History of White Oak FFA

In the spring of 2003, White Oak ISD had two shop teachers retiring at the same time. Scott Floyd, a middle school teacher at the time, approached Dr. Richard Montgomery, Superintendent, about the possibility of starting an FFA/ag science program in place of the shop programs to better diversify course offerings to students while also providing leadership and scholarship opportunities at the same time. Dr. Montgomery put together a committee of Mr. Floyd, Ronnie Hinkle (MS principal), and Michael Gilbert (HS principal) to study the possibility. After three months of reviewing programs and having state level specialists visit and provide input, it was decided this would be a great opportunity for our students. Unfortunately, Mr. Gilbert left the district before the board presentation, and for a myriad of reasons, the board did not receive the information to move forward with the program and the new high school principal hired another shop teacher.

Fast forward 10 years and the high school shop teacher was retiring. Mr. Floyd once again approached the superintendent, now, ironically, Michael Gilbert, about the possibility. With his approval, he approached Dan Noll, the HS principal about the chance of starting an FFA/ag science program. Mr. Noll agreed to post the job opening for an ag science teacher and see what the reply would be. Fortunately, applications started to flow in and Mr. Noll hired Roger Jones to be the founding teacher and start the inaugural White Oak FFA program in the fall of 2013.

By the fall of 2015, the program had grown so much that a second teacher, Morgan Meyer was hired. Two years later in 2017, a third teacher Kahyon Freeman was added to the program.

In the fall of 2016, White Oak FFA Alumni was formed to financially support the chapter for travel expenses with the long term goal of providing scholarships to graduates who are active members of White Oak FFA.

FFA members graduating in the Class of 2017 received the first graduation cords given by the White Oak FFA Alumni to graduates who spent all four years in the WOFFA program.

FFA members graduating in the Class of 2019 received the first scholarships awarded by the White Oak FFA Alumni to deserving, active members. The scholarships totaled $4000.

In the fall of 2020, the White Oak FFA Alumni approached the district about donating roughly $31,000 to build an ag barn learning facility. The school board approved the project and also added another $50,000. The ground breaking and building completion occurred in the fall of 2021 marking the first time White Oak ISD had an animal science program on grounds for students who did not have the facilities at their homes.