THE LAND — MARCH 31, 2023
PAGE 11
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
25 years later, FFA officers are still involved in ag The FFA mission is to “make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.” While that’s a lofty undertaking, FFA goes far beyond that. The organization not only aims to provide students with the tools to succeed in their educational and career paths, but for so many of its members it’s the lasting memories and friendships which have made their time in FFA such a well-rounded experience. When memories and experiences remain with
someone for 25 years, the stories are worth noting. Every year, The Land tracks down the Minnesota state FFA officers from 25 years ago to hear of the impact FFA had made in their lives. And every year the stories carry a common thread of hard work, nerves, comradery and rewards sometimes not realized until years later. We would like to thank the people who shared their time and stories for this issue. The Land would also like to thank the many ag instructors and FFA advisors who guide and influence our future leaders.
FFA Creed led Schliep to chapter presidency By LAURA COLE state office, she recalled feeling that The Land Staff Writer “any role would be well-taken.” Leah (Schliep) Addington first got Named president, Addington enjoyed involved in FFA when her dad recomthe sense of adventure involved in travmended she try an ag class her fresheling the state to different events such man year. She was just one of three as chapter banquets, the State girls in the class. Greenhand Leadership Conference, and B, I, and E tours (Business, Industry The first activity was to learn the and Education). Of the tours, Addington FFA creed, which is five paragraphs said, “It was a highlight to be visiting long. Students could receive extra credschools in a part of the state that was it if they recited the creed in front of different than where I grew up. We saw the class, and Addington took on the sugar beets, wheat fields, and edible challenge. She was selected Creed bean fields. I had not previously seen speaker for her Zumbrota-Mazeppa this type of crop production.” chapter. “We participated in a national invitational Creed speaking event She states the officers in 1997-98 had which allowed me to attend the nationa variety of personalities, noting al FFA convention,” Addington said. Leah (Schliep) Addington Natasha “brought the fun,” Jill was She stated she still remembers the “very warm and welcoming,” and John, “stars in your eyes” feeling as a ninth grader at her Noah, and Pete were all very intelligent, driven, and first convention. brought a level of professionalism to the table. Addington served as her chapter’s secretary, vice Addington recognized her ag teacher, Mr. Yusten, as president, and president, and also served as her someone she aspired to be. She appreciated that he region’s secretary and president. When running for presented opportunities which took students out of
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their comfort zone, but encouraged them to know they were capable. After high school, Addington attended the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. In college she was involved in Dairy Club, Agriculture Education Society, internships, and was also a tour guide — noting she “was always looking for ways to grow as a person.” After receiving her degree in ag education, she went on to receive her master’s degree in ag education from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. Addington has held a variety of positions within the ag industry: teaching as an ag teacher and FFA advisor for four years, serving as the FFA Leadership Development Coordinator for eight years, and working for Pioneer Seed for nine years. Since this past July, she has been employed as a sales rep for Elanco Animal Health. Addington lives in Cannon Falls, Minn. with her husband, Matt, and three children: Cameron (15), Emerson (14), and Keaton (11). Both Cameron and Emerson are involved with the Randolph FFA chapter, where Addington previously served as an assistant advisor. “It’s a family thing for us,” Addington said. See SCHLIEP, pg. 16
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ON THE COVER: Minnesota State FFA officers from 199798 were (clockwise starting at left) Secretary Peter Lammers, Treasurer Noah Barka, President Leah Schliep, Vice President John Roberts, Reporter Natasha Cronen and Sentinel Jill Guggisberg.
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