The Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization is one of the many youth organizations in which Jackson EMC holds strong ties.

Working with organizations like FFA gives Jackson EMC the opportunity to mentor and support events like the Quality Beef Show, EMC/State Wiring Contests and several other competitions in which organizations like FFA participate.

We are especially proud of some local FFA stars that represented our service territory well at the national convention in Louisville, Ky. The American FFA Degree, the organization's highest honor, was awarded to outstanding agricultural education students from Georgia. Included in this group was agricultural education student John Bramblett, 2001 EMC/FFA Wiring Contest state winner. John attended Jefferson City Schools, and is now studying at the University of Georgia.

Tony Embrick, Jackson County High School agricultural teacher, was one of three Georgia ag-ed instructors to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree in 2002. Embrick won the wiring contest in 1973, and more than two decades later, shared the glory with his son, Gavin, who won first place in the wiring contest in 2002. Matthew McCutchen, a North Hall High School FFA graduate, also topped the list of American Farmer Degree recipients. Matthew is a local chapter leader, where he holds state FFA positions. Matthew will be studying turf management at the University of Georgia.

Receiving other honors at the 2002 national convention, Emily Byers, Jackson County Comprehensive High School, and Christopher Pope, Jefferson City Schools, both brought home first place honors in the Creed and Agricultural Mechanics Energy System awards, respectively.