Lilly Weber
Aug 22 2023

Cheering Section

2023-2024, Lily Weber
65

Lily Weber

Cheering sections are often loud as everyone present is there to cheer for their favorite team. Throughout high school, I sat in many of the cheering sections for my high school’s football, basketball, baseball and volleyball games. Our section was ready to cheer on our team. This last year, though, I found that cheering sections are not always loud and noisy; sometimes cheering sections can be quiet, and at places other than sporting events.

 

The bell rang at my high school for the last four years at 7:56 a.m. This was the bell that rang as I was normally just walking in the door of our technical center late to my first hour class. The teachers would all greet me and tell me I better hurry because I was late. But on the days that I was not running late, those same halls in that technical center, is where I found my cheering section. During golf season I received pointers on my game, during fall speeches others would take time out of their mornings to listen to my speech. When softball season started, I heard congratulations after every win and was comforted when our team didn’t have a great game. During contest season I remember my cheering section asking about bugs since they knew I was working on entomology. For extemporaneous speaking, they helped me find articles and asked me about the topic I received when I went to the contest. There were times that I was not happy with how I did, so they would always help me find a way to feel at ease about my struggles. This group of students and teachers were all part of my cheering section. Sure, they challenged me and never let me off easy, but they were also a group of people that I wanted to celebrate the good times with. Missouri FFA members this next year I encourage you to find your cheering section to root you on, not only in your FFA journey but also in your life!

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Isabella Hamner
Aug 04 2023

Never Surrender

2023-2024, Isabella Hamner
61

I’ve recently had an obsession with latin phrases. I don’t speak latin, but from my interest I’ve picked up a few quotes. One of my favorites is “non desistas non exieris” which translates to “Never give up. Never surrender.” It’s a pretty straightforward quote. We hear the reminder to “never give up” a lot in our lives, but we often forget that it doesn’t just apply to sports or tests. Sometimes we need to remember never to give up on ourselves. 

 

Without the structure of school and seeing friends every day, I sometimes struggle to stay motivated. There are good days and not-so-good days. Some days I wake up early and energized, ready to be productive and accomplish the tasks on my to-do list. Others, I struggle to even feel motivated enough to get out of bed. It is on the not-so-good days that it is easy to berate yourself and give up. It is easier to just resign yourself to sitting in bed all day and putting off your tasks until tomorrow. But, it is important to never surrender. Push yourself to do one step at a time. Get out of bed, then get dressed, then make breakfast. Not every day is going to feel life-changing, but even the small things can make you feel more productive. Every day is full of possibilities, and it is up to us as individuals to choose to take advantage of them. Even on the days when those possibilities seem so far away, we must remember to never give up on ourselves and never surrender. 

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Karson Calvin
Aug 04 2023

Close the Gap

2023-2024, Kalvin Carson
64

If you have ever run in a high school cross-country race, you have probably heard the encouraging voice of your coach yelling, “Close the gap!” Upon hearing the words,  you look up to see the appearance of a runner in the distance. My high school cross-country experience was no different, and I found myself hearing that particular phrase an odd number of times throughout the race. While I started this five-kilometer race energized and ready to run by the halfway point, I was exhausted and ready to be done. As I slowed down my pace and saw the group of runners I was in go farther and farther in the distance, I was ready to give up. But, as I was getting ready to stop running, I heard the familiar voice of my coach saying, “Close the gap, Karson, one step at a time, close the gap.” That was the motivation I needed. Although I was exhausted, I kept pushing one foot in front of the other to close the gap. I will admit, I never caught the group of runners and passed them myself, but I did get closer. What at one time during the race was a group shadow became living, breathing competitors that pushed me even further. 

Throughout our lives, we will find ourselves in moments of exhaustion, sickness, frustration, and so many other emotions. During these times we feel like we are so far behind others that we cannot keep going, that we just need to give up on the task at hand. However, no matter how far behind we might feel, we need to keep moving forward, keep putting one foot in front of the other and close the gap. When we close the gaps in our lives, the goals that once were far off in the distance become something we can feel and is the extra motivation to keep moving forward. Close your gap.

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Kiley Mattson
Jul 14 2023

Live Your Own Destiny

2023-2024, Kiley Mattson
61

Kiley Mattson

One of the hardest things I’ve had to learn was that everyone’s journey is different, and that’s okay. As the youngest of four, I struggled with understanding the difference between looking up to my sisters and trying to be them. I compared my journey to theirs and thought that if my road didn’t look exactly like theirs then I was a failure. I had to get good grades like they did, I had to be good at sports like they were, I had to be as popular as they were or else I wasn’t anyone of worth. I compared my abilities, talents, and personality to those of my sisters and seemed to always come up short. I thought this was the truth, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It wasn’t until I read a quote in a book that I started to understand that I didn’t need or even want to be exactly like my sisters because that just wasn’t who I was. The quote in question was from the Bhagavad Gita and it said, “It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else’s life with perfection.” 

 

After reading that, I couldn’t stop thinking about how I was living an imitation of my sisters because I was scared of being myself, being different. I was scared that if my journey didn’t look like my sisters’ then I was a failure. I finally realized that I am my own amazing person with my own amazing journey. My failures and successes don’t look the same as any of my sisters and theirs don’t look the same as mine, but we still have our own failures and successes. When I stopped comparing my journey with theirs, I began to enjoy my life more. Don’t be like me. Don’t waste your time trying to be someone else. Be who you are with all your heart and enjoy this life God has blessed you with. 

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Noah Graham
Jul 14 2023

Embrace Excitement

2023-2024, Noah Graham
60

Noah Graham

One might say that this would be common sense, but we as intelligent human beings forget this crucial aspect all the time. Excitement might come in the form of something as large as a new car, but it can also come in the form of something as small as a drop of dew forming on a blade of grass. The thing is, we become so used to the everyday events that are around us that we take them for granted. 

The week before July 4th, I had the opportunity to attend FFA camp and to assist in leading the leadership activities. When I showed up to camp, I pulled the door latch on my cool, 70-degree- climate-controlled car and the searing heat hit me like a brick wall. As the sweat started to form, I stepped out of the vehicle and moseyed up to the office so I could begin my week. 

 

We ended up having a hot but nonetheless successful week at camp and in the end, everyone said their goodbyes and left to return to our ordinary lives. As I was driving home, I looked up at the storm clouds and realized just how beautiful they were, and how lucky we were to experience them. This thinking then led me to a realization. All week, I had forgotten how exciting this experience was, and I let the extreme heat inhibit my fullest potential for excitement. I began to wonder how I could prevent this distraction in the future, and I came up with an answer. I decided that in the future, every time I would get hot I would look back to this experience and remember to drown out all of the distractions.

 

As time goes on, we will continue to have new and exciting experiences. I ask that each one of you not let anything get in the way of embracing every bit of excitement in each opportunity. 

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Gabriel Todd
Jul 14 2023

No Turning Back

2023-2024, Gabriel Todd
59

Gabriel Todd

“If you choose to go with me from here, there’s no turning back.” These are the words that I heard from a cave guide not that long ago. I was touring Marvel Cave, and we entered the cavern onto a man-made platform. We were about to descend a few hundred feet further into the ground, but the guide wanted to give us a moment to see what was ahead. He said some introductory information about the cave and ended it with this warning: “Ahead can be treacherous, and there will be points where we will be cramped and have to bend down to fit.” He concluded by saying, “If you choose to go with me from here, there’s no turning back.” 

This made me think of my FFA journey during high school. When I started high school, I had no idea what FFA was really about. I just knew I was interested. If I looked at the cave with fear of what could happen or what awaited me, I would have missed the beautiful formations and wonderful sites in the cave. If I would have looked at my FFA journey the same way some might look at the cave, I would have missed the great opportunities and friends I made along the way. I was able to learn so much in my agriculture classes, judging competitions, leadership academies, and other opportunities. I am so glad I looked forward with optimism, just as I did in the cave. FFA members, I want to encourage you to look forward with optimism. Our organization is filled with opportunities and friendships that are available for all who choose to accept them. Don’t turn back now; we have so much more to discover.

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Jun 21 2023

Saying “Yes” Instead of “No”

2023-2024, Owen Neely
60

Owen Neely

Missouri FFA, summertime is finally here! Across the state, hundreds of activities are gearing up as the weather gets warmer and the days get longer. From FFA camp to showing livestock at the county fair to working at improving our supervised agricultural experiences, Missouri FFA members are busier than ever. Although it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of summertime activities, it is more important than ever to be open to new experiences during this season of growth and revival. Saying ‘yes’ instead of ‘no’ can be intimidating, yet it is one of the most rewarding things we can do as we navigate our FFA careers.

One of my favorite Taylor Swift songs is “the 1” track one from her 2020 album Folklore. In the song’s second line, Swift says that she’s “been saying yes instead of no” as she looks to appreciate the beauty of life despite its numerous challenges. When I listened to this song for the first time in July 2020, the reasons for saying ‘no’ to new summer opportunities far outnumbered the reasons for saying “yes.” My parents had recently divorced, my siblings and I had been locked up at home for months, and my show cattle season had been cut short by the coronavirus pandemic. That same month, I was fortunate enough to receive an opportunity I could say ‘yes’ to. Although it was virtual, HYMAX Academy was starting up, and 100 freshmen across the state would have the opportunity to network with each other and learn about prominent agricultural issues. When I learned about the start date for HYMAX, I was hesitant to log onto the first Zoom call. I didn’t know a single person on the Excel sheet that the organizers had sent me, and I knew nothing about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (my group’s topic). At that moment, I had to say ‘yes’ to HYMAX, even though I was anxious about the opportunity.

The first few Zoom meetings with my small group were understandably difficult because of awkward introductions, rural internet problems, and hectic summertime schedules. Nevertheless, because I said ‘yes’ to participating in HYMAX, I became very close to the other members of my group, especially Hannah Rice, who is one of my closest friends to this day. I also got to learn about flood water control in Northwest Missouri, something that I had never personally experienced as a Southwest Missouri native, but could explain confidently after weeks of research. Lastly, saying ‘yes’ to HYMAX helped me connect with agricultural educators like Dr. Robin Horstmeier and Scott Stone, people who genuinely care about helping FFA members succeed.

As I learned with HYMAX, saying ‘yes’ for the first time, especially in an unfamiliar opportunity, can be intimidating, even scary. Nevertheless, it can be extraordinarily rewarding, as I learned when I logged on every week to meet with my small group. FFA members, I know that the summer months will bring many opportunities for you, both in and outside of FFA. My advice for you is simple: Don’t be afraid to say ‘yes’ instead of ‘no,’ even when it’s scary. It may very well impact your FFA career in ways that will last a lifetime.

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Colin McIntyre
Jun 21 2023

Regardless of Rank

2023-2024, Colin McIntyre
63

In the 2022 Kentucky Derby, Rich Strike had 80-1 odds — a horse worth just $30,000, the horse who was informed at 8:45 that there were no scratches. Just minutes before the registration closed, a scratch gave Rich Strike a chance to run the race of his life. Rich Strike started on the worst side of the track and began 17 lengths behind the leaders. Against all odds, Rich Strike rose to the top, and then became the winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby. Not only did that horse work hard to win, but he also succeeded. From time to time in life, there have been moments when I’ve felt as if all odds were against me, whether that was trying to get out of bed, reading a book, or most recently taking a math test. As we go through our life there are going to be times when each one of us will feel as if everything is against us. 

Rich Strike might have had every odd against him, but there is no doubt that regardless of his rank on the track he worked his way to the winner’s circle. The task wasn’t easily accomplished; much hard work was required to achieve succeess. In FFA we might find ourselves working toward being the winner. Although our time in this organization is limited, if we work hard to achieve our goals then we will all have a fighting chance. Regardless of where we place ourselves on the track, we will have the opportunity to be the winner. Sometimes the opportunity might not arise until just minutes before the registration closes.

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Kelsey Miller
Jun 21 2023

Breaking Through Pressure

2023-2024, Kelsey Miller
62

My keyboard stayed untouched while the days crept closer to the Fall Public Speaking competition. I had conducted interviews and researched statistics but could never come up with the words to use in the speech itself. Staring at the screen, I needed to fill the pages with inspiring words — words that would captivate the judges. Still, regardless of how long I waited, my pages remained blank. 

Realizing the time of night, I was giving in to the pressure of putting it off for a few hours to go to sleep. I needed inspiring words that would stand out against the other contestants. As I had done time and time again leading up to this night, I stopped and read through the information from my research. 

After reading through the interviews again, it hit me. The word ‘pressure.’ Don’t let the pressure of the situation stop you from completing your task. Reading the words I started realizing that I was putting pressure on myself to make this something unique when in reality I needed to focus on delivering the content I had collected instead. 

Suddenly, the words flowed. I had page after page filled with words. While the content might not have been mountain-moving, the words still showed my passion and love for the topic. I had wasted so much of my time leading up to that night trying to come up with groundbreaking ideas that I was limiting the progress of my speech.

Whether it be writing a speech or completing homework assignments, the pressure we place on ourselves can build obstacles to overcome. As we go about our lives, I want to inspire all of you to take a breath, relieve your stress, and let your thoughts and ideas form on their own.  

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Maggie Starke
Jun 21 2023

Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

2023-2024, Maggie Starke
61

It can be easy to think that you aren’t capable. It’s easy to turn down an opportunity in order to protect yourself. When I look back on my FFA career, I think of all the times I considered saying never, no way can I do that. I think of all the opportunities I would have missed. I think of how many times I could have stayed in my comfort zone and failed myself. 

 As a freshman first saying the creed to today, where I get the amazing opportunity to serve as a State Officer there have been many instances where I’ve had to get comfortable being uncomfortable. During the summer before my freshman year, I missed out on opportunities to be involved in my FFA chapter because I was afraid of not knowing anyone.  Looking back, I wish I would have participated from the beginning. I quickly used that summer as a lesson to always be involved, not be afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone, and not to turn down an opportunity no matter how big or small. When asked to do public speaking my first thought was no way, but I remembered to never say no and give it a shot. You never know what might come from it.  

 We often find ourselves stuck in a place where we are comfortable. We don’t feel a need to take any further steps. Still,  I encourage each and every FFA member to take a step. Try a new activity within our organization —from joining a contest team you are unsure about, to giving public speaking a try, or running for an officer. Don’t doubt yourself, and take the steps forward. I challenge you to become comfortable being uncomfortable. 

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Hannah Rice, VP
Mar 20 2023

Unconditional Worth

2022-23 Officers, Hannah Rice
56

I was blessed to be in the National FFA Band in 2021. This was one of my favorite experiences from high school. I came home excited about both band and FFA, and all my friends in both organizations got to hear me ramble about this awesome opportunity. I have a sweet freshman friend named Arely who expressed interest in applying for the National FFA Band last spring. A few months later, I was ecstatic to hear that she had been accepted.

 

Arely loved everything about the National FFA Band. She went on and on about her new friends, the thrill of performing, and the wonders of convention. I remembered the feeling, and I was inexpressibly happy that we got to share this experience. When she returned home, she was met with a whirlwind of homework, all-district band auditions, and FFA Area IV Fall Speaking. A couple of days after convention, Arely collapsed into tears outside the ag shop. It was apparent to me that she was exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed. For a freshman, she had so much on her plate. If I had been in her position, I would have felt the same way. I could see that she was being way too hard on herself, but I realized that I would have looked at this situation in the same light.

 

We are our own biggest critics. Even though Arely had just accomplished something wonderful by being in the National FFA Band, she was dissatisfied because she was struggling to keep up with other demands. Sometimes we need to be kind to ourselves and give ourselves grace. Our worth is unconditional, not measured by our accomplishments. I live by the Bible verse Matthew 11:28-30, which says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest in your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” This verse reminds me that I can find rest in God’s presence rather than worrying about my life. Arely is an absolute rockstar and as I consoled her on that warm November morning, I learned the importance of being gentle with myself, too.

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Emily Nelson, VP
Mar 20 2023

Anticipate More

2022-23 Officers, Emily Nelson
56

Be in the moment. This has been stressed to me on multiple occasions. My ag teacher would tell me to breathe, relax, and be present before I entered the room to give my prepared speech. My parents would remind me to focus and remember to be in the moment as I entered the show ring with my goat in tow. In moments of competition I was successful in focusing on the moment. My surroundings would fade away as I focused all of my attention and energy. The sounds around me softened and my vision zoned in on my judge. I was anticipating the results of my performance.

 

Anticipate more success. As I wait in the holding room to give my speech, I anxiously pace the length of the room. Anxiety builds up and creates butterflies in my stomach. I know that I am prepared and that my anxiety is only a sign that I care. To calm my nerves I stand in the superman pose. Feet shoulder width apart, hands on my hips, and my head held high. I close my eyes and anticipate winning this competition. I walk into the room and give my speech to the judges, with my mind clear. This is when I am in my element and I eagerly wait to hear how my performance ranked.

 

Anticipate more failures. Sometimes you can do everything to your best ability and yet it does not turn out how you want it to. I have walked away from many contests where I open judging card just to find that I did not perform as well as I thought I did. In the moment I furrow my brows and feel the disappointment weighing in my stomach. I have failed many times over. And I know this will happen again and again. But each failure is a chance to anticipate the next chance to outperform ourselves.

 

Now as I prepare for state convention I am anticipating more. More excitement. More FFA members. More celebrations. This year’s convention will be full of hustle and bustle as members eagerly await the announcement of proficiency awards and contest results. Be present in the moment as you will never get this exact experience again. Whether it be a moment of failure or great triumph, fully feel the moment with every sense. And when you get the chance to try again, anticipate more.

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Mar 06 2023

Governor Mike Parson Proclaims National FFA Week in Missouri

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The Governor and Lieutenant Governor drove tractors to work in honor of FFA Week.

JEFFERSON CITY —

On behalf of nearly 26,000 members of Missouri FFA, Governor Mike Parson proclaimed Feb. 18-25, 2023, to be National FFA Week in Missouri.

 

“Missouri’s agriculture industry depends on our young people taking the lead,” Governor Mike Parson said. “We’re proud to see such leadership displayed in Missouri FFA members each time we meet with them. For the First Lady and I, living the agricultural way of life is our American Dream, and we appreciate all that our Missouri FFA members do to preserve that legacy and tradition for the next generations.”

 

For the fifth year in a row, Gov. Parson drove a John Deere tractor to the Capitol in honor of the FFA tradition of students driving their tractor to school during National FFA Week. Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe joined in on the tradition again this year, demonstrating his ties to agriculture and commitment to FFA students. Missouri FFA President Colton Roy, from the Trenton FFA Chapter, received the proclamation on behalf of the 2022-2023 Missouri FFA State Officer team.

 

“Missouri FFA members have access to incredible opportunities to learn and grow,” Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe said. “As a first-generation farmer, I am proud to celebrate the future of Missouri agriculture with our next generation of leaders during National FFA Week in Missouri. It’s important we continue traditions, such as today’s event, to showcase our support of agricultural youth organizations.”

 

In 1928, 33 young men met at the Baltimore Hotel in Kansas City, Mo., and began the National Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA). Today, the organization’s official name is the National FFA Organization, which 95 years later is represented locally by 8,995 FFA chapters and 850,823 members nationwide.

 

“The passion FFA members possess is indescribable,” Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. “Their excitement for the future of agriculture is reassuring. I’m confident Missouri FFA members will help the Missouri agriculture industry soar to new heights in the years to come, and I’m proud to stand alongside them as they do so.”

 

Missouri FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet the challenges of feeding a growing population by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways through their experiences in agricultural education. Missouri is home to more than 356 chapters and 25,677 members, ranking the eighth highest in the nation for membership.

 

“Missouri schools work to provide students with access to opportunities, and FFA does just that,” said Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Margie Vandeven. “FFA has a rich history of helping students develop their skills and the attributes needed to be ready for their chosen path to success. We are proud of our students and the FFA Advisors who lead alongside them each day.”

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Feb 10 2023

Google.org supports the Missouri FFA Foundation

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The Missouri FFA Foundation and Google.org partner to improve agriculture education classrooms

In 2022, the Missouri FFA Foundation launched the Learning by Doing Classroom Grants’ program to assist agriculture education teachers across the state in improving the curriculum, equipment, facilities, and supplies needed to support instruction in production agriculture, agri-business, or related areas. The response to the program was enthusiastic with almost twice the number of applications as funding available. “We saw a clearly demonstrated need to not only continue but broaden the program if the challenge of adequate funding could be resolved,” said Heather Dimitt-Fletcher, Executive Director.

 

Late last fall, the Missouri FFA Foundation received a call from Dan Harbeke, Head of Public Policy and External Affairs with Google. His company was looking for an avenue to provide resources to youth throughout Missouri, in a way that also fit with the company’s mission. He saw potential in the foundation’s Learning by Doing Classroom Grants’ program but wanted to learn more about it. During this conversation, Dimitt-Fletcher shared multiple stories with Harbeke where the classroom grants could support technology in agriculture education classes, including an ultrasound machine for monitoring pregnancies in livestock, energy efficient water and heat controls for green houses, and 3-D printers for making hard to find/fit parts in ag mechanics classes. After their conversation, Harbeke was pleased to share that Google.org would be making a $50,000 donation to the Missouri FFA Foundation in support of the Learning by Doing Classroom grants program.

 

The Missouri FFA Foundation plans to distribute the $50,000 from Google.org over the course of four years to support the purchase of new or update of existing technology in agriculture education classrooms.  It’s anticipated 40 classroom grants will be possible due to the generosity of Google.org.

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Jacob King, VP
Jan 31 2023

Appreciation, Competition, and Success

2022-23 Officers, Jacob King
53

Jacob King

The winter season is commonly associated with bitter cold temperatures, snowstorms, and slick road conditions. There is not much to get excited about unless it is an occasional snow day. Although winter might not bring a lot of excitement when it comes to the weather, it does bring the excitement for FFA in the spring. Every fourth week in February, FFA members from across the U.S. dedicate an entire week to celebrating the history of this great organization. Shortly after National FFA Week, CDE and LDE contest season begins, bringing a new level of diligence for practice, preparation, anticipation, and performance in competition.

 

I cherish the fun memories I made in high school during National FFA Week. Each day during FFA week is designated with a different type of fashion style. For example, I particularly remember redneck day, camo day, dress up like a teacher day, and blue and gold day. I always enjoyed getting to dress up on those days. Usually on Wednesday of FFA Week, my chapter would host a teacher appreciation breakfast for the teachers and for the chapter. Your FFA chapter might do something like this. Your chapter could do something very different. There is a lot of room for fun and creative ideas for FFA Week activities. National FFA Week is a time to embrace camaraderie, fellowship, and fun, but it is also a time to embrace appreciation. As members of this organization, we should always be appreciative of the countless number of opportunities and resources that FFA provides.

 

CDE and LDE contest season was my favorite time of the school year. Being able to participate in these competitions was always a thrill to me. There was just something about getting on a school bus at 6:30 a.m. on a cold Saturday morning that always made me excited for competition. You might be hesitant to participate in an LDE or CDE, but if you have the chance, take that opportunity, and run with it. There are so many choices that you should find an activity that you are interested in. You might even try competing in both types of competitions. You can absolutely find a contest that meets your interest or passion.

 

Success is something that we all desire and strive to achieve, but unfortunately, success is not handed out. For you to experience success, you must earn it. You might place first in state with a CDE or LDE. You might place last in one of these events. No matter the placing, just remember that the willingness to try to make yourself better is a success.

 

Appreciate the opportunities offered by the National FFA Organization. Compete to make the best YOU possible. Challenge yourself and put yourself in the position to succeed.

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