This year National FFA Week is celebrated on February 15th – February 22nd. It is a week where chapters share with their school peers what FFA is and the role that FFA plays in members’ everyday lives. The mission of FFA is to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding the growing population of the United States through teaching various ag related topics including technology, science, business, food, etc. It is a week-long event that allows members to develop their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success in creative and innovative ways while involving their non-FFA peers. In honor of National FFA Week, the officers of the Wagner FFA are sharing what FFA means to them and the role it plays in their lives.

President of the Wagner FFA chapter is Kalea Kuhlman. Kalea is a junior and has been a part of FFA for the past three years. As the chapter’s president, she has to preside over meetings, appoint committees, coordinate chapter activities and represent the chapter in public relations. Kalea’s favorite part of FFA is being a part of a large group of people who are all working towards the same goal which is to learn more to improve and share the same love for agriculture. During her three years in FFA, Kalea has participated in both Leadership Development Events (LDEs) and Career Development Events (CDEs) including creed speaking, natural resources and livestock evaluation. She has also attended the National FFA convention twice. FFA has taught Kalea leadership skills such as efficiency and selflessness as well as that making connections within the chapter is very important because everyone has great input and different opinions that should be heard.

FFA chapter vice-president is Madi Robertson. Madi is a senior that has been a member of FFA for the past four years. As the vice-president, her duties are to assist the president and to delegate tasks. Madi’s favorite part of FFA are the road trips. During her years as an FFA member, she has participated in both LDEs, CDEs, FFA camps and attended the FFA National Convention. FFA has taught Madi public speaking along with amazing interview skills, discipline and delegation.

Lyrik Martin, a freshman at WCS, is the chapter’s secretary. As the secretary, Lyrik’s duties include preparing the meeting agendas, taking the meeting minutes, keeping all of the correspondences and committee reports and maintain member attendance to name a few. This is her first year as a part of FFA. Lyrik’s favorite part of FFA is spending time with her fellow members. FFA has taught Lyrik that in order to get through life, it takes organization and knowing what is going on.

The Wagner FFA chapter’s sentinel position is held by Paxton Kuhlman. Paxton is a sophomore and this is his second year in FFA. As the sentinel, his duty is to assist the president in maintaining order during meetings. What Paxton enjoys about FFA is the opportunities to meet new people that share the same interests that he does. Livestock evaluation is one activity that Paxton has participated in. FFA has strengthened Paxton’s skills of public speaking.

Emma Kreeger is a sophomore and in her second year as an FFA member. She currently holds the officer position of treasurer. As the treasurer, she has the responsibility of all aspects of the chapter’s finances. Her favorite part of FFA is getting to be involved in a group of people who all share the same interests as she does. Emma has competed in livestock evaluation and attended the FFA National Convention twice. FFA has strengthened Emma’s leadership skills. Being a part of the officer team has helped her to be able to use her developed leadership skills in order to show younger kids that FFA is more than just about people who want to become farmers.

Sophomore Brianna Fuchs is in her second year as a member of FFA. On this year’s officer team, Brianna holds the position of reporter. As the reporter she posts on the FFA’s media platforms which updates everyone on social media to what activities the chapter is doing along with taking pictures of events and activities. Brianna’s favorite parts of FFA is setting up for FFA week, doing the 8th grade rotations and just hanging out with everyone at the Career Development Events (CDEs). Activities that she has participated in include floriculture, fruit sales, petting zoo and a display board showing 8th graders what FFA is all about and its opportunities. FFA has taught Brianna how to be a leader, how to use her voice more and strengthened her leadership skills.

Carter Smejkal is a senior who has been a part of the Wagner FFA chapter for four years. He holds the officer position of student advisor. As the student advisor, Carter supervises student activities related to agriculture so that students develop the skills and knowledge related to employment in agriculture. His favorite part of FFA is going to CDE competitions. During his years in FFA, Carter has participated in meat judging and farm and ranch management. FFA has taught Carter many aspects of the business side of agriculture as well as it has strengthened his own knowledge for his future in agriculture.