This post contains affiliate links.
I went to a very small high school. My class was the biggest graduating class in a long time and there were only 27 of us. I told you, it was small! One of the advantages of going to a small school is that you have the opportunity to be involved in everything! I played basketball, softball, and was active in pretty much every club, my favorite being FFA.
Oh yes, this city-ish girl was a proud member of the FFA. I went to state convention every year 7th-12th grade, national convention 11th and 12th grade, was a member of the Floriculture Team (we won state my senior year of high school!!), and was President of the Parliamentary Procedure Team. I served as a chapter officer a couple years and as a district officer my junior year of high school. I ran for state officer twice but didn’t win either time. I also showed livestock at my county and state fairs…I had hogs one year and sheep for a couple years. Oh yes, this girl knows how to shear a sheep with the best of them. HA!
For your entertainment, here is a throwback pic from National Convention circa 2000 I think?? I am the second from the left…HA!
I love all of the opportunities I had because of the FFA and those are memories I will have for a lifetime. I made some of my very best friends in the FFA and one even became a sorority sister!
All that being said, last week through this past weekend was the 2015 National FFA Convention. There are so many fun things to do at convention from shopping and dances to National CDE (Career Development Event) contests and most importantly, the election of the 2015-2016 National FFA Officers.
This year’s National FFA President is Arkansas’ own Taylor McNeel!! What?? I never thought I would see a National FFA President from Arkansas!! How exciting is that?
Congratulations Taylor I wish you the very best year of your life as our National FFA President!
Were you a member of the FFA??
What does FFA stand for? I Have never even heard of it. I wonder if it’s something we don’t do around here.
I’m so sorry – I corrected the title, FFA stands for Future Farmers of America. Similar to 4H but so much cooler…LOL!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed your time with the FFA. I am originally a city girl too but I’d love to be part of such a thing in my country (I had to look up FFA because I’m not from the States).
I have heard of FFA, but never joined myself. I can’t keep stuff alive all that easily so I am pretty sure farming is not in my blood, although it would be neat to learn how to sheer a sheep!
I love the FFA. I’ve lived in the south all of my life, and the FFA has been a big part of the southern school system for all of that time and before.
This is the first time I heard about FFA. Sounds like you had a wonderful time at the event.
Sadly, I have to admit that I knew nothing about the FFA prior to this post. It sounds like a wonderful program.
I have not heard FFA in a long time. I didn’t realize it still existed! This is very cool.
Of course FFA still exists, it is such an amazing program!!
Wow congrats to the winner! Points for your home state! It’s really cool that you were so involved in the FFA.
I too have to admit that while I heard of this, I never really knew much about it. Very cool to get that recognition.
First time hearing about FFA. I bet Taylor is pretty proud of being the FFA President. What an honor for her.
I remember FFA from when I was in school! They always had the fun animal shows lol! I loved that!
Yes!! It’s the best!!
By farmer, do you really mean that the association or group is really involved with activities in the farm? Shopping and dancing would be fun to do.
It’s actually not about farming at all…the mission statement for the FFA is “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.” Yes, the name “Future Farmers of America” implies farming and agriculture education is a priority but it’s so much more than that. You should really check out FFA.org for more info.
I haven’t heard of FFA before. Congratulation to Taylor for being the FFA president
This is awesome! I’ve actually never heard of the FFA but it seems pretty cool!!!
xo Adriana Daily Dose of Design
I am not a member and actually have not heard of this until now. This is pretty cool, thanks for educating me!
You’re welcome!!
It sounds like it was a great experience for you. It’s awesome to find something you fit in with and you love.
This is something every kids should put interest into. It would be nice for them to learn things like this that they wouldn’t normally would inside the classroom or in the city.
I totally agree!!
This is such a great organization that provides so many opportunities to youth – especially in rural areas. I was never a member, but I had several friends who were and none of them came out any worse for being in it – several ended up with scholarships.
I did not participate in FFA but my school offered the program. I grew up in a small town as well and this was a popular choice for kids to become involved in. In fact it is still really popular in my home town today!
I have a feeling that my son will want to be in FFA when he gets older. He’s in Boy Scouts now and he loves the outdoors.
How cool is this. Nice picture by the way. I like when people share photos from way back. =)
I have heard of FFA before but around here we have 4 H club. Congrats to Taylor McNeel for being President which is truly a big thing. I love your old photo. How time flies.
I actually never heard of it, and I live in Southern Indiana where farmers are plentiful. It sounds wonderful, though!
This is the first time that I’ve heard of FFA. I have to ask the hubs if he heard about it or was a member of it.
This sounds like a great group to be apart of. I will have to look into it for my kids.
I was never a member of the FFA. I know many people that were members though. They always had a wonderful time too. I love your photos! It’s nice to look at photos from the past.
Our local high school has an FFA program. I think it’s great to get teens enthused about farming and learning about agriculture.
That is so awesome! We have a small farm town and I would love for my son to join the FFA if he would like when he’s older.
FFA is awesome! We come from a pretty small town as well and FFA is super important to us. My son will be joining next year when he enters High School and I’m pretty excited to be able to help him with all his projects and animals!!