Trinity High School is launching its first-ever FFA chapter, marking a significant addition to its curriculum to provide students with expanded opportunities in agricultural education. Spearheading the new chapter is science teacher Bridget Abbott, whose passion for both teaching and agriculture inspired her to bring the program to the faith-based Whitesville school.
“I didn’t want parents or students to have to choose between their faith-based education and an agriculture education,” Abbott said. “I wanted my students to have it all.”
With the addition of the FFA program, Trinity students will now have access to classes such as horticulture, animal science, and agriculture principles. Students can also take dual-credit courses through Owensboro Community and Technical College and Murray State’s Racer Academy, providing them with a wide range of agricultural education options.
Assistant Principal Nathan West praised Abbott’s efforts in starting the program, saying her dedication played a key role.
“Bridget did all the work. She toured other schools and gave me all the information we needed to get started,” West said. “From an administrative standpoint, this is great for our school. We live in a rural community, and many of our students come from agricultural backgrounds. We want to give them every opportunity to succeed in this field and showcase their talents at FFA events.”
Principal Emily Hernandez echoed West’s enthusiasm for the new program, noting its importance to the local community.
“This is such an exciting addition to our school,” Hernandez said. “It means so much to our farming families, and it will give our students a chance to show their talents not only locally but on a larger stage.”
Abbott began her teaching career at Trinity in 2017 and immediately recognized the strong desire to create an FFA program. She earned her master’s degree in agricultural education from Murray State University and built relationships with agriculture educators across Kentucky, researching the requirements and implementing a plan.
She worked alongside students and local farmers to lay the groundwork for the new chapter, including leaning on student EJ Stauffer’s Eagle Scout project and donations from area farmers.
Abbott shares in the excitement, particularly regarding the opportunities the program will provide for her students.
“I cannot wait to watch them grow into leaders and provide them with opportunities that will hopefully help them find their path in life,” she said.
St. Mary of the Woods Parrish is in the early stages of erecting a new school. West said administrators have considered additional agricultural and FFA needs as they continue through the design process.
West added that the FFA chapter at Trinity High School will give students the opportunity to learn leadership and employability skills, while also gaining hands-on experience in the school’s greenhouse and other agricultural activities.
