On Monday morning, Boyle County Judge-Executive Howard Hunt signed the annual proclamation recognizing Future Farmers of America Week, which runs Feb. 22-29. And he took the opportunity to tell the Boyle County High School FFA members that he was the deciding vote to award the club the contract to design, supply and maintain the flowers at Constitution Square Park this year.

“We need to show that we trust the youth of our county with the responsibility that’s significant,” Hunt said. “We want that opportunity for the kids to see the real world, like for their real job.”

Hunt said the proclamation was “perfect timing” since the county accepted FFA’s bid just last week to maintain the flower beds at the park from May through October for a $2,694.90 donation to the club, instead of going with an experienced firm.

“I really want to see you guys be really successful,” Hunt said. “I firmly believe that when making the decision to let the FFA take the flower contract, we have to show them that we care about them and give them the opportunity to excel. It’s up to them to excel, and I firmly believe this group at Boyle County High School will do exactly that. … That’s what the future of FFA is about.”

Agriculture teacher Ashlin Kendrick told Hunt, “Thank you so much for giving the FFA a chance to prove themselves. … They will take the greatest pride in doing the best they can.”

Kendrick said, “They are so excited about this project.” She said the students are already working on color schemes and designs. “They’re doing it all. This really has given them the motivation to do the best that they can. … This is a great project and I feel like it’s going to be super.”