Six members of the Hillsboro FFA Chapter just returned from Washington, D.C.
Bryanna Buerkle, Ashley Chaney, Taylor Chaney, Kennedi Claycomb, Morgan Holland and Mackenzie Oglesby were a few of many FFA members who converged on the nation’s capital this summer to analyze their personal skills and interests, develop leadership skills and create a meaningful community service plans that will make a difference in their home communities. It’s all part of the 2016 Washington Leadership Conference.
Since 1969, the National FFA Organization has hosted this student leadership event. From June 7-30, members spent a week under the guidance of professionals, counselors and FFA staff members. In workshops, seminars and small groups, students focus on identifying and developing their personal strengths and goals while undergoing comprehensive leadership training that help them guide their local FFA chapters.
Students analyzed the needs of their communities back home, developed a wide-ranging and high-impact community service initiative and will implement their plan with the help of their FFA chapter upon return home. Students in recent years have promoted agricultural literacy; brought awareness to abuse; collected and distributed shoes to individuals in Haiti; created an awareness plan on hunger, and more.
During their time in D.C., FFA members experienced the history of the nation’s capital, touring landmarks including the Washington Monument, War Memorial, the National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Capitol, among others. Hillsboro FFA members also arranged a meeting with Brad Wenstrup and a tour of the Capitol with his staff.
For more information visit www.FFA.org.
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 629,367 student members who belong to one of 7,757 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Submitted by Libby McNeal, Hillsboro FFA advisor.
