Lewiston High School Launches New FFA Program

Welding instructor Gabrielle Johnson brings agricultural education to the school for the first time.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Lewiston High School in Idaho will receive its official FFA (Future Farmers of America) charter at the upcoming State FFA convention, marking the first time the school has had an agricultural education program despite the region's long history of farming. Welding instructor Gabrielle "Gabby" Johnson, who previously helped start an FFA program at another school, was hired by the district superintendent with the specific task of establishing the new FFA chapter at LHS.

Why it matters

The addition of an FFA program at Lewiston High School is significant, as the local economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, yet the school had not previously offered any agricultural education. The new program will provide students interested in farming, ranching, and other agricultural careers the opportunity to gain relevant skills and experience.

The details

Lewiston has a long tradition of farming, with local families tilling the land for over 150 years. However, Lewiston High School, which opened a new 1,240-student campus in 2020, had never had a Future Farmers of America (FFA) program until now. Welding instructor Gabrielle "Gabby" Johnson, who previously helped start an FFA program at another school, was hired by Lewiston School District Superintendent Tim Sperber with the specific task of establishing the new FFA chapter at LHS.

  • The new LHS campus opened to students in the fall of 2020.
  • Johnson was hired last year to start the FFA program.
  • LHS will receive its official FFA charter at the State FFA convention from April 1-3, 2026 in Twin Falls.

The players

Gabrielle "Gabby" Johnson

A welding instructor at Lewiston High School who was tasked with starting the school's new FFA program. She previously helped establish an FFA chapter at another high school.

Tim Sperber

The superintendent of Lewiston School District, who hired Gabrielle Johnson and charged her with starting an FFA program at Lewiston High School.

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What they’re saying

“I was flabbergasted that they didn't have an FFA program.”

— Gabrielle "Gabby" Johnson, Welding Instructor (dnews.com)

“I told her, 'You've got the job but you have to start an FFA program.' We're so fortunate to have her here.”

— Tim Sperber, Superintendent (dnews.com)

What’s next

Lewiston High School will receive its official FFA charter at the State FFA convention from April 1-3, 2026 in Twin Falls.

The takeaway

The addition of an FFA program at Lewiston High School will provide valuable agricultural education and career training for students in a region where farming and ranching have been central to the local economy for generations, yet the high school had not previously offered any such programs.