Waterford student earns free FFA jacket

The blue corduroy jacket worn by FFA members has special meaning for Casey Custer.

The Waterford High School senior received a free jacket Monday thanks to an essay he submitted to the national group. It was the 1,000th awarded through a program for members who cannot cover the $50 cost.

“Not everybody can afford it, but they deserve it, and that’s what this program is about,” said Lee Anne Shiller, director of merchandise and membership services at the Indianapolis headquarters. She came to the school auditorium for the presentation along with Josh Bledsoe, chief operating officer.

Members of FFA, which was founded in 1928 as Future Farmers of America, wear the jackets at competitions and other events. Their names are stitched in gold cursive on the front. Block letters on the back identify their schools.

About 610,000 students take part in FFA nationally, up 20 percent over five years. It offers training in public speaking and other leadership skills along with farming.

The free jacket program, Give the Gift of Blue, launched in 2014 with corporate and individual donations. In his essay, Casey noted his work on the agricultural mechanics team at Waterford.

“Being a part of this team gives me some insight and helps me understand the fundamentals of FFA ag mechanics and is a path to understanding the seriousness of what FFA can do with your career,” he wrote. “… By having the agricultural education, finding a job will not be as complicated as I thought.”

The jacket presentation was attended by this year’s state FFA officers, including President Joelle Lewis of San Luis Obispo, Sentinel Tim Truax of Turlock and Reporter Danielle Diele of Merced.

“When we zip up that blue jacket, we become much more than that individual,” Joelle said.

This story was originally published August 31, 2015 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Waterford student earns free FFA jacket."