Allentown began with humble beginnings. The FFA Chapter was established in 1936 and student success was at its forefront. In the 1940s, the New Agricultural Shop was constructed, which allowed the program to expand beyond its classrooms in the Upper Freehold School. Students were at the forefront of helping to construct the New Building.
The original agricultural education program at Allentown was centered on production agriculture. Students studied traditional production agriculture topics, such as agronomy, agricultural mechanics, and other general agriculture courses. The program was limited to only males.
When Jacque and Cyndee Roszel came to teach Agricultural Education at Allentown High School little did they know how many lives they would touch. Teaching at Allentown High
School for 64 combined years, Jacque and Cyndee have truly made a positive difference in the lives of over 5000 students. Jacque and Cyndee’s devotion to the agricultural education profession has been exemplified by their commitment to student success. The agricultural education program has been in existence at Allentown High School since 1936, but for many years only included production
agriculture classes for males.
In 1974, with the support of the Advisory Committee, Jacque
and Cyndee began the work of converting the traditional program into a modern Agricultural Education format. With classes such as Animal Science, Plant Science, Equine Science and Environmental Science, Allentown was one of the first agricultural education programs in the
state and region to change to this innovative layout. Allentown was one of the first programs in the country to develop an Equine Science Course.
The teaching methods of Jacque and Cyndee have emphasized student responsibility and confidence by providing students with both knowledge and hands on experience. Jacque and Cyndee’s students have been taught through real world experience by participation in debates, hands-on demonstrations, and various projects. Through the basic principles of experiential learning, many former students of Jacque and Cyndee have been highly successful and
influential in the agricultural industry. Because of the learning approach, the achievements of the Allentown FFA Chapter are numerous, including over 100 first place finishes in State
Career Development Events. With the guidance of the Roszels, more than 85 of Allentown’s FFA members have attained the State FFA Degree, over 15 members have received their American Degree, and greater than 40 members have served as state FFA officers.
The New Jersey FFA Foundation created the Roszel Scholarship to recognize the Roszel's contribution to the Allentown FFA Chapter and the New Jersey FFA Association
Presently, the FFA Chapter is going strongly and continuing the success of 75 years. In the Fall of 2008, Denise Emmons began as the new Animal Sciences Instructor and FFA Advisor in the Allentown High School Agricultural Science program. In the Fall of 2010, Dale Cruzan joined the agricultural sciences staff as the Plant Sciences & Agricultural Mechanics Instructor & FFA Advisor.
The Chapter is planning new and innovative events to help maintain the success of the chapter, established over the past 75 years. Currently, the chapter is completing a chapter exchange program with the Bridgewater-Emery FFA Chapter in Bridgewater, South Dakota.
The program continues to seek new and innovative courses, including the Curriculum for Agriculture Science Education (CASE)- Principles of Agricultural Science Animal (introduced 2009-2010), the CASE- Principles of Agricultural Science- Plant (introduced 2010-2011), CASE- Introduction to Agriculture Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) (introduced 2011-2012) and Wildlife & Aquaculture Science (Introduced 2011-2012). 2011 also marked the renovation of the 1930's era greenhouse and its transformation into an aquaculture production facility.
The Allentown FFA and Agricultural Science Program is dedicated to the FFA Mission of Premier Leader, Personal Growth, and Career Success.