Buccaneer Educational Foundation Donates $70,000 to Milford High School FFA Program

thumbnail BEF Awards 70K to Milford FFA for Purchase of New Truck 12.15.25 e1765895327356

Founder and President Matt Bucher of the Buccaneer Educational Foundation presents a $70,000 donation to the Mr. Josh Bethards of Milford High School to support students in the Future Farmers of America program at the High School last night (Dec. 15, 2025)

“The Buccaneer Educational Foundation donation reflects what can happen when a community comes together to invest in its students,” said Founder Matt Bucher

MILFORD, Del. — The Milford High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter received a major boost Monday night when the Buccaneer Educational Foundation presented a $70,000 donation to support the school’s agricultural education program.

The check was presented during the Milford School Board’s regular meeting on Dec. 15, surrounded by Milford FFA members and members of the Buccaneer Educational Foundation Advisory Council. Matt Bucher, founder and president of the foundation, presented the donation to Josh Bethard, Milford High School agricultural science teacher and FFA adviser.

The funds were donated by a family that wishes to remain anonymous, Bucher said. The largest portion of the gift will be used to purchase a badly needed replacement pickup truck for the FFA program, which has already been ordered. The remaining balance will support additional program needs and student activities.

“On behalf of the Board, Officers, and Advisory Council of the Buccaneer Educational Foundation, we are honored to present this gift to the Milford FFA program,” Bucher said in a letter read aloud during the meeting. “These funds are intended to support the general welfare of the FFA in accomplishing its mission.”

Bucher praised Bethards’ leadership and emphasized the long-standing impact of the Milford FFA program on students and the local community.

“Milford FFA is one of the most, if not the most, consequential agriculture-related programs at the public-school level in the state,” Bucher said. “Hundreds of students are involved each year, and thousands more have gained knowledge in agriculture-related fields through this program right here in our community.”

The Milford FFA program provides students with hands-on learning experiences in agriculture, leadership development, and career readiness, preparing them for opportunities in farming, agribusiness, environmental science, and related industries.

The donation was made through the Buccaneer Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization launched in 2024 to support students and teachers in the Milford School District. The foundation funds classroom projects, helps students cover costs associated with national academic competitions, and builds partnerships among educators, families, and local businesses.

Founded by Milford School Board Vice President Matt Bucher, the foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is supported by local volunteers, educators, parents, and civic leaders.

Its mission is to engage the Milford community through giving, inspire academic rigor, fund new learning opportunities, and prepare students to become well-rounded, productive citizens.

Since its launch, the Buccaneer Educational Foundation has provided classroom grants, supported student travel for national competitions, and sponsored leadership development opportunities. It also hosts an annual Fall Fling fundraiser in Greenwood to raise funds and promote community engagement.

Foundation leaders say plans include expanding support for career and technical education programs and developing scholarship opportunities for Milford students.

“This donation reflects what can happen when a community comes together to invest in its students,” Bucher said. “The impact of programs like FFA reaches far beyond the classroom.”