I Believe in Southwest Star Concept FFA

I recently kicked off the start of my personal banquet season. I headed to the Southwest Star Concept FFA chapter on Sunday, March 18th to celebrate their successes over the last year. My first impression of the chapter banquet was "Wow, what a great turn out." As I walked into the banquet hall, I took a seat at the row of tables with my fellow FFA members. The gymnasium has transformed into the setting for a delicious meal and a celebratory program.

The Retiring SSC FFA Officer Team

The chapter officers kicked off the evening with eloquently memorized opening ceremonies, a thoughtful welcome, and a heartfelt invocation. We then had a delicious meal, during which I had the chance to get to know the FFA members I was sitting by. I talked with Zach, Garrett, and Cody about the local strawberry farm, and I promised to go pick berries with them over the summer. I talked with Mary (Popcorn) and Brandon (Turkey) about the practices they will be doing for their upcoming Meats Evaluation competition. I learned that Jacob will be attending his first State FFA Convention this year to be awarded his State FFA Degree and compete in crops.

We continued through the program recognizing SSC FFA Foundation partners, CDE teams, State Degree recipients, and proficiency winners. We heard from a past SSC FFA member, Kim, about the opportunities she has seized since being involved in FFA. Finally the 2012-2013 SSC FFA officer team was announced.

Creed Speaker, Garrett Schumacher

The 2012-2013 SSC FFA Officers

Chapter banquets are a time to take pride in what we do as FFA members, and what our chapters achieve as a whole. I know the SSC FFA members are proud to be SSC FFA members, and that pride in what they do is something to admire.

I am proud to be an FFA member, wear my blue jacket, and share the joy I take in agriculture. What we do as agriculturalists is something to share, believe in, and take pride in. Do you take pride in what you do? If that answer isn't yes, why not? You are involved in agriculture that feeds and clothes the world. That is something to believe in!

Stationed beneath the rising sun,

Hillary Kletscher