On the road again. Just can't wait...

April 20, 2008

I have some catching up to do!

Because a lot has happened since my last blog, I will break down the events of the past month as we go. Cool?

March 17:
After our team met up in Indianapolis for the Blue Catalog (FFA clothing and merchandise) photo shoot, Zach and I headed out for Partnership Tours in North Carolina, Georgia and Missouri. We met with companies like Bayer, Syngenta, UPS, Purina, NAPA, national corn and soybean boards, and way more! Brady also popped in on a couple of visits in Georgia along with Caroline Black, a state FFA officer. The sign Zach and I are standing beside is at one of North America's largest trailer companies... that began as a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program!

March 23:
Finishing out our week-long, three-state partnership tour, I was ready to fly out to Presque Isle, Maine to visit with collegiate FFA at the University of Maine Presque Isle, alumni, high schools and businesses. I spent six days in Maine, one hour in Canada, went snow-shoeing, rode snow-mobiles, had Moxie with an FFA Chapter (below), and learned all about agriculture in this northeastern state.

March 27:
Tennessee State FFA Convention, yeah, it pretty much rocked! I had the opportunity to spend an entire week in Gatlinburg, Tenn., with Mr.Gass, Mr. Cole, the current state FFA officers, and the state officer candidates. Now, I get to see my new friends, your fellow members, the 2008-2009 Tennessee FFA Officers in June for NLCSO. The amazing members, CDEs, workshops, and energy there made it one of the most memorable experiences yet. Thank you, Tenn. FFA members, for an amazing stay in the south!

April 3:
It is always great to go back to my home state, and this was no exception. Crothersville FFA celebrated its 20th year with Mrs. Maxie (below), and because of the legacy of excellence in this mighty chapter, almost all of the previous 20 chapter presidents were in attendance! I also had the opportunity to spend some time with my state officer teammate, Laura Bradford (below) and her family.

April 4:
Wow. It is hard to believe that NLCSOs (regional conferences for state officer teams) are already being planned and practiced for! We came together in Indianapolis to work with Mark Reardon on our facilitation skills and learn our curriculum for NLCSOs. It was a great week of work, fun, and hanging out with my amazing teammates!
April 9:
State FFA Convention number two: Idaho! The state officer team, state staff and members were as welcoming as ever for Mr. Bledsoe (National FFA Staff) and I. Valerie Pantone, a now past state officer, graciously let me spend a couple of days with her and her family in Idaho before I left for home. The photo below is of past state FFA officers from ID and one from MT when they took me to Shoshone Falls. Also, I'd like to do a quick shout-out to some members I met last week: Josh, Colton, Elliot, Cody, Stephen, Kelsey, Tyler, Trent, Jordan, JT, Lorraine, Ryan, Samantha, Ray, Shawn, Nathan, Brittany, Paxti, Mike, Ott, Alex, Dustin, McCaden, Rhett, Taylor, Matthew, Sean, Jimmy and Evan. I'd love to hear from you!

April 15:
I have been spending time at home with my family, friends and on the farm for a few days. The photo below is of our cat that had kittens only a few hours after that photo was taken!

I'll be leaving on Monday for the next events. I believe this catches us up on travels, and I cannot wait to share more about representing you and FFA this year.

Take care, friends!

Tyler