Midland's FFA year: learning through opportunities

   Midland FFA has had the opportunity to participate and host a number of activities this past year. Members have learned many new things, met new people, and made unforgettable memories.

   One of our members’ favorite events is State Convention in April. We took five teams to compete this past year. We also supported three of our members as they walked across the stage to receive their State Degrees.

   Following Convention, we hosted Highway Clean-up, picking up trash along the roads. In May, we hosted a Drive your Tractor to School day. Over the summer, we had a member travel to Washington D.C. to attend the Washington Leadership Conference, where she learned empathy for others in many different situations.

   Several teams and members participated in local competitions and fairs in our areas. The Midland FFA had a barbeque team compete at several fairs this summer, to much success. We had members volunteer at various events such as the Ag Industry Breakfast and the Fourth of July Chicken Dinner.

   Shortly after school started, we had younger members attend the Discovery Fire-Up to be informed about our FFA organization. During homecoming week in October, we hosted a Glow Run, a float in the parade, and a Farm Safety event for fourth- and fifth-graders. During harvest, we made meals and passed them out to farmers hard at work in the fields.

   Eighteen members had the opportunity to travel to Indiana to experience the National Convention. At the end of October, we hosted a sub-district volleyball tournament and our returning Midland champs took the gold once more. In November we hosted our Degree Banquet to recognize some of our younger members.

   Our annual Fruit Sale was a valuable fundraiser for our chapter. At the end of November moving into December, we made and sold wreaths to the community. In December, members put together We Care Packages to be sent out to the local food pantries.

   In January, we traveled to Sundown Ski Resort on a joint ski trip with the Spanish Club and members of the community. During FFA week this month, we have a number of activities planned. Ranging from daily dress-up days with snacks, to breakfast for our staff and members. We also plan to attend one of our members’ hockey games during FFA Week.

   Teams and individuals are preparing for Sub-Districts. In March we will attend District competitions as well as our Chapter Banquet to recognize and honor everything our chapter has achieved throughout the year. In April we will make the journey to Ames to once again compete at State Convention.

   We also plan to host our very first Line Dancing event for our community in partnership with the Midland FFA Alumni. We are super proud of all of our members and their accomplishments throughout the year and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our chapter.