Future Homemakers of America (FHA)

 

The Future Homemakers of America (FHA) is a recurring organization in the sources, indicating its importance at Marlinton High School. Here's what the sources reveal about the FHA:

General Information

• The Future Homemakers of America is a national organization for students studying homemaking in junior and senior high schools.
• It includes pupils interested in and working toward better home and family living.
• There are over 5000 affiliated chapters and over 200,000 members in 48 states and territories.
• The Marlinton High School chapter was organized in 1949.
• The FHA's motto is "To Make the Best Better".

Activities and Purpose

• The FHA encourages the development of organized rural recreational activities.
• The organization helps develop the highest types of manhood and womanhood in the lives of rural boys and girls.
• The FHA provides an opportunity to learn skills related to home and family living.
• FHA members often participate in Junior and Senior Plays, and other school activities.
• Members may also be involved in chorus, band, and other extracurricular activities.
• The FHA also participates in magazine drives, and other school events.

Leadership and Membership

• The FHA has its own set of officers, such as a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, parliamentarian, song leader, and historian.
• The organization is often sponsored by a home economics teacher.
• Membership is open to students studying home economics and interested in family living.
• The FHA had a large representation of students in the school.

FHA Members' Involvement

• Many students were members of the FHA, often concurrently holding positions in other clubs and activities, like the band, chorus, or sports.
• FHA members were often also involved in school plays, yearbook staff, and other school events.
• Some members were chosen as chapter sweethearts, cheerleaders, or attendants to queens.
• Members could also become officers in the club or even take on leadership roles in other clubs.

Specific Examples

• Lucy Regena Hannah was a member of the FHA.
• Dorothy Lucille McLaughlin was also a member.
• Peggy Jean Moore was a member of FHA.
• Margaret Ann Shinaberry was in the FHA all four years.
• Nancy Haddock was in the FHA for 3 years.
• Naomi Leta Grimes was in the FHA for all 4 years.
• Thelma Jordan was in the FHA all 4 years and secretary her senior year.
• Sylvia Jane Kelly was in the FHA all 4 years.
• Ruth Irene Sharp was in the FHA and also served as parliamentarian.
• Dianna Kay McLaughlin was in FHA for all four years and served as the reporter.
• Beverly Ann Nottingham was a member and parliamentarian of the FHA.
• Judith Gail Sharp was a member of the FHA and served as secretary.
• Donna Jean Weiford was in the FHA for 3 years.
• Helen Elizabeth Hefner was in the FHA.
• Judy Thomas was a four year member and president of the FHA.
• Mary Dever was the parliamentarian of the FHA.
• Sandra Lee Watson was a member and Chapter Sweetheart.
• Harriett June Williams was a member of the FHA.
• Several students who were members of the FHA were also cheerleaders, class officers, or members of the National Honor Society.

The Future Homemakers of America was a significant organization at Marlinton High School, offering students opportunities for leadership, community involvement, and practical skills related to home and family life. The FHA played an important role in the lives of many students, and the organization was a place where students could develop important life skills.