The Big Horn County Farm Bureau, along with First Interstate Bank/Hardin, has presented three deserving students with FFA jackets as part of the Blue Jacket Bonanza. Receiving the jackets were Vivian Doyle from Lodge Grass High School/Little Big Horn FFA and Kyndra Reichart and David Long Sioux from Hardin High School/Big Horn FFA.

The Big Horn County Farm Bureau was the first county Farm Bureau in Montana to partner with the Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau in California on a program they call the Blue Jacket Bonanza. The Blue Jacket Bonanza was organized to provide FFA students the opportunity to earn their own FFA jacket based on need, community service, leadership skills and a commitment to the FFA program.

“With all the challenges facing agriculture today, it’s very good to see these young people involved and excited about agriculture and FFA,” said Big Horn County Farm Bureau President Casey Mott.

Vivian Doyle says it’s an honor to have her own FFA jacket and be recognized for her dedication to the organization. She plans to attend college where she will hone her skills in photography and art.

David Long Sioux from Hardin says he is proud to receive the jacket because, “It’s a standard of success that only a few strive to achieve. The blue jacket is something you have to earn.”

Long Sioux’s goal is to attend MSU-Billings to earn a bachelor’s degree, then work towards a welding degree. He will also finish his six-year contract with the U.S. Army. He says he wants to be remembered as someone who “will do my very best and set a good example.”

Kyndra Reichart has done several community service jobs in Hardin, including helping at an animal neutering clinic, helping school janitors, and working at the farmers’ market.  After graduating from high school, she would like to enlist in the U.S. Navy, then work towards becoming a veterinarian technician. She says the blue jacket represents farming and agriculture, and notes that the FFA is a good way to help city people learn more about agriculture.

“That the Big Horn County Farm Bureau can help these deserving students is especially gratifying,” said Mott. “We’ve been presenting the jackets to students for a number of years and we hope it inspires more students to become involved in the FFA.”