Melissa High School has reached a major milestone, as its agriculture science program officially earned an FFA chapter charter during the 2025–2026 school year. This achievement marks a significant step forward for the program and opens the door to new opportunities for student leadership and recognition at the state level.
Earning this distinction required a rigorous, yearlong process led by dedicated students and staff. Throughout the school year, the Melissa High School FFA chapter worked to earn its charter by attending required trainings, competing in Leadership and Career Development Events, and maintaining detailed records of their Supervised Agricultural Experiences. The process culminated in a two-hour presentation to the State FFA office, where the MHS officer team highlighted the chapter’s accomplishments and outlined a vision for continued growth.
Congratulations to the Melissa High School FFA 2025–2026 officers who worked tirelessly to make this achievement possible:
President - Rylee Feagin
Vice President - Harper Stutzman
Secretary - Lola Smith
Treasurer - Lainey McDonald
Reporter - Alyssa Burns
Sentinel - Houston Hernandez
Reflecting on the FFA program thus far, Secretary Lola Smith shared what she had learned from the program, “In our first year of true Melissa FFA, I have not only learned how to be an officer, but I have also made a group of incredible friends in FFA. Each member has so much personality and uniqueness. We are a true team that I am honored to be a part of.”
President Rylee Feagin also added, “I feel like our chapter is one big family.”
Cathy Harris, the Melissa High School CTE Facilitator, expressed her excitement for the program and students, “Our FFA team has worked long and hard and are so deserving of their charter. We are incredibly proud of them and happy for them!”
Melissa High School’s FFA Sponsor Sierra Koss also added, “I have been so proud of these kids and how willing they are to do whatever it takes this year to be successful.”
As a newly chartered chapter, Melissa High School students will now be eligible to apply for scholarships and awards, while also gaining opportunities to participate in leadership experiences beyond the local level. Looking ahead, the program plans to continue growing, competing, and building on the strong foundation established this year. This summer, the newly elected leadership team will attend the State FFA Convention, held July 6–10 at Dickies Arena, where they will engage in workshops, connect with peers from across the state, and bring valuable insights back to their chapter.
With their charter officially secured, Melissa High School FFA members will take the stage at the State Convention to be recognized for their accomplishment and will receive a $1,000 grant to support future chapter activities. As the program continues to grow, this milestone represents more than just a charter, it reflects the dedication, teamwork, and vision of students who are building something meaningful that will benefit future Cardinals for years to come. We can’t wait to see how the program grows.
For more information regarding the Melissa High School FFA Program, please visit www.melissaisd.org/ffa or email Sierra Koss at sierrakoss@melissaisd.org.