By Surveyor Staff

Students in the Thompson School District’s new agricultural program are hoping for a high bidder at the Hired Hand Auction on May 15.

Groups of two to three high school students will be auctioned to provide an eight-hour work day to be completed by Aug. 31. If you need some extra hands for yard work, field work, light house maintenance, etc., this is your chance to hire hard workers who are motivated to get their chapter started.

Sydney Siruta, chapter president, encourages community members to come bid.

“We are really excited for the community to come out and support us and learn more about the program,” Siruta said. “We’d love to have financial stability to provide agricultural experiences outside of the classroom.”

The Thompson School District started a new agriculture education program in January 2015. Plant and animal science classes are now being taught at Berthoud and Thompson Valley High Schools. The associated extracurricular club is the Thompson FFA Chapter. FFA’s mission is to make a positive difference in students’ lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

FFA is well regarded for exceptional leadership opportunities spanning public speaking contests, skills demonstrations, judging contests, science fair, hands-on field experiences, and much more. To participate in these activities next year, the chapter needs a financial foothold since it’s a new launch. Students and supporters have organized the first Thompson FFA Chapter Hired Hand Auction.

The auction will be on May 15 at 6 p.m. in the Thompson Valley High School gym in Loveland. A catered dinner starts at 6 p.m. and the auction starts at 6:30 p.m. Meal tickets at the door are $5 per person with children under the age of 5 free. The event is generously sponsored by 4 Rivers Equipment, Coyote Ridge Construction, Kreps Wiedeman Auctioneers, Thompson Valley Young Farmers Educational Association, and M&M Farms.