October 2009, FFA New Horizons
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Transcript of October 2009, FFA New Horizons
The Power
FFA members give color to service projects
A Penny Saved
10ways to Lead Out Loud at the 82nd National FFA Convention
Make your summer earnings last all semester
of Paint
Create a profile. Add friends. Start a group. Voice your opinions.
t h e m a g a z i n e o f t h e n a t i o n a l f f a o r g a n i z a t i o n | o c t o b e r 2 0 0 9new horizonsFFA
®l o g o n at f fa n e w h o r i z o n s . o r g
See video at ffanewhorizons.org
2 FFA New HorizoNs FFANewHorizoNs.orG
Log on to see this month’s
GiveawaysFFA
The Buzz Online
State ScoopRead special inserts from other
associations in State Scoop.
FFAnew horizons
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Need a past
issue? Click on
Virtual Magazine
for current and
archived editions.
What’s NewCheck out our Convention page for the latest news on the upcoming
82nd National FFA Convention. And starting on Tuesday, Oct. 20,
we’ll be blogging live and posting photos from the event. Visit
now and visit often for everything FFA convention-related!
Log in to comment on articles and blogs
Jesse Hall, Elizabethtown
FFA, Pa.
Go online to submit your FFA experiences.
“Our FFA ChApter
reCently held An Ag envirOnmentAl dAy,
where we tAught FOurth grAders AbOut AgriCulture
And the envirOnment. it’s very rewArding FOr
Our members.”
Join the national FFA convention conversations on FFA Nation. Find other members who will be heading to Indy next month, discuss the events you plan to attend and even make plans to meet up with your FFA Nation friends!
45.5%
18.2%
13.6%
22.7%
DiscussionsHas anyone done an aquaponics system? If so, any helpful hints?� �ffacutie01
Log in to FFA Nation to respond.
web pOlli joined FFA because…
i live on a farm or ranch.
because blue corduroy is awesome!
i have family in FFA.
i wanted to join a school organiization.
thanks to FFA nation user pman1294 for creating this poll.
On the CoverIllinois FFA members help restore a barn in Nashville, Tenn. Photo By J. Kyle Keener
12
16
8 cover storyThe Power of PaintFFA members give color to community service projects.
Make Some NoiseThis year’s national FFA convention focuses on Leading Out Loud.
Lights, Camera, ActionFFA member Clayton Thornton runs the show at local theater productions.
4 FFA FacesConnect with members from across the country.
6 ScrapbookRead news, jokes and more.
20 National Officer Q & AMeet Vice President Riley Branch.
22 Your MoneyMake your summer earnings last all year.
24 What’s HotLearn why canned food drives are important.
26 What’s OnNavigate colleges, careers and the convention.
28 Back TalkRead about former member Darleen Vaterlaus.
new horizonsffaThe magazine of the National FFA Organization
Volume 57 Number 1
®
Kim Newsom V.P./Custom Publishing JoyCe Caruthers Copy editor Jessy yaNCey associate editor aNdrea Bloom, Chris hayhurst, Contributing writers JessiCa mozo, JessiCa walKer Keith harris Creative director BriaN mcCord senior Photographer Jeff adKiNs, todd BeNNett, staff Photographers aNtoNy Boshier, iaN CurCio, J. Kyle KeeNer ChristiNa CardeN associate Production director Katie middeNdorf Production Project manager CaNdiCe sweet, ViKKi williams senior Graphic designers eriCa hiNes, amy NelsoN Graphic designers marCia millar, PatriCia moisaN, ad traffic raVeN Petty Gary smith distribution director yaNCey turturiCe information technology director aNdy hartley web implementation director fraNCo sCaramuzza web design director yamel ruiz web Project manager Carl sChulz web design JeNNifer GraVes web Production twila alleN Color imaging technician Julie woodard ffa Publications manager Kristy meyer, amBer strieGel ffa Communications ray laNGeN executive Vice President Carla h. thurmaN sr. V.P./sales Casey e. hester sr. V.P./operations marK forester V.P./Visual Content teree Caruthers V.P./editorial director Natasha loreNs Production director Jeffrey s. otto Photography director Beth murPhy advertising sales manager, Custom division tori huGhes integrated media manager raChel matheis sales/marketing Coordinator shelly Grissom office manager liNda BishoP receptionistfor advertising information, contact tori hughes, (800) 333-8842, ext. 281, or e-mail [email protected].
2008-09 National FFA Officers Paul moya, Nm President Nessie early, Ca secretary haNNah CrosseN, oh eastern region Vice President laila haJJi, oK Central region Vice President reGiNa holliday, Ga southern region Vice President riley BraNCh, tX western region Vice President
National FFA Staff larry Case National advisor, Chief executive officer steVe BrowN executive secretary Bill fleet acting Chief operating officer marioN fletCher National treasurer Julie adams, marK CaVell, division directors dale CraBtree, JaNet maloNey, deNNis sarGeNt, KeNt sChesCKe, ViCKi settle, lee aNNe shiller, toNy small, Bill staGG, will waideliCh
National FFA Board of Directors – Members larry Case Chair, usde, Va steVe BrowN secretary, usde, Va marioN fletCher treasurer, state supervisor, ar Jim BarBee state supervisor, NV roBert B. CalViN agriculture teacher/usde, mo wilBur ChaNCellor state supervisor, ms Keith CoX ffa executive secretary/usde, sC Joel larseN state supervisor, mN Curt luCas state supervisor, Ky BriaN e. myers associate Professor/usde, fl JohN raKestraw Business representative/usde, Co
Subscription Information:FFA New Horizons (issN 1069-806X) is published feb., april, June, aug., oct. and dec. by the National ffa organization, 6060 ffa drive, indianapolis, iN 46268-0960. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art or any other unsolicited materials. for subscription information contact: FFA New Horizons subscription services, (317) 802-4235 or e-mail [email protected]. Periodical postage rate is paid at indianapolis, ind., and additional mail offices.
Postmaster: Please send address changes to FFA New Horizons, P.o. Box 68960, indianapolis, iN 46268-0960.
C U S TO M M A G A Z I N E M E D I A
Copyright© 2009 by the National ffa organizationand Journal Communications inc.
the National ffa organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
Please recycle this magazine
3FFA New HOrizONsFFANewHOrizONs.OrG
October 2009 Contents
Win a Chevrolet T-shirtChevrolet, the sponsor of FFA Faces, will award a T-shirt to featured members.
Nominate yourself by following the steps below. Questions? E-mail [email protected].
AL
KY
ND WI
IN
Melinda, a high school junior, has been involved with a horse and
beef cattle SAE for the past seven years, even before she joined
FFA as a freshman. Melinda helps her FFA advisor train the
underclassmen parliamentary procedure CDE team and is active in
the fruit sale. She is also active in 4-H pony club and serves as a
captain in her local 4-H color guard.
Melinda Hattery Chapter: North Miami FFA
A high school senior, Lane has developed a diverse SAE. His
projects include showing sheep, goats and swine and working on
the family farm raising grain, oil and sorghum crops. He also helps
feed and maintain his family’s Angus cow/calf operation. Lane has
competed in the livestock evaluation and prepared public speaking
CDEs and served as president of his FFA chapter.
Lane HeathChapter: Canton FFA
This high school senior first joined FFA when her advisor
encouraged her to take part in CDEs. In addition to participating
in floriculture and small animal events, Erin attended the national
FFA convention, earned her Greenhand FFA Degree, and served as
chapter secretary and treasurer. She plans to attend college and
major in accounting and agribusiness.
Erin IngliChapter: Spring Valley FFA
This high school senior served as chapter president for two years
and recently retired as the state FFA sentinel. Anna Leigh was
also the state proficiency winner for her home and community
development SAE and placed third in the state extemporaneous
public speaking CDE. She will attend Auburn University and plans
to become an agriculture instructor.
Anna Leigh PeekChapter: West Limestone FFA
Alicia, a high school junior, is an active member of her FFA chapter.
She earned her Greenhand FFA Degree, has attended the state and
national FFA conventions, and was a member of the dairy cattle
career development event (CDE) team, which placed ninth in the
state out of 67 teams. She also enjoys helping out on the family
farm and learning new agricultural skills.
Alicia AppelmanChapter: Bracken County FFA
A high school senior, Zachary uses his FFA experiences to gain
career skills. Through his supervised agricultural experience
(SAE) program, Zachary works at a local veterinary clinic where he
observes surgeries and assists with examinations. He also
served as chapter president and earned his chapter’s FFA
achievement award.
Zachary RamedenChapter: Rugby FFA
– Andrea Bloom
Create Describe NominateGo to ffanation.ffa.org and sign
up for an FFA Nation profile.Upload a profile photo and fill out the fields to tell us about
your FFA experiences.
Under the FFA Faces thread on the Discussions page, tell us why you should be featured.
OK
4 FFA NEw HoRIZoNs FFANEwHoRIZoNs.oRG
FFA Faces
Strong FoundationSure, you’ve heard of the National FFA
Foundation before, but do you know what
it’s all about?
The National FFA Foundation secures
financial support for FFA programs
from businesses, organizations and
individuals. In short, this group helps
ensure that future FFA members will
have the same opportunities as you.
And the businesses and individuals
who sponsor FFA activities have a strong
commitment to this organization.
So the next time you see an FFA
sponsor or receive an award, take a
minute to say thank you or send a
nice card. Show them that you care, too.
What did the tree ask the leaves last autumn? Why are you falling for me?
Kyle Kakela Rolla FFA, N.D.
Just Joking
Send us your best jokes through our Online Feedback Form.
ffanewhorizons.org
National FFA officers Paul Moya and Regina Holliday visit with Bill Ford of Ford Motor Co., a National FFA Foundation platinum sponsor.
6 FFA New HorizoNs FFANewHorizoNs.orG
FFA scrapbook express yourself
47National FFA
agricultural
proficiency
awards will be
named during
the 82nd National
FFA Convention
in October.
1906was the first year
a race was held at
the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway.
While in Indy for
the convention,
make plans to visit
and learn more
about the sport
of car racing.
FYIYour Turn
Keep us informed!
This is your chance to
be a part of FFA New
Horizons. Send us a
short article about
your latest chapter
activities, awards
you’ve received or
even your involvement
outside FFA.
Be sure to include
a high-quality color
photo and your
contact information.
Want an easy way to
send your story? Visit
ffanewhorizons.org
and click on Tell us.
Or, send to:
FFA New Horizons
P.O. Box 68960
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Congratulations to Lauren osborn, a Letchworth FFA member, who is currently serving as the new York State Dairy Princess. A four-year FFA member, Lauren has competed in the state speaking competitions every year and participated in numerous leadership opportunities. Way to go, Lauren!
Fighting BlightEver heard of a chinkapin? The Ozark
chinkapin, once a dominant tree in North
Arkansas forests, now usually grows to be
no larger than a shrub before it dies of
Chinese chestnut blight.
But the Marshall FFA Chapter in Arkansas
is working with area conservation groups
toward restoring this tree.
Chinkapin wood, once used for fence posts
and lumber, is high in tannins, which create
a natural resistance to rotting.
For the project, Marshall FFA members
are propagating chinkapin trees in the
greenhouse, using nuts from trees that
grew large enough to bear fruit before
dying of the blight. These seedlings will
grow for several years and then be
infected with the blight.
If there are survivors, they might
become seedstock for a breeding program
of blight-resistant chinkapins.
Judged a SuccessEach year, Tarleton State University’s
College of Agriculture and Human
Sciences hosts a career development
event (CDE) invitational competition for
Texas FFA members. This year, more than
5,000 FFA members were present – the
highest attendance ever. The invitational
offers students a “practice round” and
allows them to prepare for team judging
in 13 categories. The top individuals and
chapters are recognized with prizes.
7FFA New HorIzoNsFFANewHorIzoNs.orG
Cover Story
8 FFA New HorizoNS FFANewHorizoNS.orG
DifferenceYou Can Make a
Giving back to your community is the first step to changing the world
We’ve all heard President
John F. Kennedy’s famous
quote, “Ask not what your
country can do for you – ask what
you can do for your country.”
As an FFA member, you already
know that’s the kind of volunteer
spirit behind the FFA organization.
Chances are you’re already
finding ways to give your time and
energy back to your community,
whether through chapter activities
or your own efforts. But if your
volunteer drive has, well, shifted
into neutral, you don’t have to look
far to find a little inspiration.
“Why it’s important for FFA
members to support their
communities can be answered by
considering what happens when
they don’t,” says Damon Spight, an
education specialist for the national
FFA. “Pride in the community suffers.
The quality of life for the community
is reduced. There’s less physical
activity and less healthy lifestyles.”
The possibilities for making a
positive impact on your community
are endless, but one opportunity FFA
has created is the Campbell Soup Co.
barn restoration project.
In 2008, FFA partnered with
Campbell to restore old barns across
the nation in an effort to give back
to those who work in the industry of
agriculture. Valspar Corporation
joined the effort, donating the paint
needed for the barns’ facelifts.
From August 2008 to May 2009,
9FFA New HorizoNsFFANewHorizoNs.orG
Story by Jessica MozoPhotography by J. Kyle Keener
In March a group of Illinois FFA members offered their time and labor to help restore a barn in Nashville, Tenn.
Cover Story
FYIOppOrtunities AwAit YOu
Looking for a volunteer
opportunity in your
community?
Talk with your FFA
advisor about launching
a chapter service project.
You can even receive
grant money to support
your service-learning
project. Check out the
Living to Serve website
(ffa.org/ltsgrants) to
learn more.
For project ideas,
visit these websites:
ffa.org/ndos
www.nylc.org
www.ysa.org
www.serVenet.org
www.idealist.org
volunteers from FFA chapters and FFA alumni
around the country restored five barns – in
Reddick, Ill.; Cherryvale, Kan.; Nashville, Tenn.;
Corfu, N.Y.; and Clackamas, Ore. Five additional
barns will be restored each year, thanks to
the generosity of the program sponsors.
Karen Guy, owner of the Nashville barn,
says she was very moved by the selflessness
and dedication of the 60 FFA members and
alumni who worked on her historic barn.
Volunteers replaced the barn’s rotted
boards, stabilized support beams, rebuilt
doors and put on a fresh coat of red paint
with white trim. In the end, the FFA members
restored more than just the barn.
“I’m not around a lot of young people,
and I was so in awe of their hard work and
their great attitude,” Guy says. “They
restored my faith in future generations.”
The National FFA Organization’s
National Days of Service program also exists
to help members learn about the impact
made by volunteering their time.
“National Days of Service is a fantastic
service project that’s offered during the
national FFA convention, and it’s always a
big hit with students,” says Lucy Whitehead,
program manager for the National FFA
Alumni Association.
illinois FFA member tyson seggenbruch, left, helps install new window frames during the restoration of a historic barn in nashville, tenn. the farm has been put into a land trust so that it can never be developed.
FFA SEE video ONLINE
Visit ffanewhorizons.org to learn more
about the barn restoration project.
During the 2008 convention, 12 service
sites were selected in the Indianapolis area,
ranging from a therapeutic horseback
riding center to Habitat for Humanity.
Over three days, 1,139 FFA members
volunteered at all 12 sites, giving more than
$91,000 in time and service value. Each site
demonstrated to FFA members how projects
could be replicated in their own communities.
Similar projects are planned for the 2009
National FFA Convention in Indianapolis (see
ffa.org/convention to learn more).
“FFA members really live to serve and
value their communities,” Whitehead says.
“They love to step up and take the lead, and
they really do have volunteer hearts.”
10 FFA NEw HOrIzONS FFANEwHOrIzONS.OrG
FYINavigate the CoNveNtioN
While attending the
national FFA
convention, it’s easy to
be a bit overwhelmed.
This year, we’re
publishing a special
Convention Navigator
to help you out. Pick up
a copy at the official
convention
registration booth or
information booths.
Turn to page 26 to
learn more about this
great new convention
resource.
It’s that time again – pack your bags and
get ready to head to Indianapolis for the
82nd National FFA Convention.
Kicking off on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and
winding down on Saturday, Oct. 24, this year’s
theme is “Lead Out Loud.”
If you’re wondering what to expect, ease
your curiosity and check out our top 10 list of
what’s noteworthy at this year’s convention.
If you’re still thirsty for more, visit the
convention pages at ffanewhorizons.org
and ffa.org/convention for even more
exciting announcements and news!
1. Lucas OiL stadium
Those who attended last year’s national
FFA convention will probably remember
this facility. It’s pretty important, serving
as the site of several convention events and
attractions – and this year is no different.
With state photos, concerts, food court, Stars
Over America Pageant, American FFA Degree
ceremony and more, Lucas Oil Stadium will
continue to buzz with activity during this
year’s convention.
2. cOnventiOn cOncerts
This year’s convention will feature a
Wednesday night concert with mega-singer
Toby Keith! Tickets are $30 and $40, with
doors opening at 8:30 p.m. To purchase
tickets and see the full lineup, visit
ffa.org/convention.
Also, be sure to attend the National
FFA Band and Chorus concert and the other
venues where FFA members show off their
own talents. This year, you may even hear
some FFA members performing at the Circle
Centre Mall!
3. natiOnaL days Of service
FFA members have the opportunity to
serve as volunteers in Indianapolis, giving
their time to local organizations like Gleaners
Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and Indy
Parks. If you’ve never participated in the
Story by Jessica Walker
this year’s national FFa convention focuses on LeadiNg out Loud
NoiseMake Some
FFa members like Chelsea LaJoye showcase their musical talents as part of the National FFa Band. BriA
N McC
ord
FFA 2009 National
NavigatorConvention
• Career profiles• College listings• National Agricultural Career Show map• Indianapolis attractions
12 FFa New HorIzoNs FFANewHorIzoNs.orG
13FFA New HorizoNsFFANewHorizoNs.orG
Days of Service before, make plans to
do so this year!
4. The Laser show
A convention favorite worth
writing home about, the laser show
is back. You can look forward to
viewing a thrilling spectacle at each
general session, sure to impress
even the most experienced
convention attendees. And in
keeping with the convention theme,
we want you to be LOUD and proud
when the show starts!
5. Tours and day-Trips
Spend time learning more
about agriculture and career
opportunities by going on one of the
tours or day-trips organized for the
convention. Some of your options
include career success tours,
educational tours and the National
FFA Center tour.
For the full listing of tour
opportunities, check out
ffa.org/convention.
6. Career show
The National FFA Agricultural
Career Show offers more than 1,300
booths with representatives from a
variety of colleges, agriculture-
related companies and other
organizations ready to answer
questions and provide information.
7. ConvenTion souvenirs
Just next door to the career
show, you can pick up a few
souvenirs at the FFA Shopping
Mall. More than 30 stores are on
site, including John Deere,
Cowpokes, Tractor Supply Co., the
Indiana State Museum Gift Shop
and more. Visit the FFA Mega Store
to score chapter supplies, T-shirts,
posters and other must-haves.
8. naTionaL FFa oFFiCers
Listen to Paul, Nessie, Hannah,
Laila, Regina and Riley deliver
speeches and take time to thank
them for their year of service while
welcoming six new national FFA
officers for 2009-2010.
9. BronCs, BuLLs and More
Saddle up for the 2009 Bulls and
Broncs Championship finale. The
event will feature cowboys fighting
for the win, as well as bucking
horses and bulls.
10. iT’s aLL inTeraCTive
Even if you can’t make it to the
convention, you can still join in on
the fun. You can tune in to the
general sessions on RFD-TV. You can
also go online to check out the latest
news, award winners and feature
stories at ffanewhorizons.org and
ffa.org/convention.
J. k
yle
keen
er
14 FFA New HorizoNs FFANewHorizoNs.orG
Cheer for your state during the fourth general session, when each state’s flag is presented and posted on the convention stage.
16 FFA New HorizoNs FFANewHorizoNs.orG
Georgia FFA member Clayton Thornton has a knack for working with computers, cameras, lighting equipment and anything technical.
Next time you go to a play, whether it’s
at school or in a professional theater, pay
attention to the lights.
Under normal circumstances, you
might not notice them at all, focusing
instead on the action onstage. But those
lights do big things. They set scenes, create
tension and highlight speakers. In many
ways, they help tell the story; in some cases,
they are the story.
“I love the way lighting changes the
mood of things,” says Clayton Thornton,
a college sophomore majoring in media
ministry at North Greenville University in
Tigerville, S.C. “The effects you can create
are incredible.”
Media ministry, Clayton says,
involves integrating audio, video and
other media platforms into high-energy
presentations that churches can use to
jumpstart their services.
Simply put, it’s worship entertainment –
and for someone like Clayton, a self-described
“techie” with a knack for things like computers,
soundboards and graphic design, – a media
ministry major is a great way to learn the ropes.
A graduate of North Oconee High School
in Bogart, Ga., Clayton’s first exposure to the
intricacies of lighting was at a theater
seminar in seventh grade.
“After that, I started getting involved
with the theater, working with lighting
design, and then that expanded into sound
production and computer projection,”
Clayton says. “It’s just grown from there.”
During high school, even as he served in
four different FFA chapter officer positions,
Clayton spent much of his free time at a local
playhouse, shadowing pros and gaining
hands-on experience.
“That’s where I learned most of the stuff
I know today,” he says. “I met lots of great
people and asked them all kinds of questions,
and just listened to what they had to say.”
Meanwhile, he also worked as the technical
director at both his school theater and his
church, was co-editor of his senior yearbook,
and shot photos and videos for numerous
Clayton thornton, a self-described ‘techie,’ runs the show at local theater productions
ActionLights, Camera,
Story by Chris Hayhurst
J. k
yle
keen
er
17FFa New HorizoNsFFANewHorizoNs.orG
We’ve long known that FFA members are about more than just “cows, sows and plows.” you are selfless, motivated, and most of all, unique.
Throughout this school year, we’re highlighting FFA members who embody what today’s FFA is all about. last issue, you met katie, a talented singer-songrwriter. This month, meet Clayton, who describes himself as a “techie.”
Clayton is FFA. Are you?
me to do certain things, I’m
developing more of a visual mind.
I’m finding myself becoming more
and more creative every day.”
Clayton hopes he can use that
unique combination of technical
know-how and creativity to someday
land his dream job – lighting designer
with the high-flying, world-famous
acrobatic troupe Cirque du Soleil.
And if that fails?
“I’ve always believed that if you
look for them, opportunities will
arise,” Clayton says. “And it’s your
job to take advantage of those
opportunities. You have to step
forward, and if you fail, you can
always get back up and try again.”
Clayton says he finds inspiration for his lighting and video projects by embracing the natural environment all around him.
events, including the FFA banquet.
“My senior year, my supervised
agricultural experience program
(SAE) focused on making the video
for the banquet,” Clayton says. “I
shot video clips of everything we
did and everywhere we went.”
Once he had his material, he
boiled it down to one 10-minute
highlight reel. The video was such a
hit that Clayton wound up making
copies and selling them.
While he enjoys making videos,
Clayton’s true passion is in lighting.
It’s challenging, he says,
requiring just the right balance of
technical knowledge and creative
ambition. In theater, for example,
it’s the lighting designer’s job to
coordinate all lighting effects with
what’s taking place onstage.
“If I’m watching them rehearse
and they start singing a song about
the sun coming up, I’ll make a note
in the script that I want the lights
to turn yellow,” Clayton explains.
Later, or sometimes right there
on the spot, he records “cues” into a
lightboard – an electronic device
that controls all the lighting details.
“Most shows bring in the
technical aspects the week before the
show begins,” Clayton says. “I usually
record between 70 and 100 cues per
show, and preset everything.”
Using lighting to tap his creative
side has been fun, he says.
“I used to not think of myself
as a creative person. I was always
seeing these things and thinking,
‘Wow, I would have loved to have had
an idea like that,’” he says. “I never
thought I was creative enough to
come up with those kinds of ideas
myself. But now, as I’m getting
better at using the tools that allow
18 FFA New HorizoNs FFANewHorizoNs.orG
Are you also a “techie?” Tell FFA Nation about your interests and experiences. Sign up for a profile and show off pictures of your best work.
Riley Branch joined FFA because he wanted
to try something new. Riley grew up on an
Angus cattle ranch in northwest Texas, where,
as he puts it, “the stars are bright and there
aren’t many trees,” and FFA seemed like
something he would enjoy. He did, and today
he is serving the organization as its Western
Region Vice President.
Q What is the meaning behind the
national FFA convention theme
you and your teammates selected?
A The convention theme is Lead Out Loud,
and this convention is all about what
FFA members can do to lead loudly
through action. FFA members have an
unbelievable impact in their communities,
and the national FFA convention is all about
celebrating your work!
Q What is one memory from this
year that you’ll never forget?
A I was very fortunate to travel to Alaska
for its state FFA convention, where
there were about 60 students in
attendance. While spending time with
members, eating reindeer sausage and
moose soup, climbing mountains, and
checking out grizzly bears, I had a blast.
That was when the diversity of areas that
FFA reaches became clear to me. All of the
students I’ve met this year are unique, but
the organization is able to work with all of
them to help them achieve their dreams.
Q Now that you’ve spent nearly a year
getting to know your team, can you
describe your teammates in one word each?
AHannah is disciplined, Nessie is
spontaneous, Paul is diligent, Laila
is caring and Regina is thoughtful.
Q As an agricultural leadership major
in college, what types of skills are
you learning in your college courses?
A At Texas Technological University,
our degree focuses on organization
development and building businesses
and organizations. We study a lot of the
theory behind leadership and how people
respond to a leader’s different traits.
These are all skills that will help us serve
organizations to make them more efficient
and to build a tightly knit team of employees.
BranchNational FFA WesterN
region Vice President
RileyFYIriley’s FAVorites
Did you know this
Texas native used to
rodeo competitively?
Learn more about
Riley:
Personal hero: Granddad
Candy: Milky Way
Vacation spot: Colorado
Food: Mexican
CDe: Horse Evaluation
sport to watch: College football
Click on in this issue for more from our interview with riley.
ffanewhorizons.org
20 FFA New HorIzoNs FFANewHorIzoNs.orG
FFA National officer Q & A
SavedA Penny
Make your summer earnings last all semester
Now that summer is over,
chances are, so is your
summer job. And that means
it’s time to focus more on schoolwork
and less on work that actually earns
you a paycheck – at least until next
summer rolls around.
Hopefully, you’ve been able to
stash some of your hard-earned
cash in a checking or savings
account, or even in a jar on your
nightstand. Now the trick is making
it last through the school year.
The first step to successfully
living off your summer earnings
from September through May is to
make a budget. Figure out how much
you spend each month on things like
gas, eating out, going to the movies
and shopping. Then limit yourself to
a certain amount of money in each
category every month.
Sandra Shore, senior counselor
for a nonprofit New Jersey credit
counseling agency called Novadebt,
says it’s also important to consider
the real cost of repetitive purchases
that don’t seem expensive at the time.
“For example, a latte may only be
$3, but at the end of the month, that’s
$90 if you have one every day,” Shore
says. “That’s a pair of shoes or gas
for the car. And at the end of the
year, that’s $1,080.”
Here are some additional tips
to help you learn to make your cash
last – not just through the school
year, but throughout your life.
1. Consider value.
Consider the value of
what you buy to you, not what your
friends will think.
“Teens especially are very
susceptible to peer pressure, and
they may spend money on clothes or
entertainment because their friends
are doing that,” Shore says.
2. PaCk light.
Leave your debit card
at home. Only carry a small amount
of cash so you’re not tempted to give
into buying things on an impulse.
3. keeP reCords.
Manage your checking
account wisely. Don’t forget to write
down everything you spend.
“Track your expenses so you
can see where your money is
going,” Shore says. “A teen may
not need a checking account to
pay bills, but they do need to
know how to use one once they
are on their own.“
4. say no to PlastiC.
“Students are often
offered credit cards while still in
high school, and this is an area
where we see a lot of problems,”
Shore says. “Many students use
credit cards and find they can’t pay
the balances. Understand that a
card should only be used as a
convenience and not to spend more
money than you have. Using credit
wisely means paying off card
balances in full each month.”
5. delay gratifiCation.
Instead of spending all
the money you have, think of ways
you could use it in the future. You
can even tape pictures that remind
you of your long-term goals (a car,
computer, college or trip to a foreign
country, perhaps)
around your
room to help
keep your goals
on track.
– Jessica Mozo
22 FFa New HorizoNs FFANewHorizoNs.orG
FFA your money saving your earnings
A Can-Do AttitudeHere at FFA New Horizons, we receive
reports from FFA members across the country
about your inspiring community service
activities. (By the way, we welcome these
stories and hope you’ll keep sending them!)
Many of your activities involve local
canned food drives, and these types of drives
continue to be vital. Here’s why:
• Hunger is a serious reality for one in eight
Americans – including adults and children.
• Each year, the Feeding America network of
food banks distributes 2 billion pounds of
food to needy Americans.
• Feeding America provides emergency food
assistance to approximately 4.5 million
people in any given week.
Find your local food bank and learn more
about the Feeding America program at
feedingamerica.org.
Creating a Cleaner CountyEight years ago, the Churchill County FFA chapter in Nevada began
what seemed like a small project of collecting twine from farms, ranches
and dairies around the county. Little did they know, the project would
become the chapter’s largest community service project and fundraiser.
The members soon learned that one ton of hay produces one pound of
twine, and that Churchill County produces a lot.
The FFA members collect about 70,000 pounds of twine each year.They
gather the twine two to three times each week by driving around nearby
ranches. Then they use a cardboard compacter to push the twine into one-
ton bales. The bales are shipped in a large truck to a recycling center,
where the twine is melted into plastic pellets and used in roofing plastic.
“Recycling is important for our chapter,” says Christy Fagundes,
chapter FFA reporter. “Not only is this project profitable for us, but we also
have the ability to create a cleaner world.”
24 FFA New HorizoNs FFANewHorizoNs.orG
FFA what's hot Cool stuff to know
25FFA New HorizoNsFFANewHorizoNs.orG
Convention NoiseWant to know the most
up-to-date news about the 82nd
National FFA Convention?
Visit our convention page
on ffanewhorizons.org for
announcements and news, as
well as member-submitted
comments and thoughts about
the convention theme, Lead Out
Loud. During the convention,
we’ll be blogging constantly.
You can also visit
ffa.org/convention for lists of
award winners, videos and
press releases.
FFA 2009 National
NavigatorConvention
• Career profiles• College listings• National Agricultural Career Show map• Indianapolis attractions
Careers, College and Convention
Check out the 2009 National
FFA Convention Navigator,
available online at
ffanewhorizons.org.
Inside this neat digital
magazine, you’ll find information
on agricultural careers, a listing
of colleges that will be exhibiting
at the national FFA convention
and more.
There’s also a map of the
2009 FFA National Agricultural
Career Show and lists of
Indianapolis attractions.
The online version is available
now, and be sure to pick up a
printed copy at the national FFA
convention registration booth.
news web
American Bucking Bull Inc. www.americanbuckingbull.com
Dawn Bravo – Tulsa Welding School www.weldingschool.com
General Motors/Chevrolet Division www.chevy.com
Justin Brands, Justin Boots www.justingypsy.com
Kansas State University College of Agriculture www.ag.k-state.edu
Keystone Steel & Wire www.redbrandgear.com
Monsanto Company www.producemoreconservemore.com
National FFA Organization www.ffa.org
OSU Institute of Technology www.osuit.edu/t/ffa2009
Rocky Mountain Clothing Company www.rmcjeans.com
US Marine Corps www.marines.com
USDA/APHIS www.aphis.usda.gov
VF Jeanswear/Wrangler www.20x.com/tx_home.php
VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS
26 FFA New HorizoNs FFANewHorizoNs.orG
FFA what's on media buzz
When Darleen Vaterhaus realized
the need for teachers to obtain
new educational items for their
classrooms, she decided she could help.
The result? The Donate 2 Educate
program, which is a social donation website
(www.donate2educate.com) that allows
teachers to request anything helpful for
their classrooms. For example, an
agriculture teacher might ask for greenhouse
supplies or supplemental textbooks. At the
same time, anyone can contribute money to
the website, 100 percent of which goes
directly to purchasing teachers’ needs.
Vaterhaus’s philanthropic spirit comes
naturally to her, partially as a result of her
own experiences with FFA. A former FFA
member from McMinnville, Ore., she grew up
with horses and won third in the state for her
FFA equine proficiency. Learn more about
Vaterhaus and her efforts.
Q How did your FFA experiences help mold
your work ethic and self-motivation?
A FFA is an encouraging and safe place
to explore new skills and experiences.
I remember how I would look forward to
trying new challenges, usually not knowing
much about it before trying. FFA helped me
realize that I need to continue learning and
growing throughout my life.
Q What FFA experiences helped you learn
how to set goals?
A Previous to FFA, I had no concept of
goal setting and opportunity costs.
From day one, our FFA advisor began
discussing goal setting for our projects. With
his messages about goals, I discovered that I
am able and responsible to choose my own
paths and directions.
Q This time of year, a lot of FFA members
are creating goals for themselves.
What advice do you have for them?
A I once heard on the radio that a man
was going to eat a car. I thought, “No
way!” They explained that he was going
to grind the car into dust, then eat it by the
spoonful. So I thought, “That could work.”
Grind your big goals down to a lot of bite-
size goals. When something seems too big or
overwhelming, I remind myself about “eating
a car,” and it helps me keep perspective.
VaterhausDarleen
Former OregOn FFA member owns a small farm, runs a successful website
Tell other FFA members about your goals and aspirations in our Discussions thread about setting goals.
Darleen Vaterhaus raises horses and runs a social donation website.
28 FFA New HorizoNs FFANewHorizoNs.orG
FFA Back Talk Former members reflect