PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — On Friday, January 11, 2019, at the Northeastland Hotel, student state officers of FFA (formerly known as “Future Farmers of America”) and their assistants conducted a workshop on topics of community service and leadership for Aroostook County FFA chapters.
The one-day workshop, featuring topic overviews and hands-on activities, drew nearly 100 high school and middle school students from Ashland, Easton, Hodgdon, Mars Hill, and Presque Isle. Implementing the theme of community service, participants brought food items to be donated to the Aroostook County Action Program, with Ashland High School winning the award for the greatest number of donated goods.
In addition to community service, FFA members learned about areas of leadership related to goal setting, values, taking initiative and teamwork.
Students commented that the workshop was “fun” and helped them think more about leadership, with many indicating they hoped to implement community service activities at their local FFA chapters. In the past, such community service activities have included teaching elementary school students about agriculture, conducting landscaping for public areas, holding food drives and many other endeavors.
Jack Routhier of Ashland, one of the student trainers, noted that defining goals well was an “important step to accomplishing any activity.”
James Hotham, state vice president, addressed the topic of “taking initiative,” and congratulated some veteran FFA members for the accomplishments they have already attained through the FFA.
State President Graham Berry encouraged FFA members to pursue other upcoming organization opportunities, including the state convention in May, and urged them to consider positions as state FFA officers.
Guest speaker, Kaley Norsworthy of Fort Fairfield, past state FFA president, addressed her experience with post-secondary transitions, “made so much easier by FFA,” and likewise strongly encouraged members to consider seeking a state office.
The Maine FFA Association is supported by the Career and Technical Education division of the Maine Department of Education and by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, as well as by additional sponsors. The national FFA organization supported the workshop with funds from a “State Day of Service” grant, which will also fund workshops in Auburn and Hampden.
FFA provides recognition, awards, travel opportunities, competitions and scholarships for over 650,000 high school and middle school students enrolled in courses related to agriculture and natural resources.
For more information, contact State FFA Advisor, Doug Robertson, doug.robertson@maine.gov.
-
- FFA state officer trainers and students from chapters in Ashland, Easton, Hodgdon, Mars Hill and Presque Isle pose for a group photo during a leadership and service workshop held Jan. 11 in Presque Isle. (Courtesy of Doug Robertson)
