By Blake Jackson
The Eastern Lebanon County FFA Chapter (ELCO FFA) has taken the first major step toward enhancing its agriculture education by pitching a new barn project. This idea was introduced at the beginning of the school year when District Superintendent Julia Vicente asked the FFA officers to consider building a barn to support hands-on learning.
The concept, which had been discussed among school officials during campus renovations, gained momentum with the completion of a new agricultural and technical education wing. At a “Food and Business (FAB) Night,” the idea was shared with all FFA members. Students gave feedback on barn features such as pen shapes, tack rooms, and wash racks, and shared their interests in the types of animals they hoped to raise.
As the school year progressed, the FFA officer team began preparing a formal pitch. They received guidance from local leaders, including representatives from the Lebanon County Chamber of Commerce and former pitch contest winners. With help from ELCO’s career facilitator, the officers crafted a compelling presentation.
The seven-member officer team made the presentation personal by sharing their own agricultural experiences and explaining how the barn could help future students while serving as a local resource.
On May 15, 2025, the project was officially presented to an audience of business leaders, local officials, and community partners in the school’s agriculture room. The proposal marked an exciting beginning for what the future of agricultural learning might look like at ELCO.
This barn initiative is more than a school project—it’s a vision to strengthen agricultural education and engage the broader community in sustainable, student-driven learning. The pitch represents both student leadership and a commitment to agricultural growth.
Photo Credit: pexels-fauxels
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education