Routt FFA chapter already immersed in community service projects
By Ben Cox
Photos/Special to The Source
The newly established Routt Catholic High School FFA chapter is already making a strong impression through community service, student leadership and support from local partners.
On Dec. 3, 2025, Routt Catholic High School students officially signed the charter to become a recognized FFA chapter, marking an important first milestone for agricultural education at the school.
Even before the charter signing, the chapter received an early boost of support. In November 2025, RCHS FFA was honored with a $225 donation from Farm Credit Illinois.
“Their generosity makes a lasting impact on our program by providing opportunities, resources, and hands-on experiences for our students,” said chapter sponsor Allison Wheeler in a Facebook post on Dec. 8. “Thank you for investing in the future of agriculture and in the success of our students at Routt Catholic High School. Your support is helping grow the next generation of leaders, innovators, and stewards of our industry.”
Community members or businesses interested in supporting Routt Catholic High School FFA can contact Wheeler by email at awheeler@routtcatholic.com.
The chapter also wrapped up its AgXperience after-school program on Dec. 8. The program, designed for students in grades six through eight, introduced younger students to agriculture and FFA through hands-on activities, teamwork, leadership-building and real-world agricultural experiences.
To conclude the program, participants drew pictures of themselves as future FFA members and set personal goals they will revisit when they enter high school. The drawings and goals reflect students’ aspirations and enthusiasm for agricultural education, highlighting a bright future for FFA at both Routt Catholic High School and Our Saviour School.
Service has been another cornerstone of the new chapter. On Dec. 12, 2025, RCHS FFA members rang bells for The Salvation Army at Buchheit from 6-8 p.m., helping raise funds to support local families in need.
“Service and giving back are a big part of who we are at Routt Catholic High School and within FFA,” Wheeler said. “Opportunities like this allow our members to live out the values of leadership, service and community involvement.”
The chapter gained wider recognition on Dec. 29 last year, when Wheeler and the chapter’s first president, Avery Lowery, appeared on RFD Today on the RFD Radio Network. The pair spoke with host Jim Taylor about the launch of the school’s new FFA chapter and its goals for the future.
Now back from winter break, the chapter is continuing its service efforts with a January project called “Layers of Love.” The initiative involves collecting coats, hats and gloves to benefit individuals in need at the Crisis Center Foundation and the Presbyterian Church Day Care Center, both in Jacksonville.
Items for donation may be dropped off at Routt Catholic High School or Our Saviour School throughout the month of January.
With strong student involvement, meaningful service projects and growing community support, Routt Catholic High School FFA is off to an energetic and promising start.
