Two FFA State Officers visited TK High School Friday to talk to students about the different opportunities available in FFA and how they can help build a successful future. “There’s a lot to do in FFA and a lot of opportunities,” said Region Five State Vice President Madalyn Simpson as she highlighted three areas - conferences and conventions, contests and service.
FFA State Treasurer Nathaniel Cochrane also helped students understand more about FFA and led classes in games highlighting the many aspects of the organization - from building leadership skill, to career development, and personal growth.
TK agricultural science teacher and FFA advisor Alyssa Hamlin said she appreciated the FFA leadership members taking a day to talk with students. “I think they (my students) learned about more of the opportunities available through FFA and the career involvement aspects of FFA.”
She said FFA students have already been busy this year raising chicks and competing at the state broiler contest. They will be going to leadership competitions in January and four students will attend the national FFA convention in Indianapolis with her next week. “I think they are really excited about going. I’m hoping exposing them to the national level will help them get more ideas of activities we can do here and help grow our program.”
Thornapple Kellogg’s FFA program was revived last year after an active chapter at TKHS had been absent for more than 60 years. Hamlin said she’s excited about where the organization is going and all the opportunities available for students.
“I’m hoping to increase membership involvement, have more fun activities and service projects to build membership and relations, and to expand our facilities so we can offer more opportunities for students. I would like to add a barn and greenhouse where we can have more hands-on experiences for students. There’s a lot we can do.”