July 2016
Volume 5, Issue 1
Inside this issue:
West Jackson Middle FFA
Newsletter
WJMS FFA Members Attend Summer Leadership Camp By Savannah Page – West Jackson Middle FFA Reporter This summer 48 students from Jackson County FFA chapters attended Summer Leadership Camp (SLC) at the Georgia FFAFCCLA Center in Covington. In addition to learning leadership skills, these amazing students enjoyed swimming, fishing, horseback riding, zip lines, a giant slip and slide, the Blob, and more! On Tuesday, campers had the opportunity to traverse through over three miles of obstacles known as the Udder Mud Run. On the last day of camp they even participated in the SLC Olympic Games. First time camper from West Jackson Middle FFA, Jay Dailey stated, “I loved the water slide!! It was my favorite thing at camp!” East Jackson Middle FFA member Cheyanne Smith shared, “Camp was amazing! One of my favorite experiences was meeting Abby Gretsch.” Abbey Gretsch is from Oglethorpe County, and she currently serves as the National FFA Southern Region Vice President. Abbey was able to attend camp during Week 2 to help out the staff, bond with the campers, and share in her experiences as a past state and current national officer. The week of camp is designed to use every activity to teach leadership, teamwork, and
personal growth. This year’s theme was “Represent”. Students were encouraged to consider how they represent themselves and something bigger, just as Olympic athletes represent themselves and their entire country. The girls from the Jackson County FFA chapters along with members from Jefferson and Bainbridge FFA chapters made up the team of Persian Rugby, and the boys from the Jackson County FFA chapters along with members from Jefferson made up the team of Dumpster Divers. With over 650 FFA and FCCLA members at Summer Leadership Camp, Jackson County students proved to be competitive. Campers entered contests like archery, crafts, softball, essay, fishing, speech, and many more. (Continued on page 2)
Camp continued
2-4
State Convention
5-7
Area Banquet
8
Angus Show
8
Officer Retreat
9
Meet the New Officers 10-11 NJSA Show
12
Texas A & M
13
August Meeting
14
Officer’s Message
14
Area II Rally
14
FFA Points
15
FFA Day at the Fair
15
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Camp continued Some highlights for Jackson County members included East Jackson Middle FFA member Cheyanne Smith placing 3rd in the Speech Contest, and Jackson County FFA member Cam Klamke and East Jackson FFA member Jordan White placing first in the Soccer Kick. At Wednesday afternoon’s swim meet, WJMS FFA member Cassie Jones placed first in the Freestyle Swim and WJMS FFA member Tiffany Holly placed first in the Smallest Splash. The girl’s Freestyle Relay team included Rachel Hardegree, Lily Anthony, Cassie Jones, and Maggie Logan, and they placed 2nd. After all the points were tallied, team Persian Rugby was named the winner of the Girl’s Swim Meet. At the award ceremony on Thursday evening, members winning individual contests received a tshirt for their accomplishments, and everyone patiently awaited the results of Team of the Week and Leadership Team of the Week. Team of the Week is awarded to the boys team and the girls team that accumulated the most points in competitions throughout the week. Leadership Team of the Week is awarded to the team that displayed the most sportsmanship, team spirit, and really embodied what it means to be a leader. Each team got to vote on which team they think deserved the honor of Leadership Team of the Week, and the Jackson County girls team, Persian Rugby, was chosen as the Leadership Team of the Week for Week 2! Each FFA Chapter represented in the Persian Rugby Team received a plaque to display at their school. West Jackson Middle FFA Members included Noel Plunkett, Hannah White, Cassie Jones, Dale Vickery, Haley Smith, Ashlyn Tomlin, Hannah Barrett, Faith Hollis, Tiffany Holly, Katelyn Howard, Cassidy Rowan, Ella Hardegree, Ryan Humphries, Aaron Brown, Wyatt Wallace, Jacob Holland, Jay Dailey, Michael Howard, and Colton Moon Jackson County High School FFA members included Dillon Brown, Rachel Hardegree, Buck Chumley, Xavier Wardlaw, Alex Rainwater,
Morgan Davidson, Cam Klamke, Lane Sharpton, Mitch Mershon, Miguel Gutierrez. East Jackson Middle FFA members included Lexie Dalton, Maggie Logan, Cheyanne Smith, Emma Anderson, Sara Saliba, Sabrina Livingston, Lily Anthony, Cale Howington, Nate McKinney, Mitchell Wilson, and Caleb Rouse. East Jackson High School FFA members include Austin Hill, Jordan White, Jackson Schieszer Justin Fortner, Jacob Davidson, Joseph Terry, Megan Brady, and Justin Lyon. “Summer Leadership Camp provides a chance for FFA and FCCLA students from around the state to grow and learn critical life skills while having exciting experiences that only happen at camp. We have many great activities, but the ultimate goal is to change lives,” says Russel Towns, Camp Manager. The Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center is located near Covington, on the banks of Lake Jackson.
West Jackson Middle FFA member Cassie Jones excelled at the SLC Swim Meet and won first place in the Freestyle Swim and was one of the four members of the Freestyle Relay team that placed second.
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Scenes from FFA Summer Leadership Camp
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Scenes from FFA Summer Leadership Camp
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West Jackson Middle FFA Ends the School Year With Great Accomplishments Savannah Page – West Jackson Middle FFA Reporter Macon, GA– The State FFA Convention was held at the Centreplex in Macon, Georgia on April 28-30, 2016. The State FFA Convention is a time for FFA members, advisors, and guests to come together to celebrate state level accomplishments, receive scholarships and State FFA Degrees, enjoy retiring addresses from current State FFA Officers as well as other keynote speakers, and elect the 2016 2017 State FFA Officers. Twelve West Jackson Middle FFA members traveled to the State FFA Convention – Savannah Page, Madyson McDaniel, Lexi Redmon, Ashlyn Tomlin, Cassie Jones, Noel Plunkett, Michael Howard, Trevor Slaick, Whitney Hulsey, Charlie Brooksher, Tray Gooch, and Hannah White. These members enjoyed their time during the convention sessions and career show as they were introduced to the many opportunities available to them in the FFA. First timer Tray Gooch stated that, “state convention was a very fun and enjoyable experience.” He really enjoyed helping others through a community service project on the first day of convention. The convention featured six general sessions full of award presentations, motivational speakers, FFA talent, and delegate business. The Convention kickoff speaker was Mrs. Jane Herlong, a singer, comedian, public speaker and author of Bury Me with My Pearls. Other speakers on the Convention docket included National FFA Vice President Abbey Gretsch, Georgia Vocational Agri-
culture Teachers Association President, Mr. Stacey Beacham, and Georgia’s State School Superintendent, Hon. Richard Woods. In addition to the award sessions, the Convention featured a career show, community service projects through the Rebuilding Macon organization, and state level Career Development Event and Agriscience Fair competitions. West Jackson Middle FFA members teamed up with East Jackson Middle FFA members to travel together to this annual event. On Thursday morning, FFA members took part in the Living to Serve project coordinated by the Georgia FFA Association where they helped paint a home in the Macon area. FFA chapters from all across the state were asked to help in this project and to bring paint brushes to use and donate to Rebuilding Macon, the organization that set up the painting sites around Macon. 7th grade member Charlie Brooksher shared that, “It was a pleasure to help elderly citizens with this project that they would not be able to handle themselves.” Day two of the convention brought the presentation of state proficiency and career development event (CDE) awards; state level CDE competition; and the official delegate business session. CDE Awards were presented during the Second General session, and WJMS FFA member Madyson McDaniel went on stage to receive the plaque for winning third place in State Livestock Judging. She and team members Savannah Page, Hannah White, and Charlie Brooksher competed in the state contest in March. (Continued on page 6)
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State Convention continued West Jackson Middle FFA was recognized during the Fourth General Session for being the Area II Winner in the National FFA Week Observance. Moreover, WJMS FFA was chosen as the State Winner for the National FFA Week Observance Award – an amazing accomplishment as WJMS FFA also won this same award in 2015. In addition, West Jackson Middle FFA was recognized as a Gold Emblem chapter in the National Chapter Award competition – only the top 10% of Georgia chapters receive this honor. All 29 Gold Emblem chapters will go on to be judged on the national level in the summer. Officer Book Leadership Awards also took place during the Fourth General Session, and WJMS FFA Reporter Ashlyn Tomlin was recognized as the State Winner in the Reporters Book Award. Her Reporters Book was more than 150 pages and scored over 7000 points for all of the newspaper articles, online postings, and newsletters published for the FFA Chapter. The convention wrapped up on Saturday, April 30, with the conferring of the prestigious State FFA Degree on 680 members and the election of the 2016-2017 State FFA Officer Team. The new team consists of State President Willie Sizemore of Lee County, Secretary Lizzi Neal of Perry, North Region Vice-Presidents Sadie Lackey of Gilmer County and Kylie Bruce of Franklin County, Central Region Vice-Presidents Madison Parker of Johnson County and Nicole Bridges of Thomson County, and South Region Vice-Presidents Morgan Hart of Colquitt County and Courtney Barber of Ware County. Ben Lastly, the Executive Secretary of the Georgia FFA Association states, “We are very excited to bring the FFA Convention back to Macon for an eleventh year; and excited to announce that we expect a record crowd of nearly 6,500 to attend. Our convention is a wonderful opportunity to feature the success of so many students from across our state.” Lastly
goes on to say, “Agriculture is the number one industry in Georgia, and our young people are the greatest commodity in our state. Bringing these young people together to celebrate their success in both leadership and agriculture is good for the future of our state.” The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, changed its name in 1988 to reflect the growth and diversity of agriculture. There are more than 600,000 FFA members nationwide. The Georgia Association has more than 37,000 members, making it the third largest Association in the nation. The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success, through agricultural education.
For the second year in a row, West Jackson Middle FFA Chapter was recognized for placing first in the National FFA Week Award competition. Hannah White, FFA Week Committee Chair, went on stage to receive the plaque and cash award for the chapter.
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West Jackson Middle FFA
More from State Convention
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West Jackson Middle FFA
WJMS FFA Members Honored at Area FFA Banquet Savannah Page - West Jackson Middle FFA Reporter
COMMERCE, GA – The Area II FFA Banquet was held on May 12th, 2016 at the Commerce Civic Center. This annual event serves as a time for FFA members from schools in Area II to come together to receive awards from throughout the year as well as electing Area FFA Officers. West Jackson Middle FFA members attending the Area II Banquet were Ashlyn Tomlin, Noel Plunkett, Savannah Page, Hannah White, and Madyson McDaniel. Savannah Page was awarded a Gold medal for her Livestock Care Recordbook. Ashlyn Tomlin received a plaque and $50 reward for placing first in the Area II Reporter’s Book competition. Savannah Page, Hannah White, Madyson McDaniel, and Charlie Brooksher were recognized for placing first in Area II in Livestock Judging. In addition, the WJMS FFA Chapter was also recognized with a plaque and $100 reward for winning first place in the Area II FFA Week Observance Award which also went on to be chosen as the State Winner at the State FFA Convention in April.
Students Participate at State Angus Preview Show Savannah Page- West Jackson Middle FFA Reporter Three Jackson County FFA members exhibited Angus cattle at the 2016 Southern National Junior and Open Angus Shows June 4-5 in Perry, Ga. The event was sponsored by the Georgia Angus Association and included exhibitors from all across the southeast. Savannah Page, a 6th grader at West Jackson Middle School, earned Reserve Champion Junior Showmanship honors while Abigail Allen, an 8th grader at West Jackson Middle School, gained Champion Intermediate Showmanship honors. In the Junior Show, opened to anyone 21
years of age and younger, Abigail Allen earned top honors by exhibiting the Grand Champion Owned Female. Cindy Cooper, recent graduate of Jackson County Comprehensive High School, claimed the Reserve Grand Champion Owned Female title. In addition, Savan-
nah Page exhibited two class winners and earned the Heifer Calf Champion Award. In the Open Show, open to any junior and adult Angus breeders, Cindy Cooper gained top honors by exhibiting the Supreme Champion animal. Her entry was first selected as the Grand Champion Female. Abigail Allen’s animal was named the Reserve Grand Champion Female. Savannah Page also exhibited two class winners and the Reserve Senior Yearling Champion Female.
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West Jackson Middle FFA
WJMS FFA Officers Attend Leadership Retreat By: Savannah Page – West Jackson Middle FFA Reporter The 2016-2017 West Jackson Middle FFA Officer Team participated in a leadership retreat on June 28th - July 1st. The retreat was organized by WJMS FFA Advisor, April Davis, and took place at her family’s lake house on Clark Hill Lake in Lincolnton, Georgia. The 2016-2017 West Jackson Middle FFA Officer Team includes President – Madyson McDaniel, Vice President – Jesse Cronic, Secretary – Kate Dutton , Treasurer – Morgan McDaniel , Reporter- Savannah Page, Sentinel – Michael Howard , Chaplain- Joseph Ledford, and Historian – Emmalee Holder. Joseph Ledford shared, “I loved the officer retreat. The people were so nice. One of my favorite things was where we all got to know each other. Coming to the retreat was important because we needed to plan and to learn about each other's personality and characters.” This was the first event of their year of service, and while at the retreat, the WJMS FFA Officer Team completed the year’s calendar of events, organized the Program of Activities, participated in team building initiatives, and set goals for themselves and the WJMS FFA Chapter. WJMS FFA Secretary, Kate Dutton, had this to share about her experiences at the officer retreat: “When I first left for the FFA retreat I was prepared to have fun and learn. What I did not know was that I would be meeting so many great kids and advisors. The retreat was lots of fun, but what I liked most was getting into our meetings and planning things with others’ opinions. Ideas can change completely with just another input, and I learned when you work together much grander things can be accomplished!"
“The officer retreat is the first time the new WJMS FFA officer team had the opportunity to work together, and it is essential for planning the upcoming year’s events”, according to WJMS FFA Advisor, April Davis. Reporter, Savannah Page, described the officer retreat as, “ a great way to meet my fellow officers and preparing for the upcoming events.” Any student at West Jackson Middle School can join FFA! Contact April Davis at adavis@jcss.us for more information and details.
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Volume 5, Issue 1
Meet Your 2016-2017 WJMS FFA Officer Team Savannah Page —West Jackson Middle FFA Reporter In May, interviews were held to elect the slate of 2016-2017 West Jackson Middle FFA Officers. These officers were chosen based on their application, interview, overall appearance in FFA Official Dress, and involvement in FFA. Since these officers were chosen at the end of the school year, we would like to take this time to introduce these leaders and give some information about them so that everyone can get to know them better. President: Madyson McDaniel Grade: 8th Hobbies/Interests: Showing Livestock Favorite FFA Event: Officer Retreat Three things that describe Madyson: Sassy, Leader, and LivestockShowman
Vice President: Jesse Cronic Grade: 6th Hobbies/Interests: Showing Cattle Favorite Food: Steak Something people might not know about Jesse: He likes to learn about expensive cars
Secretary: Kate Dutton Grade: 6th Hobbies/Interests: Photography, Llama showing, and Judging Chickens Favorite FFA event: Floriculture Something people might not know about Kate: She has been working with llamas for 3 years and she has a mentally challenged llama.
Reporter: Savannah Page Grade: 7th Favorite food: Chicken Favorite FFA events: Livestock Judging What do you want people to know about FFA?: FFA teaches you how to be a better person and teaches you many life lessons.
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Volume 5, Issue 1
Meet Your 2016-2017 WJMS FFA Officer Team Savannah Page—West Jackson Middle FFA Reporter In May, interviews were held to elect the slate of 2016-2017 West Jackson Middle FFA Officers. These officers were chosen based on their application, interview, overall appearance in FFA Official Dress, and involvement in FFA. Since these officers were chosen at the end of the school year, we would like to take this time to introduce these leaders and give some information about them so that everyone can get to know them better. Treasurer: Morgan McDaniel Grade: 6th Hobbies/Interests: Showing Livestock and Swimming Favorite FFA Event: Livestock Judging Favorite Color: Turquoise
Sentinel: Michael Howard Grade: 7th Hobbies/Interests: Band, Cross Country, and FFA Favorite Food: Brownies Something people might not know about Michael: He has an obsession of sweet tea
Historian: Emmalee Holder Grade: 8th Hobbies/Interests: Singing and Playing Outside Favorite FFA event: FFA Meetings Something people might not know about Emmalee: She is very artistic.
Chaplain: Joseph Ledford Grade: 6th Favorite food: Chili Favorite color: Green What do you want people to know about FFA? FFA plays a large role in helping in the community.
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West Jackson Middle FFA
WJMS FFA Member Earns National Showmanship Honors By Savannah Page West Jackson Middle FFA Reporter West Jackson Middle FFA member Savannah Page exhibited her hogs at the National Junior Swine Association’s Summer Spectacular. This national show took place in Louisville, Kentucky at the Expo Center July 4-9, 2016. 600 exhibitors from across the country exhibited more than 1,000 hogs at the week-long event. This event brings youth 21-years-old and younger together to compete in Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc and Landrace barrow and gilt classes; along with competing in various educational contests. The highlight of the trip for Savannah was bringing home the Champion Junior Showmanship honors. She competed against more than 100 exhibitors in her age group and went through three rounds of competition to earn this national award. Savannah also competed well with your Yorkshire gilts. Both gilts placed second in their class and one went on to be named 5th overall in division. Additionally, Savannah competed in several of the contests where she placed well. She received first place in the Mixed Media contest, second place in the Advertisement contest, and third place in the Photography contest. These awards were presented during the group’s Awards Ceremony. Combining all of Savannah’s accomplishments throughout the week, along with her participation in the Livestock Judging contest and the Skill -A-Thon, she brought home 4th place honors in the Sweepstakes contest where she was awarded $100. Exhibitors work all week to earn points in and out of the show ring for the Sweepstakes contest, and the Sweepstakes is the highlight of the awards ceremony.
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West Jackson Middle FFA
Livestock Judging Team Travels to Texas A & M By Savannah Page West Jackson Middle School FFA Reporter The livestock judging teams from West Jackson Middle School, Jackson County Comprehensive High School, East Jackson Middle School, and East Jackson High School attended a judging camp at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, to learn how to better the team for success at local, region, and state contest FFA livestock judging contests. The camp was held was June 13-15, 2016. Students from the Texas A&M Livestock Judging Team taught the camp attendees how to better understand the proper way to judge an animal and provide a set of oral reasons. Species that were evaluated include steers, heifers, goats, sheep and hogs. FFA members who attended the judging camp from West Jackson Middle School include Savannah Page, Madyson McDaniel, Morgan McDaniel, Jesse Cronic, and Charlie Brooksher. On the final day of the livestock judging camp, participants were given the opportunity to compete in an actual contest. West Jackson 8th grader Charlie Brooksher earned 2nd place honors of his age group. Charlie received a duffle bag and a hat. Charlie said, “ This week, the livestock judging camp was so helpful. The thing that I learned most about was how to judge sheep. I believe without the Texas A&M livestock team we would not be able to compete this year. With their dedication and help on sheep, I was able to get second in our age division and it was a huge accomplishment. It wasn’t just an accomplishment for me but our team because we are all for one and one for all.”
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August FFA Meeting: Back to School Bash!
***NOTE: You MUST have a signed permission form and $3 to attend this event!
The first FFA meeting of the year will be held on Wednesday, August 24th from 3:30 to 5:00. This meeting is different than any meeting we have had before because we will have an INFLATABLE WATER SLIDE and other water games!
What: FFA Meeting
Anyone can attend (even if you have not joined FFA yet). The cost for this event is $3, and you MUST have a permission form to attend!
What to bring: Swimsuit with shorts & shirt to wear over it and towel and your permission form!
Area II Ra lly —Sep tember 9 th & 10 th
Who: ANYONE can attend! (even if you have not joined FFA yet) Where: Meet in the Ag room Time: 3:30 to 5:00 Cost: $3
Advisor’s Message
The Area II Rally will be held at the FFA Camp in Covington, GA on September 9th & 10th.
Hi! I’m Mrs. Davis, and I am the Agrscience Teacher and FFA Advisor for West Jackson MidThe Rally is a fun way to kick off the new year of dle School. The officers and I FFA activities. While at the Rally, FFA members met for a summer planning will get the opportunity to experience the Blob, retreat in June, and we made the Muddy Obstacle Course, the BIG slip and lots of exciting plans for the slide, leadership opportunities, and much more upcoming school year. I hope that the camp has to offer. that you will be as involved in In addition, the event will end with the Chapter of participating in these events as the Year Program and highlight the middle school we were in planning them! and high school chapters that excelled during the Step one of being an involved 2015-2016 school year. FFA member is being there! The cost for the Region Rally is $40 which includes an overnight stay at the camp and meals. Any FFA member interested in attending the rally needs to get a packet from Mrs. Davis ASAP! Forms and money are due back by Friday, August 26th. We can only take 15 FFA members to Region Rally, so be sure to sign up early! Please see Mrs. Davis for more details.
You have to start by joining FFA. FFA membership only lasts one year, so if you were a member last year, you will pay again this year. The cost is $20 to join, and you get the new WJMS FFA Tshirt! Step two of becoming an involved FFA member is to get informed! Check out our monthly newsletters, announcements at school, follow us on Instagram @wjmsffa, and like us on Facebook! There is no excuse for “not knowing “ about something because we aim to keep you very informed. :) Step three is finding something you like and running with it! There is something for everyone in FFA! Whether you’re into plants, animals, helping others, leadership, or something equally as awesome, FFA has a place for you! See me or any of the FFA officers for help choosing your place in this wonderful organization!
WJMS FFA Participation Points and Awards
West Jackson Middle FFA
WJMS FFA members will earn points for every event and activity they participate in. Members can earn points for attending FFA meetings, participating in Career Development Events, taking part in community service projects, attending leadership conferences, participating in FFA Week festivities, and more! Members can earn points through the month of April. At the WJMS FFA Banquet at the end of April , the members of each grade level with the highest amount of participation points will earn an Outstanding Member plaque and cash award. Important: members should be sure to sign in at every FFA event they attend in order to get credit for participating. Please see our Secretary, Kate Dutton, if you have any questions.
FFA Day at the Georgia National Fair—October 11th WHEN: Tuesday, Oct 11th ***BUT you must have your permission form turned in and a project registered by Sept ember 15th!
West Jackson Middle School 400 Gum Springs Church Rd Jefferson, GA 30549 Phone: 706-654-2775 Extension: 503 E-mail: adavis@jcss.us
WHERE: Georgia National Fair in Perry, GA HOW: Only students with projects registered at the Georgia National Fair can attend COST: $25 Want to earn an invitation to FFA Day at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, GA?? GET INVOLVED!
Minibooths (informational booths about plants, forestry, natural resources, or wildlife; can be individual or with a partner)
If you would like to attend the FFA Day at the Fair trip, you must be involved in one of the contests that go on there.
Ag Mechanics Projects (could include metal projects, woodworking, The FFA Day at the Fair trip includes a leadership ral- or PVC and MUST include a project plan and materials list) ly and a day of rides at one of the largest fairs in the southeast! Floriculture Contest (practice after All events for the Georgia National Fair MUST be regschool with Mrs. Davis and the floriistered online (by Mrs. Davis) by September 15th, culture team to learn to identify comand if you’re interested in competing with minimon plants) booths and ag mechanics projects, they MUST be completed by September 30th so that they can be delivered before the fair starts).
Checkout West Jackson Middle FFA online! Issuu: issuu.com/wjmsffa Facebook: www.facebook.com/wjmsffa Instagram: www.instagram.com/wjmsffa#