JACKSON — Saxony Lutheran High School has announced it has received a $39,050 grant from the Missouri FFA Foundation to support its agricultural education program.
The award is provided through the foundation’s Horizon and Rising Sun grant programs, which address key needs in agriculture education throughout the state.
The Horizon Grant supports the growth or enhancement of existing agricultural programs, while the Rising Sun Grant assists schools in launching new programs or credential offerings.
Grant amounts range from $10,000 to $20,000 for Horizon and $25,000 to $50,000 for Rising Sun, with both requiring a local match of 50 percent for Horizon and 25 percent for Rising Sun.
The program is funded by the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
Heather Dimitt-Fletcher, executive director of the Missouri FFA Foundation, said, “Since the Missouri FFA Foundation formed four years ago, we’ve consistently heard from our teachers that there’s a significant unmet need for facilities, equipment, machinery and other high-cost items.”
At Saxony Lutheran, the funds will support the new Agriculture Science Multipurpose Building, which is expected to be completed in May 2026. The building will serve as a venue for agricultural classes and FFA activities and will also feature concession stands and restrooms for sporting events.
“Receiving this grant will allow Saxony’s agricultural science program… to purchase the tools and equipment needed to furnish our brand-new Agricultural Science Multipurpose Building,” said Mark Ruark, principal at Saxony Lutheran. “Our Crusaders will be a direct beneficiary as their learning opportunities will be expanded with these additional tools and equipment. This will provide an even more well-rounded experience at Saxony.”
