Where Are They Now?

through World Link in the 20 years it has been operating. Initially, World Link conducted exchange programs for agricultural students from other countries when the National FFA decided to close down the Work Experience Abroad Program. World Link still engages with rural youth development projects whenever they can. The leadership program that World Link uses is loosely based on the FFA program of leadership development and the recognition of achievements. Through their program called Public Achievement Leadership (PAL), students learn leadership skills that help them conduct service projects in their own countries. Curtis’s involvement with FFA provided him with the skills to not only develop a program like this, but also to demonstrate good youth leadership programs to over 50 countries that he has visited and worked in so far. Being an officer gave him an advanced level of leadership skills that made it possible to found an organization. While a member of the MP FFA chapter, his own experience with the FFA Work Experience Abroad Program gave him the motivation and experience to take the program to an international level.

What is a favorite FFA memory of yours?

My favorite memory is going to the National FFA Convention in Kansas City in the school station wagon before I-35 was built. Every time I visit Kansas City, I think of the memories of being at the convention in that city. My runner up is being in the Rose Garden at the White House as a newly elected State FFA President with newly elected President Jimmy Carter.

Stutzman ‘79Reporter 1978-1979

Lyle served as Reporter from 1978-1979. After graduating from Mid-Prairie, he was able to stay involved in agriculture through his career path. He served as President of Johnson Brothers of Iowa in a career that spanned 39 years. Johnson Brothers of Iowa is Iowa’s largest Wine Wholesale Company. He is now retired and splits his time between Panora, Iowa, and Fort Myers, Florida. He feels his involvement with FFA was instrumental in developing his public speaking skills and how to conduct a meeting through Roberts Rules of Order. Both of those skill sets have assisted him throughout his career and continue to in retirement.

What is a favorite FFA memory of yours?

My favorite FFA memory is the Iowa State Fair, where I had the opportunity to show sheep, serve as a Grandstand Usher and assist WHO Radio with interviewing fairgoers for their fair coverage.

1996-1997

Jennifer served as Vice President from 1996-1997. During her year as a State FFA Officer, she was a full-time student at Iowa State University and also worked part time. Time management was one of the most important life skills she learned that year, and she continues to use that skill daily with her career and raising a family. FFA also taught her how to have confidence. The leadership activities she participated in gave her confidence to speak in front of people, build relationships with peers and taught her that she can do hard things. Today, as the Senior Vice President of Quality at First National Title Insurance Company, she leads a team of auditors, problem solves issues and supports small and large businesses to develop internal processes to secure fiduciary funds. She currently lives in Severance, Colorado, on an acreage with her husband and three children. Jennifer and her family stay very involved with agriculture together. Her three children are involved with 4-H and raise show pigs and chickens. From April through August, they participate in CJSA Jackpots and the County and State Fairs, where her children show their pigs. This year, they are also raising more chickens to sell eggs.

What is a favorite FFA memory of yours?

I have two favorite FFA memories. My first was participating at the Iowa State Fair as a Grandstand Usher. I participated as an usher for four years and saw many famous artists perform in the Grandstand. My last year, I was Head Usher, where I led over 500 FFA members. Wearing the yellow shirt and walking through the fair grounds with my fellow FFA members was a great feeling. My second favorite memory was having my name called as the Southeast State FFA Officer and running to the stage with my new team. Serving as a State FFA Officer was fun and very rewarding.