Tippecanoe Valley FFA reaches 70 members

National FFA Week, Feb. 18-25, is always a time to celebrate at Tippecanoe Valley High School. This year’s celebrations may be a little more festive, however, due to a spike in membership after 20 8th graders were welcomed into the chapter, bringing their total to roughly 70.

Another welcome addition has been agriculture teacher Hope Slagle, now in her second year, who commented on the strong foundation being set with the younger members. “They’re going to be experts by the time they get to be juniors and seniors,” she said.

Slagle’s counterpart, Mike Jones, has 23 years of FFA experience, starting at Argos High School. For seven years he has advised Tippy Valley FFA.

“I don’t do a lot of coaching,” said Jones. “Older kids teach younger members about contests and projects. … Freshmen build relationships with seniors who take them under their wing.”

Treasurer Issiac Ramsey, a junior, emphasized the leadership skills this interaction imparts. “Even as a freshman, being around the older kids teaches you how to be a better leader.”

While Ramsey, President Lucas Parson and Vice President

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