Birchler heads state ag teachers association By JOANNESPAHR MILLERSVILLE Dressed m a khaki work outfit and contentedly cradling a wad of chewing tobacco in his right cheek (a vice he’s nurtured since a mere teenager), August Birchler leaned against the gates at the Lancaster Enter Farmers First’s “Fun in the Sun” Sweepstakes GRAND PRIZE - Each time you** visit Farmers First Bank before August 12, your teller will give you an entry blank for this once in a lifetime weekend vacation Full details of this all inclusive tnp available at each office of Farmers First Bank. 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RECEIVE 2Vz quart 3-v.ay pitcher that pours, strains, or remains closed to retain freshness One Gallon Jug with wide mouth and magi-spout top that opens to provide air vent for liquids to flow freely through the leak-proof, fast-action spigot Insulated Picnic Hamper A large 16‘/2”xl0”x6” white vinyl hamper with colored binding and heavy duty handles Campbells Sports Blanket Equally useful for beach or boat, camping, picnics or vacation auto trips Red and black plaid in handy vinyl carrying case Badminton Set by Goodwin Four steel shaft racquets with laminated wood frame, nylon strings and vinyl grips Set includes 18-foot cotton net, poles, stakes and guy ropes, plus three shuttlecocks and rules of the game The People Bonk Although known for his good-natured kidding, this vocational agriculture department head from Penn Manor High School makes it known that he’s serious about his statement. “If I were a teenager, I don’t know if I could get up in front of a group and handle OR OR FARMERS FIRST [MOM Lancaster Farming, Saturday, July 29,1978 myself as well as my students do. You see, I never was in a vocational agriculture program when I was in high school. The school I went to didn’t have ag-” But, even though he never had the experience of FFA and ag in high school, Bit- Member F D I C August Birchler chler’s made up for his loss somewhere in his 10-year teaching career since he was recently named the president of the Penn sylvania Vocational Agriculture Teacher’s Association. As described by Birchler, the state ag teachers’ association serves as the link between the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Penn State University. The association relays ag teachers’ concerns and needs to the two groups. It also works with different state shows and with the national assocation. Before this year’s election, the Penn Manor teacher served as treasurer of the state organization. Modest, though pleased to be named state president, Birchler outlined the duties which go along with his presen* position. Among those responsibilities are at tending the national con vention in Dallas, Tex., in December; working as a state FFA advisor; helping to choose the state FFA scholarship award winner; setting up and carrying out the state agriculture teachers’ workshop; chairing four state meetings at Penn State; attending as many as 16 regional meetings; and serving on two vocational director’s boards. “Just a few more things to do in my spare time,” he says with a hint of a wry smile forming beside his dimples and a definite twinkle m his eye. Those who know Birchler realize that, just like most other active vocational agriculture instructors, he’s already busier than a lot of people. In his role of advisor to the Penn Manor FFA, he organizes many m-school and after-school activities for his students. Along with that responsibility, he is on the board of advisors to the state FFA, takes part in the FFA livestock show at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, serves as a judge at local fairs, and works on various FFA committees. As a tribute to his efforts he has been made an honorary Keystone Farmer. Needless to say, he finds his vocation rewarding. “As an ag teacher you get to know practically the whole agricultural com munity,” he states. “And, almost everyone knows you. I really think you’re treated well. There’s a lot of respect given to agriculture teachers.” He also finds the ]ob rewarding because of the personal growth he sees happening to his students. “FFA leadership op- 53
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