By Derrick Smith

The Future Farmers of America program is a huge asset for many school districts. Not only do the students learn about agriculture and farming, they also learn many skills that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. 

Riley Grantz is a senior at Garber High School. He joined the FFA when he was in the eighth grade and says that one thing the program has helped him with is public speaking.

“I am involved in the speech contest,” he said. “I also prepared public speaking agronomy and employment skills.”

Grantz has had a few different influences on his life over the years, but he says that there is one person that has had a big impact on him as an FFA member, athlete, and as a person.

“My Ag teacher has played a big role in my life,” he said. “He has continually encouraged me to strive for greatness and that is what I do, no matter what I am doing.”

As a student-athlete at Garber, Grantz is on the football, track, and powerlifting teams. On the football field, he plays at guard on the offensive side and on defense, he plays end. He is also a member of the Garber chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Playing sports for the Wolverines has allowed Grantz to enjoy some great moments, but he says that the best moments do not happen during the game.

“The one thing I love most about playing football for Garber is the family atmosphere,” he stated. “We are just a group of guys working together for the same goal. We may disagree at times, but we are like a family and we always work it out in the end.”

Grantz has some advice for any students that are on the fence about joining FFA. 

“I would say try an activity even if you don’t know anything about it you may fall in love with it.”