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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.
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Create a profile. Add friends. Start a group. Voice your opinions. ffa.org/ffanation
Fine Art On theFAmily FArm
Amanda Bulger finds artistic inspiration in her agricultural heritage
4Tips for a slim-and- trim summer
new horizonsFFA
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 | J u n e 2 0 1 0
®l o g o n at f fa . o r g / f fa n at i o n
Clutter, Be Gone
Clean your room, make some money
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2 FFA New HorizoNs ffa.org/ffaNatioN
On the Cover Amanda Bulger, Pulaski, Wis.Staff Photo
new horizonsFFAthe magazine of the National ffa organization
Volume 57 Number 5
®
8
12 cover story
Planting with Careful PlanningAlicia Moeller gardens with minimal water, maximum effort
Fine Art on the Family FarmFFA alumna uses her agriculture background to propel her art career
4 ScrapbookRead news from FFA and more.
6 FFA FacesMeet members from across the country.
11 National Officer Q & AMeet Vice President Chelsea Doss.
16 Healthy LifestylesRead tips for a slim-and-trim summer.
17 Cool CareersBuild a job in agricultural construction.
18 News from National FFAStart preparing for American FFA Degree changes.
20 Your MoneyClean out clutter and make money.
21 Back TalkMeet Liberian immigrant Korpo Hiamah.
Kim Newsom editor jessy yaNcey associate editor Lisa BaTTLes, joyce caRUTHeRs copy editors jULie woodaRd FFa Publications manager KRisTy meyeR FFa communications RaVeN PeTTy Proofreading manager jeNNiFeR GRaVes, eRica HiNes content coordinators cHRis HayHURsT, jessica moZo, contributing writers jessica waLKeR cHRisTiNa caRdeN media Technology director KRis seXToN, caNdice sweeT, senior Graphic designers ViKKi wiLLiams cHaNdRa BRadsHaw, yameL HaLL, media Technology analysts aLisoN HUNTeR, maRcUs sNydeR jeFFRey s. oTTo Photography director jeFF adKiNs, BRiaN mccoRd senior Photographers Todd BeNNeTT, aNToNy BosHieR staff Photographers yaNcey TURTURice information Technology director RyaN sweeNey i.T. service Technician LeiGH GUaRiN web designer ToRi HUGHes integrated media manager cHRis dUdLey controller ciNdy HaLL sales support manager RacHaeL GoLdsBeRRy sales support KRisTy dUNcaN executive secretary KaTie middeNdoRF ad Production manager maRcia miLLaR, PaTRicia moisaN ad Traffic assistants diaNa GUZmaN, maRia mcFaRLaNd accounting sHeLLy miLLeR, Lisa oweNs GaRy smiTH distribution director KeiTH HaRRis marketing creative director Ray LaNGeN executive Vice President Todd PoTTeR, caRLa THURmaN sr. V.P./sales casey HesTeR sr. V.P./operations TeRee caRUTHeRs V.P./content development maRK FoResTeR V.P./Visual content NaTasHa LoReNs V.P./content operations
For advertising information, contact Tori Hughes, (800) 333-8842, ext. 281, or e-mail [email protected].
2009-2010 National FFA Officers LeVy RaNdoLPH, ca President BeTHaNy BoHNeNBLUsT, Ks secretary aLeX HeNRy, mi eastern Region Vice President RaNda BRaUNe, TX western Region Vice President cHeLsea doss, TN southern Region Vice President cHase Rose, mT central Region Vice President
National FFA Staff LaRRy case National advisor, chief executive officer sTeVe BRowN executive secretary dwiGHT aRmsTRoNG 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.
copyright© 2010 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 HorizoNsffa.org/ffaNatioN
Best in ShowWith colored pencils and pastels, artist
and FFA member Alyssa Marini created
a masterpiece. Her drawing of a Siberian
husky won ribbons in five categories,
including top prize, in the “Meet the Breeds”
art contest sponsored by the American
Kennel Club and Cat Fanciers’ Association.
Alyssa, a rising junior at Trumbull High
School in Connecticut, placed first in the
Working Dog Group division and first place
in her grade level, and she won three top
awards – Best of Breed-Siberian Husky, Best
in Show – Dog and Best in Show – Overall.
Alyssa’s artwork was placed on display
at the Jacob Javits Center in New York.
Visit ffa.org/ffanation to see photos
of Alyssa’s drawings.
ffa scrapbook express yourself
A Place to BelongThe American Kennel Club has launched
a new program, Canine Partners, which
allows mixed-breed dogs to be registered
with the AKC and now be eligible to compete
in AKC Rally, Obedience and Agility events.
And as a special treat, any FFA member can
register their mixed-breed dog for just $20
(the regular price is $35). To learn more,
visit www.akc.org.
Calling All Parents!
Hey FFA members!
While you’re reading
through FFA New
Horizons, be sure
to show this story
to your parents. We
want to know how
they feel about the
magazine, too!
We’ve created a
quick online survey
to find out what our
FFA parents think of
the magazine. Visit
bit.ly/FFAparents
to take the survey.
We appreciate
your input!
4 FFA New HorizoNs ffa.org/ffaNatioN
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?
E-mail us at
or, send to:
FFA New Horizons
P.o. Box 68960
indianapolis, iN 46268
Creo en el futuro de la agriculturaThat's "I believe in the future of agriculture" in Spanish, and this summer, some FFA
members in Texas will be reciting those words. For the first time in its history, the Texas
FFA association is hosting a Spanish FFA Creed Speaking invitational event during
its state convention, where the contestants will give the entire creed in Spanish and
answer the judges' questions in Spanish. Texas FFA believes that today’s agriculture,
food and natural resources students will be building careers in a bilingual work
environment in the coming years. In the last census, 29 percent of Texans indicated
that the Spanish language is spoken in their home. Combining statistics from
the Texas Data Center and the United States Census Bureau, one can project that
between the years 2025 and 2030, more Texans will be Spanish speakers than solely
English speakers. To those participating, we say buena suerte!
ONliNeDoes your state have a unique event during your annual state FFA convention? Log on to FFA Nation and tell us all about it in the Discussions section.
ffa.org/ffanation
Going Somewhere?
Don't lose touch with FFA after you graduate from high school! Sign up for our FFA Beyond High School newsletter today, and we'll enter you into a drawing for a free iPad!
Visit ffa.org to learn more.
5FFA New HorizoNsffa.org/ffaNatioN
A Feed Drive For his Boy Scout Eagle Award project, Alex Harper of the Jersey Village FFA chapter in Texas
organized a drive to collect dog and cat food for a local animal shelter.
While working on his project, he remembered the amount of leftover livestock feed from the
previous year’s livestock show and thought
he might be able to do something with that
type of animal feed, too. He got his chapter
involved, and they soon discovered that
Boys and Girls Country, a local charitable
home for children, would have a great use
for the livestock feed.
After all, the home raises livestock each
year to use in teaching the children about
caring for animals. The food drive turned
out to be a great success, with more than
100 bags of livestock feed collected!
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].
create describe NominateGo to ffa.org/ffanation 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.
PA
AR
NE KY
MO
The first person in his family to be involved in FFa, derek says he
knew very little about the organization before joining. But in his
first year of membership, he represented his FFa chapter in creed
speaking, was a member of the knowledge team and received the
chapter’s freshman leadership award. Now a sophomore, derek
plans to expand his sae in vegetable production.
Derek PriceChapter: Milan FFA
This high school senior served as his chapter’s president for two
years, during which his goal was to improve the local perception
of FFa. Kolin is very proud of his accomplishments, including his
project to put up a flagpole outside the school agriculture
building, so that the american and FFa flags could be displayed.
Kolin works at a local grocery store for his sae.
Kolin schmidtChapter: Central City FFA
Tracy, a high school senior, enjoys the hands-on aspect of FFa. His
supervised agricultural experience program (sae) centers on
forest management, and he has competed in forestry, land
judging and welding events. in 2009, he was accepted as part of
the National FFa Band. Tracy’s future FFa plans include achieving
his state FFa degree and furthering his sae.
tracy PraterChapter: Fleming County FFA
This high school junior organizes many of her chapter’s community
service activities, including its baking for the homeless and pet
therapy programs. christine has participated in FFa horse
judging, public speaking and agronomy, and she aspires to be a
state FFa officer one day. christine is also a varsity cheerleader
and softball player for her school.
Christine MusselmanChapter: Twin Valley FFA
This high school sophomore raises Brangus cattle for her sae and
won Grand champion Brangus Bull at the 2009 arkansas state
Fair. Victoria currently serves as FFa chapter secretary and says
that many past FFa officers – including her brother, a past state
president, and her father, a past national FFa secretary – have
inspired her FFa efforts.
Victoria MalochChapter: Emerson FFA
This recent high school graduate and past FFa chapter president
wrote an essay about her favorite place to be for an english
assignment. mollie chose to write about her FFa jacket, since
wearing it is her favorite place to be. in November 2009, mollie
represented Nebraska agriculture in an exchange program to
Taiwan. Read mollie’s essay at ffa.org/ffanation.
Mollie wilkenChapter: Crofton FFA
IA
6 FFA New HorizoNs ffa.org/ffaNatioN
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Alicia Moeller gardens with MINIMAl wATEr, maximum effort
PlanningPlanting With Careful
The bat-faced cuphea is the kind
of plant anyone could love. As
its name implies, its flowers
look just like bats – if bats were
purple, that is, with big scarlet-red
ears. It’s easy to grow, it’s a hit with
birds and insects, and, thanks to its
stunning good looks, it’s guaranteed
to draw attention from all passersby.
But don’t plan on growing the
bat-faced cuphea if you live in the
North; it hates the cold, and it won’t
survive a frost. This plant, also
known by its Latin name, Cuphea
llavea, thrives in the hot and dry
South – places like Temple, Texas,
where one of its biggest fans, Temple
College student Alicia Moeller, spends
her days preparing for a future career
in horticulture.
“We call it the butterfly plant,”
says Alicia, who works part time
at a local nursery as she earns a
degree in business. “It really
attracts the butterflies.”
Learning on The Job
You might wonder, why would a
person who is interested in something
like the bat-faced cuphea, and
horticulture in general, make
business her major?
But talk to Alicia, who first
learned about plants as an FFA
member at nearby Academy High
School, and the reason is clear. There’s
a lot more to the job than you think,
especially if you’re ambitious. “I’d like
to own my own nursery,” says Alicia,
who’s already started looking for a
greenhouse to buy. “And there’s all
kinds of work that goes into that.”
You have to run the business like
a business, she says, but you also need
to have a knack for customer service.
“That’s very important,” she
explains. “You meet all kinds of people
coming from all backgrounds, and
you have to be able to communicate
with them effectively.”
The plant and horticulture
courses will come, she says. For now,
though, she’s focused on the core
requirements she needs in order to
graduate on time.
Meanwhile, Alicia says, her job
at D&D Nursery just outside Temple,
Texas, – the same place she has
worked since her sophomore year in
high school – enables her to keep her
green thumb.
“When I started,” she recalls, “I
couldn’t tell a weed from a plant. But
over time, by pruning and repotting
and labeling and watering and doing
a little of everything, I figured it out.”
Now, she says, she’s really
developed an understanding of each
species. Alicia has learned the
Story by Chris Hayhurst
8 FFA New HorizoNs ffa.org/ffaNatioN
JEFFrEY S. OTTO
sTaFF PHoToBRiaN mccoRd
sTaF
F PH
oTo
Texas FFA member Alicia Moeller is passionate about plants and hopes to own her own nursery one day.
plants’ basic sunlight, water and
soil requirements, but she’s also
developed an eye for “what works”
and can advise the nursery’s
customers on appropriate choices
for their particular needs.
Xeriscaping
Back to that butterfly plant.
The bat-faced cuphea is a perfect
fit for what those in the trade call
“xeriscaping.” Xeriscaping is a
gardening technique that relies on
smart and minimal use of water.
Through use of drought-resistant
and native plants, abundant mulch,
and careful watering with well-placed
drip lines, the gardener who
xeriscapes can create elaborate
arrays of flowers, shrubs and trees
requiring very little maintenance.
In xeriscaping, Alicia says,
if a plant is too thirsty, or can’t
take the heat, it’s out.
“I see people using sprinkler
systems all the time,” she says. “It’s
so hot here and so dry that they’re
really wasting water. Then they use
pesticides to kill bugs and other
chemicals to control weeds, and
all that water causes everything to
run off into the creeks and rivers.”
Xeriscaping, she says, may
require more thought up front,
especially in the planning and
design stages, but in the long run
it’s easier, it’s environmentally
friendly and it just makes sense.
“You put in the plants that belong
there,” she says, noting that you don’t
have to sacrifice flair or style in the
process since there are lots of drought-
resistant species from which to
choose. “Shade-loving plants go with
other shady plants, while those that
need more sun go in the sun.”
Mix up your colors by using
lots of different varieties, she says,
and the results can be beautiful.
big pLans
Alicia isn’t all about plants. In
addition to her nursery work, which she
does on weekends, she has a full-time
job in the Texas Health Department’s
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
program (she goes to school at night).
Still, her heart is in the garden,
and in xeriscaping in particular, and
she hopes it won’t be long before she
can really launch her career.
She longs to start her own native
plants from seed, to watch her own
trees grow tall in the heat of the Texas
sun, and to work with her very own
customers in the light and open
spaces of her personal nursery.
“That’s the plan,” she says. “I
can’t wait.”
sTaF
F PH
oTo
Alicia Moeller says her heart is in the garden, and working with plants is her calling.
10 FFA New HorizoNs ffa.org/ffaNatioN
fYiChElSEA’S FAVOrITES
This Tennessee native might be found canoeing on a hot day this summer or shooting some hoops with friends. Learn more about chelsea:
Ice cream: Neapolitan
Singer/group: Lady
antebellum
Sport to watch:
Football
Color: Blue
Season: summer
Board game: checkers
FFA historical event:
First female national
officer, julie smiley
Hailing from a small town in Tennessee
(Eagleville, pop. 523), you might expect that
Chelsea Doss grew up on a farm. But you’d be
wrong. Instead, Chelsea was first introduced
to agriculture in high school, when she joined
FFA. Both of her sisters – Kinsey, a year older,
and Katlyn, a year younger – were involved
in FFA, so it was a natural choice for Chelsea
to join, too. For her supervised agricultural
experience program (SAE), Chelsea worked
with her sisters and parents to raise and sell
Irish Setter dogs.
Q Many FFA members are interested in
small animal care and production. How
do you think raising dogs helped you learn
about the industry of agriculture?
A While raising dogs, my family and
I learned so much. We purchased
champion bloodline Irish Setters,
constructed proper facilities for them,
created a business strategy, designated
responsibilities among ourselves, marketed
the puppies throughout the United States,
and maintained a healthy and pleasant
lifestyle for all of the dogs. If that’s not
great experience in entrepreneurship and
managing animals, I don’t know what is!
Q You are traveling a lot this year. How
do you stay healthy when fast food is
so easy to grab and go?
A I’m not the healthiest person in the
world, but I do simple things like eating
a healthy, balanced diet, skipping
desserts most of the time, running on the
treadmill when I can, and playing sports.
National FFA Southern region Vice President
DossChelsea
Q It’s summer! What tips do you have for
members to stay motivated and excited
about FFA when school is out?
A Summer is my favorite time to be an
FFA member because of FFA camp, extra
time to tend to my SAE and summer
cookouts with fellow members. Now is the
time to relax with fellow members and
friends and celebrate your success.
Q What’s your favorite line of the FFA
Creed and why?
A “I believe that American agriculture
can and will hold true to the best
traditions of our national life.” This
speaks to the true strength of American
agriculture and is especially close to my
heart after visiting Japan and seeing
firsthand just how crucial American farmers
are to not only our nation, but the world.
ffa National officer Q & a
11FFA New HorizoNsffa.org/ffaNatioN
Family FarmAmanda Bulger uses her AgrICulTurE heritage in her art career
Fine Art on the
Wisconsin FFA alumna
Amanda Bulger proves
you can take the girl out
of the farm, but you can’t take the
farm out of the girl.
The 21-year-old from Pulaski,
Wis., is an accomplished artist who
graduated from the University of
Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a Bachelor
of Fine Arts in drawing in May, but
her roots run deep on her family’s
dairy farm.
“I always knew I didn’t want
to farm when I grew up,” Amanda
recalls. “But as I got older, I realized
farming and agriculture have shaped
who I have become – and who I always
will be.”
Amanda grew up milking cows,
pushing around feed, and cleaning
the milk house on the 500-acre dairy
farm her parents own.
“I was always working on the
farm. They would find jobs for us to do
even when we were little,” she says,
referring to herself and her eight
siblings. “We always felt important.”
In elementary school, Amanda
began drawing pictures of typical
farm scenes – cows and chickens,
plants and flowers. But it wasn’t until
middle school that she realized she
was better at art than her classmates.
“I began entering my drawings
in the fair through 4-H, and people
started noticing my work,” she says.
“I also used my talents to help
promote 4-H and FFA by working on
banners and parade floats, and I
helped make decorations for the dairy
and beef barn stalls for 4-H and FFA.”
In high school, Amanda converted
an unused barn on her parents’
property into an art studio.
“Cleaning the barn was the
hardest part, but I just made a space
for myself,” she says. “I fixed windows
to keep the birds and rain out. I put
in some insulation and hung an old
barn fan to keep it cool.”
Amanda doesn’t draw nearly as
many cows or chickens these days,
but her agriculture background is
still evident in her art.
“I can still see a lot of that
influence in my work,” she says.
“In my old drawing books, you see
cow after cow, and a few pigs and
chickens here and there.”
One of her more recent projects
is a 5-foot by 3-foot collage that
focuses on “the changing and
disappearing farmer.”
“I took several photos and news
clippings of my grandpa’s life that
showed the farms he lived on as he
grew, and it looks like one large barn
with an image of him fighting a bull
in the sky overlooking it all,” Amanda
explains. “He fought the bulls in
Spain, and that was a proud moment
in his life.”
Story by Jessica Mozo
FFA alumna Amanda Bulger balances her budding art career with daily chores on her family’s dairy farm in Pulaski, wis. To keep a good balance, she says she keeps designated art studio hours, so that she can work to continue improving her artistic skill.
Cover story
12 FFA New HorizoNs ffa.org/ffaNatioN
sTaFF PHoTos
In 2008, Amanda sketched
portraits of 23 residents at a nursing
home in Bloomer, Wis., and staff
members made them into memory
books for the residents and their
families at Christmas. The memory
books also included family stories
and decades of photos.
The nursing home project helped
Amanda fulfill a graduation require-
ment of 30 hours of community
service. But it also served another
purpose.
“The residents felt so important
because most of the time when
someone draws a portrait, it’s for a
president or elected official,” Amanda
says. “They felt really blessed.”
Eventually, Amanda hopes to
move to Chicago or New York to show
and sell her work in art galleries.
But in the meantime, she’s holding
down jobs both on and off her
family’s farm and keeping designated
studio hours to work on her drawings.
She plans to go back to school for
her Master of Fine Arts degree in a
couple of years, and she has added
sculpting to her repertoire.
Amanda says her FFA experience
“absolutely” helped her get where
she is today.
“FFA taught me about leadership
and gave me great confidence in
public speaking. I used to be incredibly
shy, but FFA competitions and
leadership positions helped me grow
as a person,” she says. “My advice
to FFA members is to take advantage
of every opportunity. The things
you don’t even think are teaching
you anything end up teaching
you the most.”
Amanda says she finds her artistic inspiration everywhere – in nature, in daily life, in her family and on the farm.
sTaFF PHoTo
15FFA New HorizoNsffa.org/ffaNatioN
SummerA Slim-and-Trim
Don’t let summertime sabotage your DIET
It’s summer – who doesn’t love
ice cream, fair food, backyard
barbecues, campfire s’mores and
all the things we know are bad for
our health? Even though summer is
full of outdoor activities, our eating
habits often change, which can lead
to weight gain and health problems.
We’re not suggesting you
deprive yourself of summertime
treats, but it is important to keep
your eating habits in check.
Erin Palinski, registered
dietitian and founder of the Vernon
Nutrition Center in New Jersey,
offers tips for beating summertime
weight gain.
1. WATCH WHAT YOu dRINK.
Opt for water instead of
calorie-filled drinks such as soda,
iced coffees, juice and sports drinks.
“Fluid calories don’t keep us full
the way food calories do,” Palinski
says. “You may feel just as hungry
as before you drank these beverages,
causing you to eat just as much at
your next meal or snack and leading
to excessive calorie intake.”
2. CREATE A ROuTINE.
Without a school schedule to
stick to, summer days are too often
spent sleeping late, watching too
much television, surfing the web and
snacking more than usual. Instead,
pour your energy into volunteering,
working a summer job or learning a
new skill.
3. GET MOVING.
It may be hot outside, but
don’t let the heat ruin your fitness
goals. Take walks with friends in the
evenings when it’s cooler outside,
or go swimming during the daytime.
Or move your workout indoors at a
gym, bowling alley, racquetball
court or indoor climbing wall.
4. EAT FRESH FOOdS.
OK, we heard you groan. But
summer really is the prime time to
eat well, when a huge array of tasty
fruits and vegetables are in season.
Work hard on increasing your intake
of these foods, and use them in
replacement of higher-calorie
options.
“For example, if you love chips
and salsa, try dipping celery into
salsa instead,” Palinski says. “It’s a
tasty, crunchy snack with only
one-fourth the calories.”
– Jessica Mozo
ffa healthy lifestyles summer health
16 FFA New HorizoNs ffa.org/ffaNatioN
ag construction ffa cool careers
ZoneEntering a Hard Hat
Build a career in agricultural CONSTruCTION
Interested in building, creating and
constructing things for a living? If
so, you may find your niche in an
agricultural construction career. Here
are a few careers to consider, then
check out ffa.org/ffanation for more.
AG CONSTRuCTION ENGINEERS
Designing and overseeing the
construction of structures such as
mills, fertilizer plants, barns and
other agricultural structures,
agricultural construction engineers
survey possible building sites.
Ag construction engineers
should be familiar with a variety of
tools and equipment, and should be
able to schedule and plan projects.
They should also obtain master’s
degrees, typically.
SuRVEYORS
Surveyors map, measure and
establish boundaries. Their work
may involve describing land,
determining airspace for airports,
and measuring construction and
mineral sites. They may also focus
on providing data about land and
its features, including the shape,
contour, location and elevation.
Those seeking employment in
this field should acquire a four-year
degree and be prepared for strenuous
work. Surveyors typically spend a
great deal of time outside, but also
work in offices.
HEAVY EQuIPMENT OPERATORS
Heavy equipment operators are
responsible for using machinery to
move a variety of materials, including
coal, grain, petroleum products and
other items. Each machine requires
different skills, with each operator
acquiring certification for specific
machines.
Heavy equipment operators
should be cautious and careful by
nature, as many of the machines
they work with can be dangerous.
LANdSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Landscape architects work with
a variety of organizations, assisting
building architects, engineers and
scientists and helping to determine
the best arrangements for roads and
buildings. They also focus on ways
to conserve or restore natural
resources.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree
may be necessary to obtain a career
in this field.
– Jessica Walker
17FFA New HorizoNsffa.org/ffaNatioN
Hunsinger, program manager for
the National FFA Organization. “It’s
the first American FFA Degree
requirement change since the 1980s.”
If you are planning to apply for
your Chapter, State or American FFA
Degree in 2011 or later, you’ll want to
know these new requirements:
To receive the Chapter FFA
Degree, you will need to have
participated in at least 10 hours of
community service activities. These
hours are in addition to and cannot
be duplicated as paid or unpaid
supervised agricultural experience
(SAE) hours.
For the State FFA Degree, you will
need to have participated in at least
25 hours within at least two different
community service activities. This is
15 hours more than the Chapter Degree;
these hours are in addition to and
cannot be duplicated as paid or
unpaid SAE hours.
The American FFA Degree
now requires that recipients
• Havearecordofoutstanding
leadership activities
• Haveparticipatedinatleast50
hours in at least three different
community service activities. This
is 25 hours more than State Degree;
these hours are in addition to and
cannot be duplicated as paid or
unpaid SAE hours
• Haveachievedahighschool
scholastic record of “C” or better,
as certified by the principal or
superintendent.
These hours may be cumulative,
which means you can continue
adding to your initial hours. So if
you start a community garden for
your Chapter FFA Degree and receive
10 hours, you can use those 10 hours
plus 15 more for the State FFA Degree.
Keep in mind though, that these
hours may NOT be duplicated for
Directed Lab (unpaid hours).
Start preparing now! Summer is
a great time to work in your community
and help your neighbors.
For more information about the
new degree requirements, contact
Rosalie Hunsinger at the National FFA
Organization, [email protected].
ServeLive to
2011 FFA degree ApplicAnts need more
COMMuNITY SErVICE hours
The last line in the FFA motto
is, “Living to Serve,” so it
should come as no surprise
that community service is an
important part of the FFA mission.
In fact, helping our neighbors
and communities has become so
important for FFA members that it will
now be an even more vital part of the
FFA degree program. Effective for the
2011 Chapter, State and American FFA
Degrees, applicants will be required to
complete more community service
hours than in the past.
“The 2005 National FFA Convention
delegates approved an upgrade in
community service hours for the
2011 convention,” explains Rosalie
ONliNeWhat community service activities do you enjoy? Share your thoughts on the Discussion board.
ffa.org/ffanation
news from National ffa
18 FFA New HorizoNs ffa.org/ffaNatioN
Clutter into CashTurning
A clean room – and extra MONEY – is just a few clicks away
It’s summertime! Finally, a season
for you to enjoy life outside of
your school building, with no
homework, no books and no tests or
research papers. But wait – is “no
cash” on that list, too? If so, don’t
panic; you may have everything
you need to make a quick buck –
right in your very own closet.
By using websites such as
Craigslist and eBay, selling your
used goods can be easy and
profitable. Dan Danford, principal/
CEO of the Family Investment Center
in St. Joseph, Mo., has a few tips on
how to turn your clutter into cash.
WHAT TO SELL
First, determine what you have
that will sell well.
Danford
suggests
looking for
electronic items, like games and cell
phones, as well as sporting equipment.
But if you’re considering selling
your used clothing and shoes,
think again.
“If your expectation is to make
lots of money selling clothes, you’re
wrong,” says Danford. “The truth is,
a used pair of shoes is worth $2 – no
matter what brand they are.”
ASKING PRICE
After you’ve figured out what
you want to sell, you need to decide
how much money you’re willing to
take for the goods.
“It’s not hard to establish price
on used stuff,” says Danford. He
suggests logging onto eBay and
checking how much items similar to
yours have been selling for recently.
Taking the time to do this may serve
you well; you might even be
surprised at how much your item
is worth.
BE CONSIdERATE
There’s a certain etiquette that
should be followed when it comes to
online selling. Danford strongly
suggests posting photographs of
your items; doing so allows potential
buyers to see the quality of the
goods for themselves and helps to
establish trust. He also encourages
sellers to be honest.
“Don’t try to trick somebody into
buying something,” says Danford.
“The more information you can
provide, the better.”
STAY SAFE
While online buying and selling
can be fun, it can also be dangerous.
“On eBay, your primary risk is
financial,” says Danford. This is
because goods are typically sent in
the mail, not personally picked up or
delivered. “Check the pictures of the
items and the reputation of the seller,”
he says. When using Craigslist, take
extra precautions. “Craigslist is
more complicated,” says Danford.
“Meet during the day in a public
place and take someone with you.”
– Jessica Walker
ffa your money selling items online
20 FFA New HorizoNs ffa.org/ffaNatioN
Check out our
www.illinoisffa.org
website
JUNE 2010
ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION FFA
State CDE Results BFFA Week CMFE DCaroline Bremer, State Vice President E82nd Illinois State FFA Convention Highlights F82nd Illinois State FFA Convention Schedule GOfficers’ Tracks H
What’s InsIde thIs Issue
Constructing Leaders of Tomorrow
– Caroline Bremer
Meet your 2009-2010 State Vice President | E
FFA Week | C MFE | D
Officers’ Tracks | H
B • ILLINOIS FFA
State CDE Results
State Job Interview CDEVarsity 1st– OliviaHarris,Heyworth 2nd– KaitlynZindel,CentralA&M 3rd–AmeliaMartens,Orion 4th– VictoriaGoad,Harvard 5th–KayleeAgney,Shelbyville 6th– MeganJohnston,IndianCreek 7th–ClaytonCarley,CissnaPark 8th–JessicaBoth,Seneca 9th–RachelMadsen,CliftonCentral10th–EvanRich,Pontiac
Junior Varsity 1st– JohnnyEloe,Shelbyville 2nd– BenMartens,Orion 3rd– BrittanyPond,NewBerlin 4th– DeidraSmock,HardinCounty 5th– SaneHiggins,CampPointCentral 6th– DevynnZiller,Marengo 7th– EmilySombeck,Olympia 8th– MeganBunyer,Eastland 9th– KristinaPeters,Heyworth10th– AlexandriaWatts,Hartsburg-Emden
State Ag Issues CDE 1st– Midland 2nd–Geneseo 3rd–Mt.Vernon 4th–Cisne 5th–Eldorado 6th–Bushnell-PrairieCity
State Meats Evaluation CDE Top Teams 1st–Fieldcrest 2nd–Seneca 3rd–Central-Clifton 4th–Paxton-Buckley-Loda 5th– PrairieCentral 6th–Calhoun 7th–Mt.Pulaski 8th–Byron 9th–Midland10th–Pontiac
Superior Individuals 1st–JustinLeigh,Fieldcrest 2nd–EllieBretzman,Central-Clifton 3rd–AustinSchumacher, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 4th–EdChouinard,Central-Clifton 5th–SydneyCondon,Seneca 6th–HaleyCondon,Seneca 7th–DallasGlazik,Paxton-Buckley-Loda 8th–WilliamMilashoski,Fieldcrest 9th–JordanCooper,Mt.Pulaski10th–NaomiKnapp,PrairieCentral
State Poultry CDETop Teams 1st–Paxton-Buckley-Loda 2nd–Urbana 3rd–Greenville 4th–Shelbyville 5th–Liberty 6th–IlliniWest 7th–Odin 8th–Midland 9th–Oblong10th–Litchfield
Superior Individuals 1st–HannahBlaney,Urbana 2nd–JenniferBoberg,Paxton-Buckley-Loda 3rd–ZackHoopingarner, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 4th–KirstenBlackford,Paxton-Buckley-Loda 5th–BillyMasco,Paxton-Buckley-Loda 6th–DavidCruthis,Greenville 7th–AnnaFreyfogle,Urbana 8th–KyleBinnion,Shelbyville 9th–MeredithBrinkman,Liberty10th–CoreyMadding,Greenville
ILLINOIS FFA • C
National FFA Week – Lead Out Loud!
MattoonFFAVisit–OnFebruary24Amie,EllenandKierstenvisitedMattoonHighSchoolandspentsometimeintheclassroomastheypreparedforaChapterpettingzoooftheirown.
HeartlandFFAAlumniAuction–OnFebruary22
theMajorStateOfficersattendedtheHeartlandFFA
AlumniAuctionatNormalWestCommunityHigh
School.ThemajorshadfunhangingoutwithFFA
membersandenjoyedagreatmeal.Itwasawonderful
waytokickofftheFFAWeek!
ShilohFFA–SamGlenn–OnFebruary23Amie,KierstenandEllentraveledtoShilohHighSchooltohearSamGlenn,thekeynotespeakerfrom2009StateConvention.SamgaveakeynoteaddresstotheentireschoolaspartofFFAweek.Theentireschoolgota“KickintheAttitude.”ThethreemajorsinattendancealsoenjoyedspendingsometimeintheclassroomwiththeShilohFFAmembers!
RadioInterviews–ThroughoutFFA
weektheMajorStateOfficersspent
timeparticipatinginradiointerviews
aroundthestate.Thiswasa
wonderfulwaytogetthewordout
aboutFFAweekandLeadingOut
Loud!Themajorsalsodidradio
spotsattheFarmBureaubuildingin
BloomingtonbeforeFFAweek. NewBerlinFFAPettingZoo–OnFebruary24Amie,Kiersten,EllenandAdamheadedouttoNewBerlinfortheirFFApettingzoo.Over300gradeschoolstudentsvisitedthepettingzooduringFFAweek!
D • ILLINOIS FFA
ILLINOIS FFA • E
Made for ExCELLEnCEAmie,KierstenandAdamheadedsouthtoCollinsville,IllinoisfortheSouthMadeforExcellenceConference,whileCarolineandEllenventurednorthfortheNorthernMadeforExcellenceConference.MadeforExcellenceisaconferenceheldeveryyearforfreshmanandsophomoreFFAmembers.MFEisthatfirstrealconferencewherestudentsareabletobreaktheirshell,stepoutsideoftheircomfortzone,learnthebasicsofleadership,andmeetatonofnewfriendsfromalloverthestate.Over600FFAmemberstotalattended!Thankyoutoallthememberswhoattended!
D • ILLINOIS FFA
ILLINOIS FFA • E
Sports are a big deal in my family. I live in a basketball town and played basketball from age five until high school. And, when my life wasn’t filled with basketball games and my father who loved to watch me play, my mother, who is a Ladies Golf Teaching Professional, did her best to see that at least part of upbringing meant raising me on the driving range. Needless to say, I was raised on the driving range. As I grew older, I was able to improve my basketball skills and our team, the Unity Elementary Lady Lions, went all the way to the state tournament. We were really good for Junior High and knew that we had a good chance at winning every single game we played. We viewed each game as a challenge that we were going to take head on! While my basketball skills did improve over time, my golfing abilities did not. I was flat out AWFUL. If you have ever played golf, then you know there are good days and bad ones. Every once in a while I would have a good day, but most of the time this was definitely not the case. On the Lady Eagles Varsity Team in high school, my best friend Allie and I were in the same sinking ship when it came to our golf game. We viewed each match as a struggle and sometimes, a torture session.
As I reflect on both of these areas of competition, I remember my state of mind at the time. During basketball season, I was excited, happy and pumped for the obstacles I faced. During golf season, I was stressed, watching the calendar and dreading every match. So what’s the moral of the story? I stink at golf, so I should avoid it? No. The moral is that we cannot let the severity of the challenges we face determine our joy. I cannot count how many times I have let other people’s words and attitudes eat me up inside or how many times I have faced real hardships and let it impact my attitude towards life. I’m not saying we have to be perky people all the time, and I’m not saying we have to pretend to be happy or forget all about our problems. We must face them, and by knowing who we are and taking joy in our opportunity to be alive, we can live up to the challenge with a
positive attitude.
So what’s the difference in “happiness” and JOY? Happiness is a state. It’s a feeling – something that comes easily and goes easily. Sure, the feeling of happiness is great, but to have joy is so much greater. When I think of joy, I think of extreme contentment, love and satisfaction. We only find joy when we live as who we are meant to be. I am done letting other people take away my joy! We can’t let others have that power over our lives.
Talking about joy reminds me of a movie I saw for the first time recently, “The Bucket List.” Both men in this film are dying of cancer, and at
one point one man asked the other two questions. One question was, “Have you experienced joy in your life?” Definitely something important to know. What is a life without joy? The second question was even more powerful. It was, “Have you brought joy to the lives of others?” It is so important that when facing struggle or defeat that we continue to hold our head high and keep our joy despite our circumstances, but it is even more important that we live a life not only for ourselves but for others. That is how true joy is found.
The last time that I was able to attend my home church, a little girl reminded me of what true joy looks like. She kept peeping back at me, smiling and waving, throughout the service the entire service. It was so sweet and made me feel so good. During the service, I went back to help with the children. When I saw her, I held out my arms, and she ran to me and climbed in my lap. I asked her what her name was, and she did not reply – just smiled. Her sister then leaned over and said, “She’s deaf.” At first, I was thrown back and started to take pity on her, but then, I realized that this little girl had joy that was beyond her disabilities and beyond her circumstances. She not only had joy, but at five years old was determined to bring joy to others. We can be like her. Today, let’s move forward with joyful hearts that cannot be brought down by the trials before us and let our joy overflow to others.
Meet Caroline BremerState Vice President
ILLINOIS FFA • G
82nd Illinois State FFA Convention Highlights
F • ILLINOIS FFA
Keynote AddressfromJeffYalden,MTVMadeCoach!
Workshops –Doyourteam-buildingandleadershipskillsneedaboost?Ifso,visitthelowerleveloftheconventioncenterandattendafewfunworkshops!
Dance –Afteranexcitingfirstdayatconvention,putonyourdancingshoesandcometotheStateConventionDance!Over1,000FFAmemberswillbegettingtheirgrooveonattheStateFairgroundsonTuesdayevening.Members,remindyouradvisorstopurchasedanceticketsinadvance!
Touring Springfield–Inbetweensessions,makesuretoseethecapitalcity!WhynotvisittheAbrahamLincolnLibraryand
Museum,splasharoundatKnight’sActionParkortryouttheSpringfieldspecial,ahorseshoe!
Career Show–Don’tforgettofindyourwaytotheCareerShowinthelowerleveloftheconventioncenter.YouwillhavethechancetoexplorecareeropportunitiesandbuysomenewFFAmerchandise!
Pre-Sessions–Whynotcomeearly?Afterall,theearlybirdgetstheworm!Ifyoucomeahalfhourearlytoeachsessionyoucanwinprizes,laughwithotherFFAmembers,participateingamesandevengetabetterseatfortheupcomingsession!It’sagreatwaytobuildexcitementforconvention!
Make plans to come!
ILLINOIS FFA • G
82nd Illinois Association FFA Convention – Tentative Agenda
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
8:00 a.m. – Registration Opens
9:00 a.m. – agriscience Fair Registration Opens
10:00 a.m. – agriculture science Fair essay Presentations
10:00 a.m. – FFa Band and Chorus first practice
11:00 a.m. – usher Corps Orientation
12:00 p.m. – Press Corps Orientation – Behind north Risers
12:00-5:00p.m. – Career show Open
1:00 p.m. – General session #1
Chair – Amie Burke, State FFA President
**Delegate Seating by Sections**
• Proficiency Awards Part 1
• Illinois FFA Alumni Executive Council Recognition
• FFA Talent
• Proficiency Awards Part 2
• Presentation of FFA Creed
• Proficiency Awards Part 3
• National Officer Keynote – Chase Rose, National FFA Vice President
• Proficiency Awards Part 4
• Introduction of Candidates for 2010-2011 State Officer Team
delegate Business session #1 Immediately following Session #1
5:00 p.m. – Illinois FFa Foundation dinner
6:00 p.m. – Pre-session
6:30 p.m. – General session #2
Chair – Caroline Bremer, State Vice-President
• American Degree Candidate Recognition
• American Star Candidates
• Proficiency Awards Part 5
• Foundation Sponsor Recognition
• Proficiency Awards Part 6
• National Chapter Award-Student Development
• Retiring Address, Adam Herwig, State FFA Treasurer
FFa dance Begins 20 minutes after conclusion of General Session #2 at State FFA Fairgrounds in the ORR Building
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
8:00 a.m. – Pre-session
8:30 a.m. – General session #3
Chair – Ellen Reeder, State FFA Reporter
• Agri-Entrepreneurship Award
• Section President’s Advisor and Parent Recognition
• Retiring Address, Kiersten Kasey, State FFA Secretary
• National Chapter Award Chapter Development
• Retiring Advisor Recognition
• Major State Officer Advisor Recognition
• J.E. Hill Scholarship
• New and Re-Chartered FFA Chapters
• Agri-Science Student Award
• Ag Science Fair Award
• Keynote Speaker – Jeff Yalden
• Century Challenge
• Closing Ceremonies
11:30 a.m. – Leadership Luncheon
12:30 p.m. – Pre-session
1:00 p.m. – General session #4
Chair – Kiersten Kasey, State FFA Secretary
• GROWMARK Essay Contest Award
• Chapter President’s Award
• Section President’s Award
• Heritage Award
• Cooperative Award
• Retiring Address – Ellen Reeder, State FFA Reporter
• 40 Years of Women in FFA
• Past State Officer Recognition
• Sam Taylor Memorial Scholarship
• Sweepstakes Award
• State Staff Recognition
• National Chapter Award Community Development
• Section FFA Membership Incentive
• Chapter Exhibits Recognition
• Impromptu Question for State Officer Candidates
• Closing Ceremonies
delegate session #2 (if necessary)
3:30 p.m. – Past state Officer Reception
5:30 p.m. – delegate election session
• Speeches by State Officer Candidates
• Election of 2010-2011 State FFA Officers
• Delegate Reception 20 minutes after conclusion of elections
ThuRsday, June 10, 2010
8:00 a.m. – Pre-session
8:30 a.m. – General session #5
Chair – Adam Herwig, State FFA Treasurer
• Scrapbook Awards
• Chapter Reporter’s Award
• Section Reporter’s Award
• State Career Development Winners
• Prepared Public Speaking Winner’s Presentation
• Major State Officer Parent Recognition
• National Chapter Award by Section and Section Bankers Plaque
• Recognition of National Chapter Award Finalist and State Bankers Plaque
• Retiring Address, Caroline Bremer, State FFA Vice-President
11:30 a.m. – state FFa degree Luncheon
12:30 p.m. – Illinois FFa Talent Review
1:00 p.m. – General session #6
Chair – Caroline Bremer, State Vice-President
• Stars Over Illinois Ceremony
• Star in Agri-Science
• Star in Agricultural Placement
• Star in Agricultural Business
• Star Farmer
• Retiring Address, Amie Burke, State FFA President
• Honorary State Degree Ceremony
• FFA Alumni Raffle
• State FFA Degree Ceremony
• Installation of 2010-2011 Section Presidents
• Installation of 2010-2011 Major State Officers
H • ILLINOIS FFA
Officers’ Tracks
Made For Excellence Conference – January 29-30, 2010
Over600freshmanandsophomoreFFAmembersattendedthisyear’sMFEConferences.Amie,KierstenandAdamattendedMFEinCollinsville;whileCarolineandEllentravelednorthtoSchaumburgfortheweekend.ThememberswereabletomeetotherFFAmembersfromaroundthestate,learnleadershipactivitiesandhaveablast!
Illinois Pork Expo – February 2-3, 2010 & Illinois Grain and Feed Expo – February 14-15
EllenandAdamtraveledtoPeoriatomantheIllinoisFoundationFFAboothattheIllinoisPorkExpo.Attheexpo,EllenandAdamtalkedwithnumerous
sponsorsoftheFoundation,metproducersandtalkedwithsomegoodfriends.CarolineandKierstenattendedtheIllinoisGrainandFeedExpotorepresenttheIllinoisFFAandtalkwithsponsors.Thisexpoisheldmainlyforpeopleinvolvedingrainsystemsandfeedoperations.
Illinois FFA Alumni Annual Meeting and PAS Conference – February 5-6, 2010
TheMajorStateOfficersattendedtheAlumniAnnualMeetingandPASConferenceinSpringfieldonFebruary5and6.Theofficersdeliveredawelcome,helpedwithPAScontestsandassistedin
theauction.ThemoneyraisedfromtheauctionwillbeputtowardsscholarshipsforFFAmembers.
Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders Conference – January 6-7, 2010
ImmediatelyfollowingtheAlumniAnnualMeetingandPASConferencetheMajorStateOfficersheadedtowardstheCrownePlazafortheannualIllinoisFarmBureauYouthLeaderConference.Amie,Caroline,Ellen,KierstenandAdamwereabletotakepartintheSaturdayeveningdinnerandauction.TheyalsoattendedtheSundaymorningbreakfastsessionandlistenedtoTroyandStacyHadrickfromAdvocatesforAgricultureastheypresentedtheirpowerfulkeynotemessage!
Job Interview and Ag Issues CDE – January 13, 2010
AmieandEllenattendedtheJobInterviewandAgIssuesCDEonJanuary13atWesternIllinoisUniversity.TheyhelpedwiththeCDEandhadfunmeetingmembersandtalkingaboutupcomingeventssuchasFFAWeek!
National FFA Week – February 20-27, 2010
NationalFFAWeekwasbusyfortheMajorStateOfficerTeamastheytraveledaroundthestatetochaptereventsandparticipatedinradiointerviews.CheckoutPageCforafullFFAweekreview.WehopethateveryonehadawonderfulFFAweek!
lIBErIAN IMMIgrANT and Massachusetts member tells her FFA story
Hiamahhad to leave my mother, sister, brothers and
some of my other relatives. Flying on a plane
for the first time was scary. When I got to New
York City in January 2004, the weather was so
different from Liberia. It was painfully cold,
compared to Liberia where it is mostly hot. I
arrived without a coat and felt the cold
rushing through me, but I knew coming to
America was the opportunity for a new life
and a greater education.
The education system here is different
from the one in Liberia. In Africa, people have
to pay for children’s education. And, if parents
do not have the money, then their children
cannot attend school. Imagine dreaming that
you want to go to school, but you do not have
the tuition. This situation disrupts the
education for many children.
Being introduced to a new curriculum
was also a hard thing for me because I was
not used to this way of learning. I learned how
to speak better English by listening to how
others spoke. I also watched children’s
television shows and listened to how they
pronounced words. Now I know how to speak
English just as well as my native language.
In the past five years I have accomplished
more in my life than I ever imagined could be
possible. At Worcester Technical High School, I
am in the National Honor Society and involved
with horticulture shop and FFA. In FFA, I have
been involved in a talent show, science fair
and public speaking. I was even elected the
chapter FFA secretary. Presently, I am
parliamentarian and historian.
All of these successes in my private and
educational life have assisted me in my
transition from Liberia to America. This
transition is my greatest source of pride.
Korpo Hiamah, a Liberian immigrant and student at Worcester Technical High School in Massachusetts, wrote the following for her college application essay. Her topic was to discuss an accomplishment that serves as her greatest source of pride.
Transitioning from Liberia to the United
States is my greatest source of pride. At
the age of 13, coming to a new country
was hard. When I came to America I was
reunited with my father and other family
members. They came here a few years
earlier, and then they sent for my younger
brother and me. My father wanted to give us
the opportunity to become free, since there
was a war going on in Liberia when we left,
and it wasn’t a safe place for us to be.
The hardest part in this move was that I
Korpo Hiamah, Massachusetts ffa member
Korpo
ONliNeCreate a FFA Nation profile and post your own FFA story. Yours might be featured in an upcoming issue of FFA New Horizons.
ffa.org/ffanation
ffa Back talk ffa members reflect
FFA New HorizoNsffa.org/ffaNatioN 21
