Established in 1928, Future Farmers of America, or FFA, has helped students across the country better engage with their own communities. Although the word ‘farmers’ is a key word within their title, FFA is about far more than just farming.

“FFA is about learning how to further yourself as an individual within your community,” said the Sophomore Secretary Addi Hand.

The students in our own Lebanon FFA chapter engage in various events locally and even state-wide. Over the summer, they were able to go to the state convention, which involves over 12,500 members from all across Indiana; during this event, the state officers are inducted and the visiting members cooperate in a variety of activities.

“Meeting the national officers at national convention, I totally fangirled,” said the Junior Sentinel Kira King when asked about her favorite memory.

Later this year, the FFA members will be able to go to the national convention that takes place in downtown Indianapolis. Being able to meet national officers is almost their equivalent of meeting all the members of your favorite band, without all the pushing and shoving hopefully.

“Being able to interact with other schools during events.” said the Sophomore Treasurer Lauren Argotte about her favorite memory.

This summer, along with the state convention, the FFA members participated in the Young McDonald’s farm that took place at the county fair. In Boone County alone, there are seven different schools, which means that there was definitely interaction between the Lebanon FFA chapter and plenty of other chapters.

“Dancing in an empty pavilion with the national officers.” said the Senior Vice President Aaliyah Carlisle as her favorite memory.

Being in FFA has proved to improve the lives of students and establish them as responsible members of Lebanon. From meeting their own superheroes to helping members in the community, the Lebanon FFA chapter has earned their place as a reliable community of students who want to further agricultural education and outreach.

“Promoting agricultural education is a fundamental of FFA,” said Junior Kira King.