New FFA Chapter Officers Trained for School Year

FFA Officers rise to the challenge of putting creative leadership into practice. Lane McCrum (right), grade 9, Mars Hill, models unusual headgear intended to promote recycling, with Mars Hill senior Brayden Bradbury on left.

Photo: FFA Officers rise to the challenge of putting creative leadership into practice.  Lane McCrum (right), grade 9, Mars Hill, models unusual headgear intended to promote recycling, with Mars Hill senior Brayden Bradbury on left.

State Officers of the Maine FFA Association (formerly known as “Future Farmers of America”) trained 35 leaders from 7 Aroostook County FFA Chapters on October 18, 2019 at the University of Maine, Presque Isle.

The one-day training, developed by State FFA Officers Graham Berry (President), Camryn Curtis (Vice President), and Ava Cameron (Secretary-Treasurer), with guidance from Maine Department of Education State FFA Advisor, Doug Robertson, was devoted to topics of FFA opportunities, Communication Strategies, and Exemplary Leadership.  FFA student participants came from chapters including Presque Isle Regional Career & Technical Center, Ashland High School, Ashland Middle School, Easton High School, Hodgdon High School, Mars Hill High School, and Washburn High School.

Students race to identify different methods of communicating in order to improve their own FFA chapter member communication.
Students race to identify different methods of communicating in order to improve their own FFA chapter member communication.

The purpose of the workshop was to prepare participants to become successful leaders of their own local chapters.  FFA chapters are involved in a variety of activities to provide recognition and enhanced skills to students grades 7-12 enrolled in courses related to agriculture and natural resources. FFA chapters are often very active as well in their local communities in projects ranging from addressing hunger issues to helping elementary students learn more about Maine agriculture. Chapter FFA Officers left the training with many ideas of organizational strategies to undertake at their schools, as well as a number of specific community projects to implement. 

: FFA leaders participate in an activity emphasizing the importance of high quality communication.
FFA leaders participate in an activity emphasizing the importance of high quality communication.

Maine schools with students grades 7-12 enrolled in courses related to agriculture and natural resources, including those with science curricula connected to learning strategies such as school gardens and greenhouses, are eligible for FFA chapter membership—along with associated opportunities related to trainings, competitions, recognition and scholarships—and may address any questions to:  Doug Robertson, Maine FFA State Advisor, (207) 624-6744, doug.robertson@maine.gov