Among all of the new clubs at Lewiston High School, there is one that really stands out this year — Future Farmers of America (FFA).
Its main purpose is to help students better understand agriculture and expand their knowledge. Some of the club’s main attributes are learning about the factors of agriculture, the work that goes into farming and the care of animals.
According to the Lewiston Tribune, LHS hasn’t had an FFA group in 60 years.
Gabrielle Johnson is the club’s adviser and started teaching at LHS this school year. “This intracurricular class and organization is based on agriculture to help build future leaders in the multiple agriculture fields.” She also said FFA is “to ensure future leaders in agriculture through premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.”
There are 30 active members in the club, including the officers: President Louis Sutton, Vice President Olivia Brinkley, Secretary Kailee Scott, and Treasurer Jackson Armitage. Laura Schwartz is the club’s reporter, and Lani Nelson is the sentinel.
The idea was brought to LHS by Superintendent Tim Sperber. Sperber wanted an FFA club at LHS because it was a big deal and most local cities had one, according to Scott. They tried to start a club in the Fall of 2022, but it didn’t happen until 2025.
“It was part of why I was hired here at LHS. I have a huge FFA background from high school to college to my career,” Johnson said. “I started a program in Idaho Falls, had a hugely successful program in Bonners Ferry, and now [we’re] starting one here.”
The club had its first meeting in September of 2025 and meets every two weeks. An average meeting usually consists of discussing upcoming events and whether they can get a charter. A charter is the recognition that gives them the authority to be called an official FFA club, according to Nelsen. Until the group gets a charter, only a limited number of people can attend events such as agriculture contests.
Sutton said his favorite part of the club is meeting new people.
Nelsen said her favorite thing is how focused it is on 4H activities. She joined the group because her family had been in FFA before.
The Lewiston FFA club also has events such as contests. But they haven’t been able to place in the Creed because they don’t have a charter. At a contest, they usually compete in different areas of agriculture, such as Agronomy, greenhand knowledge, employment skills, or agricultural sales. The club works hard to study and practice in the lead-up to the event.
“In February, we have the Meats contest and prepared public speaking, March is State in Twin Falls with agricultural education, horse judging, and floriculture. In April, we have agriculture mechanics and dairy food products.”
There are also more laid-back events at the high school, like hosting LHS staff appreciation breakfasts and duck scavenger hunts. According to Lani Nelsen, the club does not cause her any stress, and she feels that she and the other club members work well together, which is a sign of good club unity.
