Florida FFA Hall of Fame to Induct Five in 2014
The Florida FFA is pleased to announce the 2014 FFA Hall of Fame Inductees. The inductees are James Edward Jeffries, Archie and Emelie Matthews, Marion Caradine Riviere, Leon A. Sims and Olin Thomas Stoutamire. The recipients will be inducted into the Florida FFA Hall of Fame during the 8th annual awards celebration Monday, September 29 at the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center near Haines City.
James “Jim” Jeffries of Plant City taught agricul-
ture education in Florida middle and high schools for two decades before becoming supervisor of agribusiness and natural resources education for the Hillsborough County School District where he served for another two decades.
Archie Matthews served as a district director of the Florida FFA Alumni Association for two decades and wrote a book that promotes Florida’s agriculture industry and its impact on everyday life. Emelie Matthews is involved in FFA activities as Archie, taking on roles at the Florida FFA State Convention, including registration, information, and election procedures. Archie and Emelie currently reside in Alachua, Florida. Marion C. “Bud” Riviere served as Florida FFA
Association Executive Secretary before becoming principal at Gainesville Agribusiness Center where his program became a national model for instructing agriscience students. He later became dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education at Chipola College. Riviere recently retired and now resides in Clanton, Alabama.
Leon A. Sims
of Tallahassee, was an agriculture
teacher for many years before joining the Florida Department of Education’s Vocational Division in 1966, where he served in many capacities until 1989. He was inducted into the Florida Vocational Association Hall of Fame in 1993.
Olin Thomas “Tom” Stoutamire of Hosford, Florida, spent 13 years as the agriculture teacher at Sebring High School. He worked for more than 20 years as an Area Agricultural Education Supervisor with the Florida Department of Education, supervising agriculture education programs and FFA activities. “We are proud to honor these wonderful leaders for their commitment and dedication to the Florida FFA over the years,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Their efforts have helped the FFA in our state to better educate students, parents and entire communities about the importance of Florida’s agriculture industry.” Bill Hamm, President of the Florida FFA Foundation Board of Directors states “these individuals are to be highly commended for their years of service and dedication to the enhancement of agricultural education and FFA.” If you have questions, need further information or would like to purchase tickets to this prestigious event, contact Gary Bartley at 863-439-7332 x 6321 or ggbartley@hotmail.com. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
July 17, 2014 was the 98th anniversary of President Woodrow Wilson signing the Federal Farm Loan Act in 1916, which created what is today the Farm Credit System. To celebrate, Farm Credit of Central Florida offices had a commemorative cake baked by Special Assets Loan Officer, Jessica Slaughter (Center). Joining the celebration are FCCF President & CEO, Reggie Holt (L) and Executive VP & Chief Credit Officer, Craig Register (Right).
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
August 2014
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