Southern States raising money for FFA

Farm supply retailer Southern States Cooperative is holding a monthlong fundraiser for Future Farmers of America at the local, state and national levels.

The annual FFA Paper Emblem campaign throughout March will allow customers to donate $1 or more at checkout and sign their names on an “I’m Supporting FFA” emblem displayed in the store’s window.

“Young farmers are the future of food production,” says Jeff Stroburg, president and CEO of Southern States. “As a farmer-owned cooperative, we take tremendous pride in investing in the young farmers of America and will continue to contribute to their development as future leaders in agriculture.”

Half of all money collected will benefit an FFA chapter in the community; the other half will benefit the National FFA Foundation. Ten percent of donations will go to the state FFA association.

“We are deeply appreciative of Southern States and the company’s assistance to raise financial support for FFA and heighten community awareness about our organization,” said National FFA Foundation President Molly Ball. “Money donated by Southern States customers will help ensure that we’re able to continue to develop students’ leadership, growth and career success potential.”

The campaign kicks off Friday. For more information and to find participating locations, visit southernstates.com/FFA.

Scholarship benefits military community

RALEIGH — WGU North Carolina Chancellor Catherine Truitt and USO of North Carolina President and CEO John Falkenbury have announced the formation of a scholarship program to benefit the North Carolina military community.

The Military Service Scholarship will provide as much as $2,500 each to eight deserving members of the North Carolina military community. 

The scholarships are available to currently serving military members, veterans and their families, and it can be applied to any of the more than 60 bachelor’s and master’s degrees offered by WGU in business, information technology, education and health care. Winners will be credited with $625 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms.

Scholarships will be awarded based on a candidate’s academic record, readiness for online study, and current competency, as well as other considerations. The application deadline is May 31. More information is at nc.wgu.edu/militaryservice.

WGU North Carolina is an affiliate of the national nonprofit online Western Governors University. WGU has been recognized for 11 consecutive years by Military Advanced Education & Transition as a “Top School,” and for seven consecutive years as a Military Friendly School. About 18 percent of the nearly 3,000 North Carolina students enrolled in WGU are affiliated with the military community.