November 1995. Kansas City. Sea of blue corduroy jackets filling the convention center. Laser lights putting on a spectacular show. Spot lights highlight the parade of states as the band played. As a 17-year-old high school senior sitting in the nose bleed section, I was in awe. Over the next few days I listened to speakers, watched people receive awards, attended the American Royal rodeo, and visited many businesses and colleges at the trade show. It was that experience that would have a lifetime impact on me.
It was there at the 1995 National FFA Convention, my first, that I made the decision that I wanted to work with students for the rest of my life so they could have the life changing experiences that FFA provides.
Fast forward to 2020. FFA Chapters across the nation are celebrating National FFA Week. National FFA Week occurs every February during the week in which George Washington birthday falls. Why around his birthday? The founding members of the National FFA Organization felt that George was a diligent and exemplary farmer.
Founded in 1928, the National FFA Organization has seen changes over the years, but the beliefs that it was founded on remain true to this day. Those beliefs can be found in the FFA Creed. Words that every FFA memorizes. Some key phrases from that creed include:
“I believe in the future of agriculture with a faith born not of words but of deeds.”
“I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits is pleasant as well as challenging.”
“I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others.”
“I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.”
In last week’s paper, you saw a spread recognizing the Fennimore FFA Chapter as they celebrate 90 years. Yes, 90 years of education the youth about agriculture. 90 years of leadership development. 90 years of serving the community. Not only is our local chapter celebrating this milestone, the National FFA organization is celebrating 50 years of women in the organization.
Members did a great job interviewing past, present, and future members to celebrate this milestone and share their stories. If you did not read them, I encourage you to go back and do so. I am looking forward to reading more.
I had the privilege of leading the Fennimore FFA Chapter from 2000-2005. Those five years were just as life changing as the first convention I attended as a teenager. It is because of the drive I see in members to better themselves, to make a difference in the community, and inform today’s consumers about the world of agriculture that I continue to support the organization as an alumni member and as a parent.
Stop by Community First Bank in Bender’s to see the photo display the members put together celebrating these past 90 years.
It was there at the 1995 National FFA Convention, my first, that I made the decision that I wanted to work with students for the rest of my life so they could have the life changing experiences that FFA provides.
Fast forward to 2020. FFA Chapters across the nation are celebrating National FFA Week. National FFA Week occurs every February during the week in which George Washington birthday falls. Why around his birthday? The founding members of the National FFA Organization felt that George was a diligent and exemplary farmer.
Founded in 1928, the National FFA Organization has seen changes over the years, but the beliefs that it was founded on remain true to this day. Those beliefs can be found in the FFA Creed. Words that every FFA memorizes. Some key phrases from that creed include:
“I believe in the future of agriculture with a faith born not of words but of deeds.”
“I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits is pleasant as well as challenging.”
“I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others.”
“I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.”
In last week’s paper, you saw a spread recognizing the Fennimore FFA Chapter as they celebrate 90 years. Yes, 90 years of education the youth about agriculture. 90 years of leadership development. 90 years of serving the community. Not only is our local chapter celebrating this milestone, the National FFA organization is celebrating 50 years of women in the organization.
Members did a great job interviewing past, present, and future members to celebrate this milestone and share their stories. If you did not read them, I encourage you to go back and do so. I am looking forward to reading more.
I had the privilege of leading the Fennimore FFA Chapter from 2000-2005. Those five years were just as life changing as the first convention I attended as a teenager. It is because of the drive I see in members to better themselves, to make a difference in the community, and inform today’s consumers about the world of agriculture that I continue to support the organization as an alumni member and as a parent.
Stop by Community First Bank in Bender’s to see the photo display the members put together celebrating these past 90 years.
Cheers Fennimore FFA! Here’s to another 90 years of developing the leaders of tomorrow!
