We learned how we can make a change, and how one little spark of kindness can start a burning fire of change in our society.” -William Terry, FFA Chaplain
The MCHS FFA chapter consists of a driven, dedicated and commendable group of youth. Their love for agriculture and desire to leave the world a better place is evident in their passion for the FFA. On Oct. 29 through Nov. 1, this same group attended the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky. Now, some of the group members would like to share about their experience and, hopefully, communicate the importance of the FFA in the Madison community, the state and the greater United States. A word from Lane Peavy, MCHS Chapter President: I recently went to Louisville, Ky., to the National FFA Convention. The FFA is such a great organization, it has helped me in every aspect of my life. Looking back on my middle school years, I was so much different; I was in FFA, but not as active. Since then, I have participated in agriculture mechanics, livestock judging, tractor driving and crop evaluation. I have shown livestock throughout the southeastern part of the U.S., won several champion showman buckles and so much more; those are just a few. The FFA has really brought me out of my shell; I used to be the person who stayed back and was scared to stick out, but since traveling the country with my advisor, Ed Sapp, I have met so many people and spoken to so many important people. Without the FFA, I would have never had the chance to do so. I have gained skills in entrepreneurship, employability, reliability, public relations and business, in order to become a successful agricultural business man of the county. The FFA has done more for me than I can ever describe to you. Myself, Ed Sapp, Courtney Strickland and William Terry traveled together to Kentucky. We met other members of the FFA throughout every state, participated in many leadership conferences and trainings, voted on national leaders and many other knowledgeable activities. We did have our fair share of play time too! We danced, went to the finals for the “world’s toughest rodeo” association and participated in many fun and vigorous activities at the ag expo; everything from playing games with Mikey at the Macdonald's booth, to participating in welding competitions at the Miller Electric booth and so much more. Overall, this trip was a memorable experience that I will never forget. I had such a great time and will always remember this. I thank and greatly appreciate my advisor, Mr. Ed Sapp, for taking me and putting up with me and everything I do. Mr Ed is such a great guy and has truly impacted my life. A word from William Terry, MCHS FFA Chapter Chaplain: I have been in FFA since I was in the sixth grade and, since then, I have participated in countless activities throughout this program. Some of these activities include livestock judging, farm judging, land judging and livestock showing. The FFA has taught me strong qualities of leadership, as well as respect for others. In late October, I had the privilege of going with my Ag advisor, Ed Sapp, and two other seniors, Courtney Strickland and Lane Peavy, to Louisville, Ky., for the National FFA Convention and Expo. It was an amazing experience and I was able to meet great people from all over the country. I saw what kind of agricultural things each state does by going to different booths and learning from students about their state. I was able to learn about new types of mechanics and technology through the ag expo. In the sessions, we learned how we can make a change, and how one little spark of kindness can start a burning fire of change in our society. It was a memorable trip for all of us and I would not change a thing about it.