Networking through FFA

By: Karyssa McCubbin, Contributing Writer ​

L to R: Madilynn Hunter, Braylin Brunkhorst, Kayleigh Wiecken, Cora Davenport, Courtney DeOrnellis, Audrey Ricklefs, Gage Holliday, Lincoln Twenter, Cal Romine.

The Centralia High School(CHS) FFA Chapter sent 21 freshmen and sophomores to the annual Greenhand Motivational Leadership Conference on Friday, January 13th at the University of Missouri-Columbia. 

The conference was led by six Missouri State Officers with the Associate Dean for the MU College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources present as a guest speaker.

This event shows greenhand members  what opportunities are available to them and allows them to grow friendships throughout being involved in FFA. With 22 chapters being present, students are bound to make some new connections and friendships. 

“Greenhand Motivational Conference helped me to meet new people in our area that were from other schools. Some of these people are now my best friends. Greenhand Motivational Conference also brought new opportunities that helped me to better understand what I could do with my FFA experience,” said Lauren Lafferty, CHS senior and FFA officer. 

Students not only learn how to thrive in FFA, but also how to work towards being an officer. Lincoln Twenter, CHS Freshman and FFA member, said, “I wanted to go to the conference so I can learn what it takes to be part of the CHS FFA officer team.”

“Students attending the conference build a network of individuals who they can connect with over the next several years as well as in their future career. The students learn about different opportunities which allows them to see what they can participate in,” said FFA Advisor Scott Stone.

“I would recommend this conference to any freshman or sophomore student who has an interest in gaining leadership skills and being a part of FFA,” said Lafferty.