Conestoga Chapter of FFA has been recognized by the late James and Mary Eastridge with a bequest gift of $465,000.

 

This charitable gift from the estate of James Eastridge, recognizes Conestoga’s strong FFA program and 78-year history of preparing students for successful careers in the global agriculture and natural resources systems.

“We will honor the Eastridges’ dedication to youth and agriculture by using the gift to help students achieve their academic and career goals,” said Jonathan Anderson, Conestoga FFA Advisor.

“FFA is committed to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders and reaching more students, and this gift is essential to reaching that goal,” Anderson said. Forty-two students are currently Conestoga FFA members.

An Advisory Council will provide direction in using the funds to best support students through a combination of scholarships, programs and entrepreneur development. Advisors include Loren Haveman, Beaver Lake; Terry Hejny, Eagle; Barbara Jameson, Weeping Water; John Morgan, Beaver Lake; Tony Schlichtemeier, Nehawka; Angela Leifeld, Conestoga Jr.-Sr. High Principal; Glenn Spangler, Conestoga FFA President; and Anderson.

James and Mary (Sporer) Eastridge, of rural Murray, operated a family farm. They were known for growing and selling fresh produce from Wayside Gardens south of Murray. James Eastridge was born in 1927 and died January 27, 2007. Mary was born in 1928 and preceded her husband in death by two years.