For many years, the FFA chapter of Century High School has been known for its competitions, leadership opportunities, and agricultural education. But ask their advisor, Brent Miller, what matters most, and his answer is simple.

“My goal is I want them to realize they’ve got to give back to their community,” he said. “You can’t expect anything to get better if you don’t participate.”

That philosophy has shaped one of the most active and service-driven student organizations in the region.

With 69 members in grades nine through twelve—nearly the entire high school—Century’s FFA chapter is more than a club. It’s a group of students committed to supporting their community while learning skills that will last a lifetime.

The chapter’s officers, including President Dusty Bracken, Secretary Daisy Urban, Treasurer Jace Wright, Reporter Corey Gordon, Sentinel William Bracken, and Chaplain Mason Renfro, help lead a long list of service projects that support neighbors, celebrate traditions, and teach younger students about agriculture and conservation.

One of their most impactful efforts is the annual Pink Out basketball game, a tradition that has united the school and community for more than 20 years. FFA members organize the entire event—from cooking barbecue meals and creating custom-designed shirts to hosting raffles and auctions. Their efforts have raised more than $125,000 for breast cancer screenings, helping ensure that individuals in their region can access lifesaving care.

“It’s honestly just a really good event to get the community together for a really good cause,” said Secretary Daisy Urban.

Food plays a central role in many of the chapter’s service projects. 

Using their own commercial smokers, FFA members prepare meals not just as fundraisers, but as acts of appreciation. During harvest season, students delivered barbecue meals directly to farmers working long hours in the fields—a simple but meaningful way to say thank you.

They also host scholarship banquets, where they cook and serve full meals for graduating seniors and their families, celebrating their accomplishments and future plans.

Their service extends to honoring veterans as well. Each year, FFA members help place and remove hundreds of wreaths at the national cemetery in nearby Mound City, ensuring those who served are remembered and respected—even in cold and challenging weather.

Education is another major focus of the chapter’s work. FFA members host conservation days for third graders and agricultural learning days for first and second graders, giving younger students hands-on experiences with farming, wildlife, and conservation.

“It’s really a cool thing for some of these kids that have never seen a tractor or been close to animals,” Miller said.

FFA members also organize science nights, petting zoos, and agricultural literacy programs, helping younger students understand where their food comes from and how agriculture shapes their lives.

They’ve moved library equipment, built plaques for community members, helped decorate for holiday events, assisted at local fairs, and supported benefit dinners for families facing hardship. They’ve hosted tractor shows to celebrate agricultural heritage and even organized senior citizen proms, creating joyful experiences while raising funds to support local projects.

“We try to give to the community with everything that we do,” Urban said.

Students also maintain the school’s outdoor classroom, a space they helped build with walking trails, trees, and educational features. The area is used by students and community groups alike, providing a place to learn and connect with nature.

Through these experiences, students develop leadership, responsibility, and confidence. Many explore career paths through agricultural competitions and events. Others simply gain a deeper understanding of their role in strengthening their community.

Only a few plan to become farmers. But every student leaves with something equally important: a commitment to service.

At Century High School, FFA isn’t just about agriculture. It’s about preparing students to lead, serve, and make a difference. And through every project they complete and every person they help, these students are proving that the future of their community is already in capable hands.