Midlakes High School is stepping into the statewide spotlight as it hosts a regional New York FFA State Officer Tour event this Tuesday, Sept. 17 — a major moment for the school’s growing agricultural education program.
The event begins at 4 p.m. and will bring together FFA members from across the region for a leadership workshop led by the 2025–26 New York State FFA Officer Team.
A big moment for a young chapter
Midlakes FFA was officially chartered just last year, and already the chapter has earned the opportunity to host a stop on the State Officer Tour — an annual road trip where six elected student leaders engage with local chapters to build leadership skills and connect future agricultural professionals.
“This is a big deal to Midlakes FFA, and for Midlakes Schools,” said Marina Bartolotta-O’Brien, ag education teacher and FFA co-advisor. “Hosting a State Officer Tour regional event is a great segue into hosting more NY FFA events in the future.”
The officer team includes students from across the state — from Queens to the Mohawk Valley — and serves more than 9,000 FFA members in New York.
Looking ahead to the Harvest Festival
The Sept. 17 event is also a warm-up for the first-ever Midlakes Harvest Festival, happening Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free, family-friendly celebration will include:
- A farmer’s market
- Local vendors and small businesses
- Community organizations involved in agriculture
- The NYACC Mobile Dairy Experience, a high-tech interactive trailer about dairy farming
Visitors can also learn about Midlakes’ featured produce program, which brings fresh, locally grown ingredients into the school’s lunch menu through a partnership with area farmers.
The leadership event is not open to the public, but the Harvest Festival later this month welcomes guests of all ages.
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