On Nov. 20 student State Officers of the Maine FFA Association (formerly known as “Future Farmers of America”) conducted an all-day leadership workshop for over 100 enthusiastic middle and high school agriculture and natural resources students and teachers from six FFA chapters in Aroostook County. The workshop was held at the University of Maine at Presque Isle and focused on defining leadership, understanding agricultural issues, teamwork, communication and goal setting. Presentations and fun, hands-on activities were successfully used to help students learn new concepts.
Participating chapters included Ashland High School, Ashland Middle School, Caribou Regional Technology Center, Central Aroostook Middle/High School, Easton Middle/High School, Presque Isle Regional Career & Technical Center. Presenting State FFA Officers were: Dayna McCrum, President; Jason Gurley, Vice President; Jordan White, Secretary/Treasurer, as well as Maine DOE State Advisor Doug Robertson. Also assisting were past State FFA Officers Bryce McClay and Tyler Raymond.
Participating students will follow up on what they have learned in the competitive, social and community development activities they conduct at the local and state level. Maine FFA currently numbers over 500 students and provides students with access to thousands of dollars in scholarships and awards, as well as recognition for their accomplishments in the areas of agriculture and natural resources. Middle and high schools whose science curriculums include deliberate connections to agriculture and natural resource topics may be eligible for FFA membership.
For further information contact Doug Robertson, Education Specialist, Agriculture & Natural Resources and Maine FFA State Advisor, at doug.robertson@maine.gov or 624-6744.