At the December 15 regular Milford School Board meeting, Buccaneer Education Foundation (BEF) Founder and President, Matt Bucher presented Mr. Josh Bethard, Milford High School Ag Science teacher and Milford Future Farmers of America (FFA) sponsor, a $70,000.00 donation, on behalf of a family who wishes to remain anonymous. The funds will be used to purchase a badly needed replacement truck, that has already been ordered, using the balance to fund other needs of the program.
“It’s been a great honor to be able to work with the Buccaneer Educational Foundation over the course of the last couple months, to be able to secure necessary funding for us to be able to have a vehicle in the Ag Department,” Bethard said. “This is something that, if you look nationwide, it’s pretty common, but when you look here in the state of Delaware, it’s pretty uncommon.”
Bethard explained that the need for a vehicle was discussed in an advisory meeting earlier in the year with the FFA feeling it was something they had to take a look at soon.
“We’re very thankful for a generous donor to be able to make it possible for us to be able to secure a vehicle that not only can serve our current needs at Milford High School, but also allow us to grow into future opportunities for our students in the department,” Bethardssaid.
Bucher, who also serves as vice-president of the school board, read a letter he sent to Bethards regarding the donation.
“On behalf fo the Board, Officers and Advisory Council of the Buccaneer Educational Foundation, we present the Milford School District FFA program this check for $70,000,” the letter read. “These funds were donated by a family which wishes to remain uncredited and anonymous. BEF was instructed by the donor family’s agent to remit this amount to the FFA program for the purchase of a new pickup truck, with the balance to support the general welfare of the FFA in accomplishing its mission.”
The letter stated that BEF and the Milford School District appreciate the efforts of all who contribute to the success of the Milford FFA program and thanked Bethard for his leadership.
“Milford FFA is one of the most, if not the most, consequential agriculture related programs at the public-school level in the state,” the letter continued. “Hundreds of students are involved in some level every year, and untold thousands of students have gained knowledge in ag-related fields through this program, right here in our local commun
