True Blue Nebraska News Leadership. Tradition. True Blue
AUGUST 2016
An Update from Nebraska FFA There I was standing in the shop at Verdigre Public School, when I zipped up my blue corduroy jacket for the first time. It made me stand up a little straighter and hold my head a little higher, but I never truly understood how far it would take me. Today, I write this article as one of seven Nebraska FFA state officers, and I’m incredibly grateful for the first time I zipped up my jacket each time I zip up the Association jacket I wear this year. My teammates and I are in the midst of the journey of a lifetime - a year of astounding growth, and a year focused on serving others, strengthening agriculture, growing our communities, and much more. Growth and service require work, sacrifice, and time; they also yield pure joy! We began our year as state officers with a series of trainings that helped to grow us as individuals and as a team; our training also prepared us for the time we would spend with chapter officers at COLT conference. The state officer team was able to meet chapter officers from across the state while guiding students to an understanding of how to fulfill their roles as officers and how work with their team to plan chapter events for the year. Personally, my favorite part of COLT conference was meal time; I had the chance to not only fill my belly, but I had the chance to laugh, joke, and truly get to know members and their advisors. In June, we attended the National Leadership Conference for State Officers (NLCSO) with officers from states in the surrounding area. We made lifelong friendships with those at the conference, learned more about working as a team, and gained a
deeper understanding of how to write and facilitate workshops effectively. July brought us the opportunity to connect with students in different Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) at NPower conference hosted on East Campus at UNL. The state officer team enjoyed connecting with many members and also learning more about ourselves, the power of mentoring relationships, and the way all Career and Technical Education (CTE) students can collaborate for an impactful leadership experience. To start off August, we will meet with business and industry partners where we will connect with leaders in the agriculture industry. As a state officer team, we are all excited to attend school this fall at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Additionally, we look forward to connecting with more members during Engaging Districts for Growth and Excellence (EDGE) conferences, Leadership Skills Events (LSEs) and chapter events and visits. Supporters, on behalf of Nebraska FFA, thank you for your choice to believe in our organization - one that serves students by providing them with skills and experiences that will allow them serve the industry. Thank you for believing in and supporting FFA. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to zip up my blue corduroy jacket, and I look forward to being a part of the growth and building of FFA for the purpose of serving our students, our communities, and our industry - today and tomorrow. Sincerely, Kaitlyn Hanvey State President, Nebraska FFA Association
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