The spring is a busy time for FFA chapters in Oklahoma. Traveling to and from events each week can make for a tough spring schedule. Students of Moore Public Schools enjoyed an opportunity to have guests who are involved in the Special Olympics. Agricultural Education Instructor Jessica Dunlap paused her busy schedule to answer a few questions about the event.
VYPE: When did this event first start with the Special Olympics and the FFA chapter at Moore High School?
Dunlap: I believe the event here in Moore Public Schools started 9-10 years ago, I have been a part of this event for eight years now. It is hard to put an exact date on a statewide standard, but I do know that Moore FFA was one of the first to hold this event.
VYPE: Are all of the participants from Moore Public Schools?
Dunlap: Yes, all MPS High School aged students.
VYPE: What is the goal of the event each year?
Dunlap: The goal is not only bring awareness to agricultural but to provide a rare and unique opportunity to our students that they will not find in another program within our district. By doing so we focus on being inclusive to all of the student population that we serve, our students are able to focus on how to build relationships with their peers, and they learn the importance of giving back to our community and its members.
VYPE: What school are you with and how long have you served as an FFA advisor?
Dunlap: I am stationed/housed at Moore High School, however, we service all three high schools within Moore Public Schools. This means that we bus in students from Westmoore and Southmoore every hour. Currently, I have been one of the Agricultural Education Instructors and FFA Advisors for eight years now.
VYPE: What are some of the activities the kids get to participate in with the FFA?
Dunlap: Students participate in a very wide array of opportunities. We are most commonly known for livestock, but we have worked hard to move away from that being the only thing our population associates us with. Currently, we have a huge school-based enterprise with a print shop that students work, a large metal shop and fully automated horticultural greenhouse. Students also participate on competitive teams like Animal Science Quiz Bowl, Ag. Communications, Ag. Mechanics, Electricity, Floriculture and Public Speaking. Students competing on teams and in leadership events are competitive on the state level and travel multiple days of the week practicing/competing with their skill set.
VYPE: I noticed current FFA members are also there to help. What does this event mean for them and how have they responded to the requests to help?
Dunlap: Students that night are everywhere! It is amazing. Our students look forward to this event every year and it is probably one of the most highly anticipated events. They truly build a very deep connection with their “buddies” after working with them for a month. They want them to succeed, they want them to have a blast and more importantly they want them to feel like they belong with them. Our students take pride in making sure their “buddies” are taken care of. The FFA members work extremely to make sure they are showcasing the Special Olympians to their highest ability.
VYPE: Will this event continue in the future?
Dunlap: Most definitely! We have so much parental support, administrative and district support that the event can only continue to grow in the future.
