FFA learns about agriculture and more

WEBUTUCK — The Webutuck FFA gathered last Friday evening to celebrate its accomplishments and recognize what it’s done throughout the academic year, all during the annual FFA banquet.

"Tonight is to recognize what we’ve done with awards and achievements and it’s also where current officers retire and new officers are brought in," explained FFA co-advisor Bonnie Finkle.

The banquet also provided students a chance to practice the various skills they’ve learned while being a part of the FFA.

"They’ve learned about working together and leadership skills, and how to work with the community," Finkle said. "It’s just a big leadership program and it helps develop skills that will be needed later in life, like public speaking."

The FFA, which used to stand for Future Farmers of America, has a mission statement that explains what its goal is for those students who participate in the program.

"FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education."

That education includes classroom work, practical experience with the FFA tractor pull, and field trips to the national convention in Kentucky, for example, where students meet other students involved in the same programs who are ready to share their experiences and knowledge.

"You learn a lot of leadership skills and you learn a lot of life skills, too," said Sienna Finkle. "You also make friends. We get to go to conventions and you meet people who are into the same thing from all over the world. There’s also the state convention where you get to practice your skills. You learn to do job interviews, for example, and other things that will help you in life."

"I’ve learned leadership skills and how to honor and respect others," Briana Bailey said. "And I’ve been finding new hobbies, like doing your creeds."

"You face your fears on elections, so I’ve learned bravery," added Veronica Zill. "And I like the fun activities and helping others."

"We get to work together as a group," Aera Belliveau said, adding that the FFA also provides opportunities for its members to participate in enjoyable activities like making chop sticks, trail mix and soybean lip gloss, all of which it did this year.

According to the Webutuck FFA, belonging to the organization does mean something special. It wrote its own perspective on the banquet program.

"The FFA provides us with opportunities to grow in our leadership abilities, academics and life experiences. These experiences have shown us that with enough hard work and determination, almost anything can be accomplished," it stated.

The organization’s motto emphasizes the simplicity of the group’s mission: Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve.

The district’s FFA relies heavily on community support, which it gets from a number of area businesses, as well as individuals. All were thanked during the banquet dinner.

New officers were also named Friday night, for the 2007-08 school year. The president of the FFA will be Casey Brady; the vice-president will be Samie Brady; the secretary will be Cari Cestone; the treasurer will be Danielle Klumpp; the reporter will be Sienna Finkle; and the sentinel will be Erica Belliveau.

To learn more about the FFA and its mission, go to www.ffa.org.