By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

More Centre FFA members will be able to attend national convention this year thanks to a $2,500 donation by Francis and Mary Jirak through Monsanto’s America’s Farmers Grow Communities program.

Giving the money to Centre FFA was a no-brainer for the Jiraks. They have been lifelong supporters of Centre FFA. Four of their five children went through the program. All of them were chapter president and all held regional offices.

“FFA has been a wonderful thing for our children,” Mary Jirak said. “It’s been a life changer. They first were students, then attended leadership camps, and then became teachers. FFA primed them for the future.”

James manages an ag co-op at Winfield, Albert is co-owner of a business that designs websites, Maria is a homeschooler and beautician, and Christine works from home in Albert’s business. Their oldest brother, John, is a Catholic priest.

Francis Jirak and his brothers, most of whom were active in FFA, created the Leo Jirak Memorial Scholarship Fund after their father, Leo, died, which provides a scholarship every year to a graduating FFA member.

“We have been fortunate to provide support in attending the national FFA convention every year,” adviser Laura Klenda said. “With this additional funding, we can expand the number of local members who will have the opportunity to attend.”

The chapter will use the money to pay for hotel rooms.