PLUM CITY — Kayla Clare, who owns Clare Repair in Plum City along with her husband, is looking to start an FFA alumni group to support students in the organization. The group is welcoming any adults in the community, regardless of previous FFA background, that are willing to help out with fundraisers and support the students in a variety of ways.

Clare is not originally from the area, but grew up in FFA with the backing of an alumni group.

“Now that I’m here and I’m planning to be here forever, I just thought it’d be really good to try and help out our community as much as possible,” Clare said. “The goal for the alumni is to help the kids financially with the FFA chapter… To help raise money to buy FFA jackets and send them on trips.”

Clare said FFA was an immense help in high school, participating in speaking contests that brought her out of her shell and showing cattle at her county fair. While Clare did not grow up on a dairy farm, she completed a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) by working on a dairy farm through FFA.

“It was actually an alumni member that let me show his cattle,” Clare said. “It brings people out of their shell; it helps their self-confidence. If you’re interested in something, you can be recognized for it, you can win awards for it, there’s scholarships out there.”

Clare also completed a mechanics SAE, which continues to benefit her day in and day out.

“Now I’m a business owner, I kind of feel like [FFA] had something to do with it,” Clare said.

Business owners can get involved by hosting students to complete these SAEs. Another benefit of the alumni group would be students having a backing for scholarships.

If you are interested in joining the group, text or call Clare at 715-579-4997 or reach out to Plum City FFA Advisor Amber Noah at anoah@plumcity.k12.wi.us.