Home Is Where the Heart Is

A couple weekends ago I was able to finally go with my family to a horse pull (it’s like a tractor pull but with horses), which I had been waiting for all summer. My family raises and pulls Belgian horses. I love going to horse pulls. The smell of dirt and sweat drifting through the air. The anticipation of how heavy the load can get and who’s going to win is thick in the atmosphere. Seeing all the regular horse pullers and their families is always something I look forward to but my favorite part is when I get to help hitch. This is where we hook the horses to the sled so that they can pull it 27.5 feet. This may not sound like much, but the horses are excited and ready to go. Anyone who hitches has to be fast on their feet and aware of the horse's every move. I love the adrenaline rush and feeling of satisfaction getting them hooked on the first try.

For the first time this summer, I was finally able to hitch. I hadn’t been able to because I was too busy to go to any pulls. When the pull finally lined up with my schedule, I was so excited! I told my dad, “I don’t care what else I do this weekend, but I want to hitch.” As my dad’s best friend and I were getting ready to hitch, he looked at me and said, “It’s good to have ya back, Lil.” And I said, “This is the only thing I wanted to do this weekend.” 

Throughout the rest of the pull, I saw the community that I had around me. Not only my dad’s friends but even the horse pullers he had never talked to. After every pull, someone would say, “That was a good pull, Zac,” or “That’s some mighty fine help you’ve got!” And when another horse puller was having trouble getting the horses on the sled, everyone would jump up to help.

Home is where the heart is. Although this might just be a cliché, it’s true. At the horse pull that day, none of us were related but we all had heart for what we were doing, and that made it home. I encourage you to find your home and community whether that be through FFA, school, work, hobbies, or your family because those are the people who become your home.

See ya around,

Lily Sloan

2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Treasurer 

Showing Up, Looking Up, and Remembering Why

It was my tenth year at my county fair. I was spending my last nights in the barn, attending club meetings, and staying up late finishing that extra project I had never tried before. I remember receiving the tenure award banner and my ten-year plaque in the arena, in front of a full audience. I stopped and thought about the long days, the hard work, and all of the times I wanted to give up and throw in the towel. 

In this moment, a couple of images popped into my head. I saw myself putting on my official dress for the first time, saw my eyes light up when I first stepped into the show ring, and remembered the excitement I felt when I turned in my very first project. It has never been, and never will be, about the ribbons, plaques, or titles. It's about those people just like us that we get the opportunity to serve, the lessons we learn, and the chance to be a part of something greater than ourselves.

Just like Lauren reminded us, we all have a “village” of people who pour into us. Just like Kaitlyn said, keeping a positive mindset makes the hard days brighter. And just like Erianna shared, even the moments of exhaustion are worth it when we remember the dream that first brought us here.

For me, FFA has been all of that and more. It has been family, faith, and friendships. It has been late nights, early mornings, and the satisfaction of knowing the work means something.

So as we step into another busy season of service and opportunity, I hope you can remember this: the effort is worth it, the people are worth it, and the journey to where you want to be is worth it. Keep showing up. Keep believing in the impact you can make. And never forget that someone, somewhere, might be looking at you the way you once looked at others – as a reminder of what is possible.

Always striving,

Calvin Myers

2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President

From Dream to Wall: A Fair Reminder

It was a hot August afternoon at the Indiana State Fair, and somewhere between handing out putters at the Caddy Shack, answering seemingly obvious questions at the animal wing, and making sure the Farm-to- Fork station was tidy, I was feeling the weight of it all. 

The long days, the nonstop responsibilities, the smiles that sometimes feel forced after hours of meeting new people, and two weeks of a sickness that wouldn’t seem to leave. I was exhausted and starting to wonder if I was really cut out for this. 

Then, in a brief but quiet moment sitting at the Caddy Shack, I gazed up to a familiar spot. There, straight ahead, was a wall that I spent time looking at each summer I worked in the FFA Pavilion: the wall of state officer headshots. I would walk through as a younger member, look up at the smiling faces in jackets just like mine, and think “That’s where I want to be one day.” 

And now I am. 

There was my picture, right next to my newly-found family, and under the word “Leadership” was our team photo; all of us still buzzing with excitement just minutes after we got elected to serve Indiana FFA together. I took a moment to stare in awe. My younger self would lose her mind. I was now standing in the very shoes I once admired from afar. 

How cool is that? 

In that moment, everything clicked. The long days, the hard work—it was all worth it. Not just because my face is on the wall, but because of what that wall represents: leadership, service, and a love for FFA that’s bigger than any one moment of exhaustion. So I took a deep breath, smiled to myself, and sat up straight, ready to keep showing up—for myself, my team, and every young member who might walk by that wall and think, “Someday, I want to be up there too.” 

With gratitude, 

Erianna Vela 

2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Northern Region Vice President 

Building Your Village

“What’s your school schedule?!”

That was the exact message I sent to my younger brothers, Lucas and Blake, as they prepared for their sophomore year of high school.

Shortly after, I received a photo of their schedules. As I scanned the list, I couldn’t help but think about all the teachers I’ve had throughout my life- the individuals who poured love, time, and energy into every student, not just those in their classrooms, but the entire school community.

From my earliest days in elementary school to my time at Lebanon High School, every teacher who guided me left a lasting impression. My first agricultural teacher, Mrs. Lindsey Bradway, helped me discover my passion for FFA, a love that every advisor I had in high school nurtured and encouraged. Teachers like Mr. Jason Joris continued to fill my overflowing cup with constant enthusiasm and joy inside and out of the classroom.

All of these teachers were part of my village. They answered my questions, challenged me to grow, and taught me lessons that went beyond the classroom. 

Teachers build villages every single day, and they deserve to know they are an important part of ours. 

Just as I checked my brothers’ schedules and thought about the teachers who shaped me, I hope you take a moment to notice the people who are part of your village, and consider how you might be part of someone else’s.

Always in your corner, 

Lauren Argotte

2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Secretary

The Key to the Indiana State Fair

I have spent the last seven days working at the Corteva Agriscience FFA Pavilion at the Great Indiana State Fair. That means late nights, early mornings, (what feels like) a million plants to water, never-ending sweeping by the sandboxes, numerous cups of carrots and pellets in the animal wing, and handing out a lot of putters for fair-goers to play a round of free FFA putt putt. While this all sounds like non-stop work, it is actually quite fun.

These past seven days have challenged my ability to keep a positive mindset. When just looking at all the work I have to do each day, it does not sound very fun. However, when you forget the work and think about the kids smiling when you give them their putter, someone having their first experience feeding a farm animal, a person learning what FFA is by coming into the pavilion, or a visitor understanding how their food gets from the field to their fork by going through the Farm to Fork Corner, it becomes a much more fun place to be. Talking with the day’s Featured Farmers and getting to know the amazing FFA members working alongside me makes the Pavilion a truly rewarding place to be.

These past seven days have helped me see just how much keeping a positive mindset can transform your day. By focusing on the positive moments and letting them outweigh the negative ones, I have been able to have a blast here at the Great Indiana State Fair. I only get one chance to have the experience of working every single day here, so why not make the most of it? Even if I had this opportunity a million times, I would
still approach it like each time could be my last. By choosing to see the good, the bad becomes better and somehow I always end up with a smile on my face once again. 

It’s so hard to believe that we are already about halfway through the greatest 15 days of the summer!

Positively,

Kaitlyn Maruszewski 

2025-2026 Indiana FFA State President 

Introducing Your 2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Officer Team

Hello Indiana FFA! I am Kaitlyn Maruszewski and I am overwhelmed with joy to be serving as your 2025-2026 Indiana FFA State President! I am from the Tri-Central FFA chapter in District V. I have been an FFA member for four years and have competed in many career and leadership development events with Horticulture and Public Speaking being a few of my favorites! I am also a bit of a plant nerd owning over 300 house plants! I am able to exercise this passion through my supervised agricultural experience: a business called bykaitlyndesigns. I am a 3rd generation FFA member and my roots in agriculture run deep. Outside of FFA and agriculture, I love hiking, spending time with friends and family, Disney, and traveling! I am so excited for the year ahead and cannot wait to meet so many Indiana FFA members!

Hello hello hello, Indiana FFA!

My name is Lauren Argotte, and my cup is truly overflowing with joy as I begin this incredible journey as your Indiana FFA State Secretary! I proudly call the Lebanon FFA Chapter in District IV my home, but I can’t wait to see all the amazing places this year takes us.

My adventure in the corduroy blue jacket began in 8th grade when my wonderful ag teacher, Mrs. Lindsey Bradway, encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and compete in my very first contest. Ever since, it’s been a journey filled with love, laughter, and LOTS of learning!

I absolutely love ALL things agricultural communications and cannot wait to hear and share your stories throughout this year! 

When I’m not in the ag room or at an FFA event, you can usually find me baking something sweet, embroidering, or on a sunrise/sunset walks with my friends and family. 

My heart is so full, Indiana FFA. I’m beyond excited to make the most beautiful memories with all of you this year. 

With joy,

Lauren Argotte

Hello Indiana FFA! My name is Erianna Vela, and I am eternally grateful to serve as your 2025-2026 State Northern Region Vice President! I hail from the Prairie Heights FFA Chapter in District III and I reside in the small town of Orland, IN. Being a first-generation FFA member and someone who didn’t grow up around the wonderful ideals and values of agricultural life, my passion for agriculture started my freshman year as I was finding my footing through FFA. This year, it is my goal to serve as a role model for those with a similar background to mine and build a lasting connection with each member I meet. Outside of this organization, you may find me bugging my four brothers, arm-in-arm with my best friends Elizabeth and Kylee, cuddling with my sweet doggy Willow, or at church events, growing my relationship with the Lord. I’m looking forward to meeting you all! See you soon! 

Hello Indiana FFA! My name is Calvin Myers, and I am truly honored to serve as your 2025–2026 Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President. I proudly represent the Bloomfield FFA Chapter in District VII and come from the small town of Bloomfield, Indiana a place where agriculture, faith, and community mean everything.

Growing up, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved with livestock, which has taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and dedication. My time in FFA has helped me grow not only as an agriculturalist but as a leader. From serving as a chapter and district officer to participating in events and helping younger members find their place, I’ve discovered a passion for servant leadership and encouraging others to chase their full potential.

Outside of FFA, I enjoy fishing, playing sports, volunteering with my church, and spending time with the people who’ve supported me most my family, friends, and hometown community. My journey has been shaped by the people who poured into me, and I’m excited to spend this year giving back through leadership, service, and faith.

One verse that guides me is John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” As State Officer, I hope to reflect that love through encouragement, kindness, and connection.

Whether I meet you at the FFA Pavilion during the State Fair, at a conference this fall, or in your ag classroom, I can not wait to hear your story and help you grow in yours. Let’s make this a year full of impact, connection, and unforgettable memories. Let’s go, Indiana FFA!

Hey Indiana FFA! I am Lily Sloan, your new 2025-26 State Treasurer! I am from Hanover, Indiana but went to school at Jennings County High School in District XII. My entire family is rooted in agriculture. My family raises Belgian horses. I am so excited to meet everyone this year and travel around to your guys' chapters! Here's to a great year!

Hello Indiana FFA! My name is Jenna Lawler, and I come from the Rushville FFA Chapter in DIX. I am beyond grateful to serve as your State Reporter this year! I come from a long line of farmers and FFA Members. My family has always been dedicated to agriculture. When I joined FFA my Freshman year of high school, I found a family in the Blue Corduroy. I hope that I can help many of you find the same thing this year! My chapter offered many contests, and I tried just about every one I could! Outside of FFA I enjoy showing all types of livestock, cooking, and lifting weights. Indiana FFA, I am excited to serve you!

Hello Indiana FFA my name is Jesus Santana Rooting from the North Miami FFA in District VI, and I am beyond excited to get to meet all you and share memories throughout the entire year. My FFA journey started my freshman year with parliamentary procedure when my advisor recruited me for this contest. Ever since I have enjoyed being a part of FFA and being a model for future leaders. Overall my favorite contest has been the poultry CDE and I have loved the conferences. So get your blue jackets because we are going on adventures that will last forever and I am beyond excited to be your 2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Sentinel.

Illuminating The Future

Wow! All I can say is wow! What an incredible opportunity it has been this year to serve the members of Indiana FFA. I am forever grateful for the people and chapters that made this year so special for me by bringing me into their schools and FFA families. The memories I made this year across Indiana will live with me forever. Keep bringing the energy and passion to this organization that I have seen over the past year! I'm so thankful to have served and more importantly built lasting relationships with so many through this experience.

With Gratitude,

Ethan Wolheter

2024-2025 Indiana FFA State President

I am beyond grateful for all this year had brought; it is truly the little moments that made the year worth every second. If I were to try and count up all the little blessings this organization has given me I would be counting for years to come. Thank you Indiana FFA for all you have given me and allowed me to do! My 7 minutes are beyond full.

Overflowing with gratitude,

Christina Caldwell

2024-2025 State Secretary

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every FFA member who has made this year an unforgettable journey. Your support, energy, and passion have left a lasting impact on me, and I will forever cherish the friendships and memories we've built along the way.

One of the greatest joys of this year of service has been witnessing the incredible growth within our membership. From watching former campers rise to become inspiring district officers, to seeing once-shy members transform into confident speakers proudly carrying home state plaques—each moment has filled my heart with immense pride.

To each of you reading this: you belong in this organization. You have endless potential. I challenge you to discover what fuels your passion for the blue and gold—and to chase it with everything you have. Embrace every opportunity, no matter how big or small, and let it shape you into the leader you are meant to become.

It has truly been an honor to serve Indiana FFA. Thank you for letting me be a small part of your story.

Forever grateful,

Stephanie Berenda

2024-2025 Indiana FFA State Northern Region Vice President

As I reflect on this past year, only one word comes to mind: grateful. I am incredibly grateful for every mile driven, every member that I had the privilege of interacting with, and each of the 75 chapters that I got to visit this year. Thank you for empowering me to be the best version of myself and to give it my all.

Each of you have truly taught me what it means to be a servant of others: by checking on the people that mean the most to me and going out of my way to make sure that others’ needs are met first, you have taught me that the best type of leadership is that of remaining humble and grounded in one’s key values.

Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your FFA journey. I hope I have left at least a fraction of the impact on you as the impact that each of you have had on me. My hope is that you will continue to serve others and be there to support them. Remember to choose to appreciate your biggest fans and be the biggest fan of those around you!

Ever grateful, ever true,

Cale Williams

2024-2025 Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President

As I close this chapter as your 2024–2025 Indiana FFA State Treasurer, I’m filled with gratitude. This year has been nothing short of incredible. Full of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments with members across our great state.

One verse has stayed close to my heart through it all: Esther 4:14 – “Perhaps you were created for such a time as this.”

This role taught me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about showing up, being present, and letting God use you right where you are.

To the members: thank you for inspiring me daily.

To my teammates: thank you for becoming family.

To everyone who supported me: I am forever grateful.

Though my jacket may be hanging up, the lessons, memories, and purpose remain. Keep stepping up, keep serving, and never forget...you might be here for such a time as this.

With gratitude,

Kyatalin Baker

2024-2025 Indiana FFA State Treasurer

This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From early mornings spent in classrooms to late nights laughing in hotel hallways, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside six new best friends! Traveling thousands of miles across our great state, I discovered the heartbeat of Indiana FFA: its members. Whether it was being cheered on during Ag Olympics, hearing your stories during chapter visits, or connections made during conferences each interaction meant the world to me.

Together, we embraced every twist and turn of this wild ride. Thank you for your grace, your kindness, and your unwavering belief in the power of agriculture and leadership. Indiana FFA, thank you for allowing me to serve you—you’ve left your mark on my heart in a way that words can never fully capture.

With endless gratitude,


Sienna Alexander

2024–2025 Indiana FFA State Reporter

Grateful would not even begin to describe the attitude I have towards Indiana FFA. This organization has shown me nothing but love this past year and the years before that and I am forever thankful for that. I had the privilege of meeting so many of you all throughout this past year and it has been such an amazing experience. I hold each and every one of you very close to my heart. I know that though my time in this organization may be coming to a close that I will never lose the love I have for it and that the impact that it has made on me will be lifelong. Of course, if you see me around, don't be afraid to say hi. I will miss the memories and all of the amazing people in this organization. Thank you for always being so kind, caring, compassionate, and loving to my teammates and I throughout this past year.

With gratitude,

Garrett Bolin

2024-2025 Indiana FFA State Sentinel