FFA Celebrates Proclamation Signing and Leadership Conference

ECHS FFA with Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey at the FFA Week Proclamation.

Peytin Manor, story and photos:
On December 16th, Edmonson County FFA began their morning in the ECHS auditorium with Judge Executive Scott Lindsey for the official FFA Week proclamation signing. The annual celebration of National FFA Week is scheduled for February 21–28 to commemorate the FFA mission, which is as follows: “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.”

“As a former Edmonson County FFA member, I know that FFA helps cultivate the next generation of leaders by instilling responsibility, integrity, and service—building a strong foundation for the future of our community and our strong agricultural heritage," said Judge Lindsey. "The FFA motto: "Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve” is something that we should all strive for in our communities.”

After the signing, seventeen ECHS FFA members headed towards their first day at the Kentucky FFA Member Leadership Series Conference at the Ogden College of Science and Engineering on the Western Kentucky University campus. This conference was held between a two day span, facilitated by National FFA representatives. 

ECHS FFA students.

Local FFA students attending the Member Leadership Series Conference at the Ogden College of Science and Engineering at WKU.

The conference was divided into subparts: 7th through 10th grade and 11th through 12th grade. Younger students exhibited the following themes: introduction, values, choices, strengths, confidence, and mission, while the upperclassmen exhibited themes of identity, direction, voice, strategy, initiative, and impact. 

ECHS FFA Chapter President, Addison Miller, stated, “It is important for us as a chapter to attend the leadership conference because it grows our connections with other chapters. Being able to attend the conference the past two years has shown me first hand how you can make connections that last a lifetime. I believe that everyone should attend at least one leadership conference in their life.”

When asked about the conference, Tyler Pitts, a Warren Central FFA member, stated, “At this conference, I learned to get out of my comfort zone. If I say one take away from this, it is to always be yourself and be encouraging others.”