Talawanda students showcase FFA achievements and district music program reports strong season

Students and staff presented two separate program reports at the May 15 board meeting: a year recap from the Butler Tech/Talawanda FFA chapter and a summary of achievements from the district’s K–12 music department.

FFA highlights: Student officers reported chapter membership (63 members), an increase in course enrollment and more than $144,000 and 8,000 SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) hours logged this year. The chapter cited community service projects, a $5,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Agriculture for a "Farmer Recharge" safety initiative, and career‑development event placements including a seventh‑place state finish in Food Science and expansion of programming to include middle‑school students (eighth grade), which officers said could boost membership by about 37 students next year.

Music department: K–12 music department chair Mike Morrison reviewed a year of concerts, honor‑band selections and ensemble awards. He noted district students’ participation in the Ohio Music Educators Association district honor ensembles, top finishes at Music in the Parks competitions, and combined events including a Pan‑Rocks steel‑pan concert at Miami University. Morrison emphasized growth in ensemble skill levels and noted several combined concerts between middle and high school ensembles.

Why this matters: Both presentations highlight extracurricular programming that supports student leadership, career pathways and arts education — factors districts cite as important to student engagement and community support.

Direct quotes: "Smart kids are good at music, and music makes kids smart," Morrison said, summarizing the department’s view on arts education.

Ending: Board members thanked students, advisors and music staff for their work; the FFA officers and music teachers said they will expand outreach and programming next year.