National FFA Leadership Conference
Every year in October, the National FFA Organizations hosts a leadership conference for FFA members across the nation. This year 7 members were selected to attend the 2017 conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. While at the conference, FFA members listen to various keynotes speakers, tour agricultural industries, and meet other members across the country. At this conference East Buchanan was recognized as a two-star chapter, had a member in National FFA Band and two American degree recipients, the chapters first two.
Members attending the opening session. Left to Right: Ashia Gerdemann, Jodie Mausser, Kayla Dudley, DeAnn Lentz, Keegan Kehrli and Dylan Kortenkamp.
Jaci Francois receiving her American Degree from National President David Townsend.
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Members walking on FFA Way, downtown Indianapolis
Members pose with the veterans memorial downtown Indianapolis
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Jared Kelly receiving his American Degree from National President David Townsend.
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Members who attended the National FFA Conference. Left to Right: (Back Row) Dylan Kortenkamp, Keegan Kehrli, Jared Kelly, Jodie Mausser. (Front Row) DeAnn Lentz, Jaci Francois, Kayla Dudley and Ashia Gerdemann.
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National FFA Band
In 2017, the East Buchanan FFA chapter was very fortunate to have a member selected for the National FFA band. The requirements were to have submit a recording of the nominee playing a part, letter of recommendation. Only three were chosen from Iowa for the National Band in 2017.
Austin Cook playing the tuba in the National FFA Band.
Washington Leadership Conference
The WLC curriculum is based on the four tenants ME, WE, DO and SERVE. Building upon each of these four tenants gets students to the overall objective of the conference which is becoming an engaged citizen who can make a measurable positive difference in their community.
Each of these tenants are taught during a full dedicated day of the conference and through the context of our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. The Washington leadership conference is a delicate balance of providing FFA members with a premier leadership experience while exposing them to the rich history that DC has to offer.
ME – To start the continuum in becoming an engaged citizen we must first start with ourselves. Day one of WLC pushes students to look inward at the unique offerings they bring to the table. Students identify what their top six strengths are (Things we are great at) along with their top six passions (Things we love to do.) Students are then gently introduced to what needs of the world are. Students then combine their strengths and passions, and start to think about what it would look like if we combined our strengths and passions to meet a need.
WE – Once students have a strong sense of who they are, and develop purpose statements we can then move to WE. No great task was ever accomplished alone. We teach students that we must bring people together to help any cause. When we bring different people together we must also appreciate, embrace, and celebrate the rich diversity that people who look, think, or were raised differently than us bring to the table.
DO – Friday of the conference is dedicated to Advocacy. Once we know ourselves, and value other people, only then can we truly advocate. Within the conference curriculum students develop an advocacy plan that will help them advocate for a cause they are passionate about upon their return home.
SERVE – The pinnacle of the conference happens on Saturday as we take part in our service day project. In the past five years the service projects have been very different in order to best serve the needs of those in Washington DC.
Each of these tenants are taught during a full dedicated day of the conference and through the context of our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. The Washington leadership conference is a delicate balance of providing FFA members with a premier leadership experience while exposing them to the rich history that DC has to offer.
ME – To start the continuum in becoming an engaged citizen we must first start with ourselves. Day one of WLC pushes students to look inward at the unique offerings they bring to the table. Students identify what their top six strengths are (Things we are great at) along with their top six passions (Things we love to do.) Students are then gently introduced to what needs of the world are. Students then combine their strengths and passions, and start to think about what it would look like if we combined our strengths and passions to meet a need.
WE – Once students have a strong sense of who they are, and develop purpose statements we can then move to WE. No great task was ever accomplished alone. We teach students that we must bring people together to help any cause. When we bring different people together we must also appreciate, embrace, and celebrate the rich diversity that people who look, think, or were raised differently than us bring to the table.
DO – Friday of the conference is dedicated to Advocacy. Once we know ourselves, and value other people, only then can we truly advocate. Within the conference curriculum students develop an advocacy plan that will help them advocate for a cause they are passionate about upon their return home.
SERVE – The pinnacle of the conference happens on Saturday as we take part in our service day project. In the past five years the service projects have been very different in order to best serve the needs of those in Washington DC.
Bethany Cook and Kayla Dudley took advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity to attend WLC in 2017.
