(Photo provided) Members of the Fort Frye Local School Board Mr. Kevin Worthington, Mrs. Karri Schilling and Mrs. Johnna Zalmanek had the privilege of cutting the ribbon to officially open the new greenhouse. Superintendent Stephanie Starcher, FFA Advisor Abby Campbell, and FFA Officers Peyton Offenberger, Alexis White and Reiley Miller were also part of the ceremony.

By Kallie Boley

Chapter Reporter

The Fort Frye FFA Chapter recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Agricultural Learning Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by students, staff, families, and community partners.

The new greenhouse is more than just a facility, it’s a place for hands-on learning in agriculture, plant science, business, and sustainability. It will serve as an extension of the classroom, offering students real-world experiences in growing plants, managing projects, and contributing to the local food system.

During the event, school leaders and FFA officers shared the vision behind the project, highlighting the collaboration and community support that brought it to life. The greenhouse will support student-led plant sales, fresh produce for school meals and local food pantries, and connections of students with career pathways in agriculture and STEM. FFA members also shared highlights for their upcoming school year, including leadership conferences, fundraisers, community events, and a major milestone, the chapter’s recognition as a National 3-Star Chapter for the first time in chapter history.

The greenhouse project was made possible through the support of generous donors, including the Sisters Health Foundation, Marietta Community Foundation, GRIT Project, Creating Healthy Communities, Mr. John Miller, and the Fort Frye Local School Board. The Fort Frye FFA and Fort Frye School District cannot thank the sponsors and people who helped make this dream come true.

Following the ribbon cutting, guests toured the new space, met with FFA members, and learned more about the impact the greenhouse will have across the district. With this new facility, Fort Frye FFA hopes to plant the seeds for future success by empowering students with skills, experiences, and opportunities that will last a lifetime.