results were:

• Gus Franzen

  — Reserve Champion FFA Pen

• Tommy Holland

  — Third Overall FFA Pen

• Trinity Jacks

  — FFA Showmanship Champion

• Presley Holland

  — Second Place FFA Showmanship

While the awards and ribbons are an exciting part of the experience, the Pullet Chain program illustrates the educational opportunities at the heart of Gentry FFA’s mission. Students learn through experience, take responsibility for agricultural projects and develop skills that can extend well beyond the classroom.

Students participating in this year’s Pullet Chain program are already looking ahead to next year, and Gentry FFA plans to provide information for students interested in participating in the program in February or March 2027.

The National FFA Organization describes the National Chapter Award Program as the “gold standard” for recognizing chapters that actively implement the FFA mission and strategies. Nationally recognized chapters demonstrate that FFA is not simply an organization students join — it is an educational experience through which students can develop leadership skills, serve their communities and explore opportunities within agriculture and related career fields.

About Gentry Public Schools

Gentry Public Schools is committed to providing students with opportunities to discover their strengths, develop their talents and prepare for success in college, careers and life. Through programs such as FFA and Career and Technical Education, students gain valuable hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities.