THE
THE
IMPACT
INDIANA FFA NEWS INDIANA FFA NEWS INDIANA FFA NEWS INDIANA FFA NEWS
FALL 2014
. . . 1 . . . 2 . . . 3
! F F O K KIC Are you ready?
By: Kathleen Jacobs
Who loves mingling with new people as well as fun and games? I know that the rest of the state officer team and I love opportunities just like this! Just around the corner are district kick-offs! Each district can engage in an experience they’ll never forget! The following are the dates to each kick-off. Don’t miss out on the fun; make sure to show up to represent your district and meet new people!
DISTRICT 1: 09/29 DISTRICT 2: 09/15 DISTRICT 3: 09/22 DISTRICT 4: 09/30 DISTRICT 5: 09/16 DISTRICT 6: 09/23
DISTRICT 7: 10/01 DISTRICT 8: 09/17 DISTRICT 9: 09/24 DISTRICT 10: 10/02 DISTRICT 11: 09/18 DISTRICT 12: 09/25
I love growing! Whether it’s growing as an individual or growing as I team, I get pumped when I am put into a situation where I can improve. One ofas myan favorite quotesor says, “There as is no comfort I love growing! Whether it’s growing individual growing a team, I in a growing zone, and no growing in a comfort zone.” The state officer team is trying to combine get pumped when I am put into a situation where I can improve. One of both to make an amazing Leadership Development Workshop this year! If you would like to myasfavorite quotes says,need “There is into no comfort in a taking growing and grow a team, you definitely to look this workshop placezone, in September. This theme Wonderszone.” of the World will beofficer focusedteam on chapter officer noyear’s growing inofa 7comfort The state is trying to team development. Jointousmake the weekend of September 12-14Development for this beneficial combine both an amazing Leadership workshop!
As a young member in FFA I had no idea how many amazing opportunities the organization could offer! However, I was lucky to have a state officer convince me to go to the SOAR conference. This conference is incredibly beneficial for younger members to learn about all the opportunities and experiences they can gain through FFA. Between activities that help grow individual leaders and putting students in the position to meet new people, this weekend is full of fun, growth, and memories. Lucky for you we are offering two weeks of this amazing conference; that way you won’t have a chance to miss out! This conference is made possible by the Anderson’s and Helena. Join the state officer team at the Indiana FFA Center on the weekend of October 10-12 or October 17-19 to make lifelong memories!
Workshop this year! If you would like to grow as a team, you definitely need to look into this workshop taking place in September. This year’s theme of 7 Wonders of the World will be focused on chapter officer team development. Join us the weekend of September 12-14 for this beneficial workshop!
I love growing! Whether it’s growing as an individual or growing as I team, I get pumped when I am put into a situation where I can improve. One of my favorite quotes says, “There is no comfort in a growing zone, and no growing in a comfort zone.” The state officer team is trying to combine both to make an amazing Leadership Development Workshop this year! If you would like to grow as a team, you definitely need to look into this workshop taking place in September. This year’s theme of 7 Wonders of the World will be focused on chapter officer team development. Join us the weekend of September 12-14 for this beneficial workshop!
B
PICTURE THIS!
By Lindsey O’Hara
Instagram & Advocating Agriculture We all love social media and use it frequently! Social Media has a wonderful way of showcasing our lives and, more importantly, our stories. The agriculture industry is using social media as a tool to advocate and educate society. @MyDayinAg uses Instagram as a “Tour Guide” where anyone can go on a virtual tour of the life of an agricultural professional. My Day in Ag was created in February of 2014 by Sydney Dunn. “My Day in Ag was created to be a means of “virtual ag tourism.” The general public can connect with a firsthand account of where exactly their food and fiber comes from. They can hear the facts about modern agriculture straight from the mouth of the farmer. On the other hand, people already involved in agriculture are interested to see how other folks are involved in their industry around the world. The account has promoted good conversation and new ideas about agriculture.” When I discovered this, I couldn’t help but want to get involved. I emailed Ms. Dunn and requested a date. June 27th I posted five pictures with insight of different aspects of state office and how it connects with agriculture. At the end of the day, I reflected and discovered this... if we change the way we use social media... we can change the world. FFA members, you have the opportunity to take pictures and videos about your agriculture story! You have the ability to educate hundreds of people. Change those typical “selfies” into “felfies” (farm selfies) attaching them with a quick caption. If you would like to be featured on My Day in Ag, email Ms. Dunn at mydayinag@gmail.com and request your day to share your story!
STATIONED BY
T H E O WL ADVISO
R SPOTLIGHT
MRS. AMANDA BRIGGS MADISON FFA
QUICK FACTS 1. RECOGNITION: TEACHER TURN THE KEY AWARD, 2006; IAAE TEACHER OF THE YEAR, 2014; IAAE DXII OUTSTANDING PROGRAM, 2014; IAAE DAM AWARD FORMER STUDENT ENTERED A TEACHING FIELD. 2. 11 YEARS OF TEACHING 3. SEES 150 STUDENTS EACH DAY - 90 ARE FFA MEMBERS!
QUOTE “IT IS EXTREMELY REWARDING TO TEACH A STUDENT A CONCEPT IN CLASS AND HAVE THEM RETURN LATER AFTER GRADUATION AND EXPLAIN WHEN THEY ACTUALLY APPLIED IT TO A REAL-LIFE SITUATION.”
“Mrs. Briggs is not just another teacher. She is a mentor, a leader, an educator, and like another mom to not only me but other students as well. She has a passion for teaching, agriculture, and most of all others. She is a rare educator who has both the knowledge of the material and the skills and heart to teach it. I met Mrs. Briggs when I was little and my mom was her ag teacher, and I was blessed to have her teach me. She has always pushed me to do my best and try new things. I would not be where I am today or had the experiences that I have had without her. She is always willing to go the extra mile for her students in their studies and in their activities. My favorite memory of Mrs. Briggs was this past spring when she sent me rolly polly hunting during SAE and then turned it into a competition with the SAE students in the class after mine. I managed to round up several of them for the experiment; however, I was sadly beaten by the fifth-period students by a minuscule amount. Congrats Jonny and Taylor on your win. –Makenzie Deputy
SEE WHAT STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY...
“When I first joined FFA I was afraid to get up in front of the class, and I was very nervous. Mrs. Briggs encouraged me to try the creed speaking competition and so I did. After that competition, I was able to get up in front of the class without being as nervous and with more confidence. She really helps people get out of their comfort zone and try new things. Mrs. Briggs always will find a competition for anyone. She is always there for people to practice and will sacrifice her own personal summer days and weekends to be at the school. She coaches all of our teams and supports all of her students. My funniest memory about Briggs is when we were setting up our annual Halloween trail for the Greenhand members. I was worried about every little twig, so I was picking up sticks and filling holes so no one would trip. Everyone was complaining and telling me that it is supposed to be somewhat treacherous. Briggs told me that I was not allowed to plan the trail anymore because I was no fun!” - Shea Elswick C
BY: SHELBY SIGMAN
BROOK KNUDSEN
TAYLOR EBERLY
CHAPTER: Hope FAVORITE CDE: Livestock Judging & Meat Judging HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF FFA: Spending time with family and friends as well as working with 4-H pigs. FAVORITE QUOTE: “The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” - Scott Hamilton WHAT HAS FFA GIVEN YOU? FFA has opened up leadership skills, friendships, and opportunities to give back.
CHAPTER: Whitko FAVORITE CDE: Livestock Skill-a-Thon HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF FFA: Working with 4-H Holstein feeder calf, dairy goats, and spending time with family and friends. FAVORITE QUOTE: “Opportunity is often missed because it is disguised in overalls and looks like hard work.” - unknown WHAT HAS FFA GIVEN YOU? I have learned many new leadership and communication skills. It has taught me to become a better person and to teach others about the agricultural world.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT OUR MEMBERS MAKE US SHINE. BY: DAKTOA WESTPHAL
SHELBI PERRY
KENZIE KRETZMEIER Wednesday, July 9, 14
CHAPTER: Frontier FAVORITE CDE: Livestock Judging HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF FFA: Playing volleyball and showing pigs. FAVORITE QUOTE: “All of our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them.” - Walt Disney WHAT HAS FFA GIVEN YOU? FFA has made me a better overall person. I am more confident, I can speak in front of people, and it has helped me make a ton of new, lifelong friends that I will cherish forever.
D
CHAPTER: Benton Central FAVORITE CDE: Livestock Judging HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF FFA: Showing cattle, sheep, and hogs, working on the farm, running and throwing in track, going on mission trips, participating in 4-H and community service. FAVORITE QUOTE: “Be fearful of mediocrity..” - Unknown WHAT HAS FFA GIVEN YOU? FFA has given me more faith in myself to do things that I did not think were attainable, and I now realize that I can do anything I set my mind to. This organization has broadened my horizons and developed the characteristics I now obtain to use in my future endeavors.”
FROM TRAFALGAR BY: BRITTANY YOUNG
It was actually happening. After dreaming about this moment since my freshman year in high school, it was all becoming real. Slate had been posted, then the next day it officially passed, my teammates and I had just ended the sixth and final session of the 85th Indiana FFA State Convention and we were moving into our new home the following Sunday. Moving to the center was such an exciting time! After meeting at Applebee’s in Franklin with Mr. Martin, we all caravanned on the back roads of Johnson County to the Leadership Center. I will never forget that first feeling I had when we pulled up to see the stone pillars at the end of the driveway with the FFA emblem attached to the front of both. This trip to the center was definitely unlike the rest. We were not pulling in as campers for the weekend but instead we were pulling in as Indiana FFA State officers and this time we would be staying here for 365 days.
We started our year off with Blast Off training directed by Miss Samantha Paschal. Blast Off consisted of a four day conference held in the Fellowship
Center. This was a time for our officer team to really bond for the first time. We learned about the ‘6 Roles of State Officers’, the strengths and weaknesses of each officer on the team, how to handle conflict, the ‘3 Levels of Communication and key concepts to help us deliver a speech. These were just a few of the overall main points that were gathered from training.
After the four days of training came to a close, our parents joined us on Saturday afternoon to help us finish moving into the State Officer house. It was great to see our parents before we all had to leave for NLCSO, also known as the National Leadership Conference for State Officers. We left for Springfield, Illinois on Sunday and the conference officially started on Monday. We attended this conference with three other state officer teams; Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin. Indiana officers had such a great time meeting other officers from other states. We also learned a lot of techniques that we have been able to bring back and apply to our association.
Since we have already “hit the ground running”, something tells me that the good times will continue rolling in! I am so excited to have the opportunity to represent the members of Indiana FFA, the agriculture industry and agricultural education. I am also beyond excited to meet you all! A verse that really helped me get through the nominating committee rounds during state convention was Proverbs 16:9, “The heart of man plans his ways but the Lord directs his steps.” I cannot wait to see what direction the steps of my fellow teammates and I will be taking next! Indiana FFA, get pumped, get excited and get motivated because the 2014-2015 Indiana FFA State Officer Team is ready to serve YOU!
E
KATHLEEN’s TIMELINE:
GET THE FACTS Birthday: May 5, 1995 Parents: Paul & Heidi Jacobs Siblings: Timothy Jacobs Hometown: Huntington, IN FFA Chapter: Huntington North Advisor: Amanda Wagoner & Jamie Buckland Favorite Food: Pasta Favorite Movie: Anything with Channing Tatum Favorite Pastime: Talking Favorite Sport: Swimming Favorite Animal: Pig Favorite Color: Mint Green Favorite Music: Anything with a good beat BY: SKYLAR CLINGAN
9th Grade - Greenhand President - 1st Place State Freshman Extemporaneous Public Speaking - District Chapter Meeting Participant 10th Grade - Chapter Vice President - 3rd Place State Prepared Public Speaking - 4th Place State Extemporaneous Public Speaking 11th Grade - District VI Sentinel - Agriculture Sales Demonstration - Prepared Public Speaking Participant - Job Interview Participant 12th Grade - Section II Director - State FFA Sweetheart - Chapter Vice-President - 1st Place State Extemporaneous Public Speaking - 3rd Place State Prepared Public Speaking
The Team Voted KATHLEEN... Most likely to get burnt by the moon.
FUTURE PLANS
Attend Purdue University ma joring in Agricultural Education, minoring in Leadership Development.
“As a high school freshman, Kathleen was not initially interested in joining FFA because, in her words, ‘Ag is just not my thing.’ Indiana FFA is very lucky that she changed her mind. Kathleen has been a model of grace and persistence during difficult situations and has developed a deep passion for all things agriculture and FFA. Today, she bleeds blue and gold. As parents, we could not be more proud of Kathleen.” - Paul & Heidi Jacobs, Parents
“Kathleen has a passion for agriculture. Her talented ability to share that passion through public speaking and her outgoing personality makes her a positive example for our youth today. I look forward to watching Kathleen’s year of service to agriculture and FFA!” - Kelli Hoffman, Friend
KATHLEEN JACOBS F
STATE TREASURER
DEREK’s TIMELINE:
GET THE FACTS Birthday: December 13, 1995 Parents: Brian & Melissa Harvey Siblings: Kyle Harvey Hometown: Logansport FFA Chapter: Caston Advisor: Mrs. Cari Butcher Favorite Food: Steak & Baked Potato Favorite Movie: Inception Favorite Pastime: Camping Favorite Sport: Soccer Favorite Animal: Genetically Modified Salmon Favorite Color: Teal Favorite Music: Bagpipe Music
9th Grade - 2nd Place Creed - Star Greenhand - State Dairy Evaluation Participant 10th Grade - Chapter Sentinel - District Chapter Meeting Team - State Ag. Issues Team - State Marketing Team - 1st Place Natural Resources Demonstration 11th Grade - District II Vice-President - Chapter President - 3rd Place Food Science Demonstration - Silver Emblem National Prepared Public Speaking 12th Grade - District II President - Chapter President - Chapter Star in Agribusiness - 1st Leadership Ambassador - 2nd State Extemporaneous Public Speaking
BY: SKYLAR CLINGAN
The Team Voted DEREK...
Most likely to be a spider monkey in his future life.
FUTURE PLANS Attend
Purdue University ma joring Agriculture Business.
in
“Derek has been passionate about setting goals and doing what he can to achieve these goals. He jumps in and gives his all to everything he is a part of. Not only does Derek worry about his personal achievements, but he worries about doing whatever he can to help others. He is very selfless and wants to help everyone else succeed. No matter what is asked from him he will always do it with a smile and give 110%. Derek’s passion for agriculture has led him to enjoy every moment of his FFA experience.” - Melissa Harvey, Mom “Derek is an outgoing young man who is very driven to achieve the goals he sets! Determined, dedicated, and energetic are three words that accurately describe him.” - Mrs. Cari Butcher, Advisor
DEREK BERKSHIRE
STATE SENTINEL G
SPONSOR By Jacob Mueller
Spotlight
In FFA, we love our career development events, trips, camps, and conferences. As FFA members we also love community service. In some chapters in particular, community service has become an integral part of their culture. To reward these chapters, CHS and Indiana Rural Electric Cooperative sponsored the Living to Serve Community Initiative. If you were in attendance at the 5th general session at this year’s state convention, you were probably a witness to this year’s winners of the Living to Serve Community Initiative. The top five chapters all received monetary awards sponsored by the CHS foundation and Indiana Rural Electric Cooperative. These chapters and some of their projects included: Carroll @ Fort Wayne—promoting food security with a major community garden, Shenandoah—working with over 100 developmentally disabled community members with events like the Snug Harbor Prom, Liberty— working through a National FFA grant for food security efforts such as community gardens and a school wide food pantry, Cloverdale—donating 4 and one half production hogs to provide fresh pork to the local food pantry, and Northwood—cooperating with a seed to feed program with multiple community gardens that provide produce to nearly
H
2,400 families every month. These chapters have embraced the concept of servant leadership, and thanks to the generous sponsorship of this initiative by the CHS foundation and the Indiana Rural Electric Cooperatives they are recognized and rewarded. When asked about the sponsorship of this initiative, Darby O’Connor, training and youth program specialist for Indiana Electric Cooperative stated, “Indiana’s electric cooperatives are privileged to support the FFA organization and the future leaders of rural Indiana.” For the first place chapter our sponsors provide $1,000 to continue their hard work. Second place received $750, and 3rd through 5th received $500. Without the support of the CHS foundation and Indiana Rural Electric Cooperative, the recognition of these outstanding chapters would not be possible. If your chapter has made servant leadership an integral part of your mission, fill out the Living to Serve Community Initiative application next year to be recognized for your service to your community. The application can be found at indianaffa.org. Thank you CHS and Indiana Rural Electric Cooperative for your support of the Indiana FFA!