A Family You Can Recognize Anywhere

“Welcome to Washington, D.C., where the weather is sunny with a slight breeze.”

As I grabbed my bag and walked the tarmac, I was filled with excitement for the adventures ahead!

A few weeks ago, I traveled to Washington, D.C. for National Agriculture Day, where I had the opportunity to celebrate agriculture with student leaders across organizations including National FFA, #SpeakAg Pioneers, Agriculture Future of America (AFA), Tribal Ag Fellowship (TAF), and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS). As we explored the nation’s capital, we had the opportunity to meet legislators, industry professionals, and others who play a role in shaping the future of agriculture.

During our time in Washington, D.C., we quickly realized that the corduroy blue FFA jacket is a magnet for conversations. People would come up to us without hesitation, and it was clear that the blue jacket is recognized across generations and backgrounds. From alumni who immediately shared their own FFA stories, to parents and supporters who lit up with questions, to those who simply remembered seeing the jacket before but wanted to know more, each interaction showed how widely recognized and respected FFA truly is.

A family you can recognize anywhere is not limited to a single place or moment. It is present in experiences that repeat themselves in our communities and travels alike. Whether at National or State Convention, when entire cities are filled with a sea of corduroy blue, people often stop to ask what is happening or what brings so many members together. In those opportunities, we’re able to share what National or State Convention is. In other moments, like when wearing official dress after a contest or event, it is not uncommon to hear someone ask, “Is it convention time again?” or “Are you all back in Indy?” These familiar interactions create opportunities for us to share the story of FFA with others.

So many generations of FFA members have come before us. They have created and led the legacy that we currently have the joy of living in. Now, we have the opportunity to carry on that legacy and continue to pave the way for the next generation of FFA members.

I encourage you, the next time you are asked about FFA, whether in official dress or not, to take that opportunity and run with it, sharing your journey instead of simply answering the question.

These conversations allow us to speak about the organization we love so deeply. They open the door to explain what we are doing in official dress that day, what we are learning, and how FFA has shaped our lives. Although these moments may be brief, they reflect a legacy that continues to grow and the story each of us is contributing to through our time in FFA.

From the tarmac in Washington, D.C., to being back in my hometown, the experience remained the same. The National FFA jacket sparks conversation, and the conversations creates connections.

Every time you wear your FFA jacket, there is an opportunity to take pride in the conversations that follow. When others ask about your experience, it is a reminder that the family within this organization truly can be recognized anywhere. Every interaction is an opportunity to continue growing our family. Every jacket carries a story, every conversation adds to that story, and every time we choose to share it, we help keep this family growing in ways bigger than ourselves.

Always part of your FFA family,

Lauren Argotte

2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Secretary

Pass it Forward

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the 50th Annual Alaska FFA State Convention, and it truly was the experience of a lifetime! From talking with FFA members, to workshops, to pre-session games, there was no shortage of fun and excitement. I have so many memories from my week, but my biggest takeaway has to be the kindness I was shown by Alaska FFA members, volunteers, and guests.

“Hey! Where are you from?” is how I typically start my conversations with FFA members I haven’t met before. Once you know where someone is from, there are so many questions to ask and things to learn after that! But one thing that surprised me about these FFA members is that not only did they tell me where they were from, they were excited for the opportunity to make a new connection. In each conversation, I got to learn about their background, their FFA story, and their passions and interests. What astounded me even more was that they would then ask those same questions right back to me.

In a world where it can be easy to move quickly from one thing to the next, these moments reminded me how powerful it is to simply slow down and be present with others. This made me realize that a lot of the time, we forget to reciprocate the kindness that is shown to us. But when we choose to pass it forward, our relationships, experiences, and even our world become more positive!

Beyond just conversations, these FFA members were always willing to do the simple acts of kindness. They held the door for the person behind them, helped someone pick up something they had dropped, checked in on each other, encouraged one another in their CDE/LDE contests, and even made sure to ask me how I was enjoying my time in their state. Although I was 3,000 miles from home, I felt like I truly belonged, and it was all because of the kindness I was shown. By slowing down to help and show kindness to others, these FFA members created an incredible environment. It takes thirty seconds to hold the door for someone else, but how many times have we skipped that small act of kindness because we were moving too fast?

As I reflect on this experience, I’m challenged to carry that same intentionality into my everyday life; to be more present, to ask one more question, and to take those extra few seconds to show kindness.

What places in our lives can we slow down and pass that kindness forward? Because even a little bit of kindness can make all the difference!

Passing it forward,

Kaitlyn Maruszewski

2025–2026 Indiana FFA State President

Plantin’ Season

As spring starts to get a little bit closer, I’m starting to feel that familiar itch that most farmers do around this time. I feel the itch of planting season. I am ready to get out in the field and plant and see new life grow. Honestly, I am ready to do anything outside. The planting season is the start of something new. But as much as I am ready to start planting, there are a few things that every farmer has to do before they are ready to get out in the field and plant. Before anything, you have to go out in the field and clear the field. Throughout the winter, whether because of snow or storms, there are a lot of limbs and sticks that end up in the field. First order of business is to get all the sticks out so the equipment doesn’t get broken and you can get as many seeds as you can into the ground. Sometimes you also have to pick up rocks out of the field. After you clear the field, you then have to prepare it. Some farmers like to till the ground and make sure to get all the ruts out from harvest. Or to better prepare the soil that way the seed grows better. Either way you have to make sure that the soil and the field are ready. Picture: Braden Bailey, Jennings County FFA, tilling a field. Next you have to prepare the equipment. I mean the planter has probably been sitting since last year during planting. You have to grease it up and change some parts. Maybe the disc needs to be changed or the planer boxes. If your equipment isn’t ready, then you’re not ready to plant. Or if you don’t fix what broke last, planting might not go as smoothly as you planned. Picture: Dawson Baker, Switzerland County FFA, fixing a tractor Now you’re ready to pick up the seed. Some might argue this is the most important step because if you don’t have seed, then you’re not going to plant anything. When ordering seed, you have to make sure that you order enough but you don’t want too much because it’ll go to waste if you don’t use it. You have to take into count how many fields you are going to plant in either corn or beans. Then you have to know how much seed your planter puts out. And you might want to order a little extra just in case you have to replant. Picture: North Decatur FFA at a seed dealer. Once you have ALL of this done and the weather is just right, you are ready to plant! All of your hard work in preparing has come to fruition and you finally get to put the seed in the ground.  Picture: Andy Vogel, Jennings County FFA, planting a field. You might be wondering how this applies to me. I’m not a farmer and I don’t need to know any of this. Well, it is the same way in life. The school year is almost over and summer is on the horizon. Some might be getting ready for college while others have a couple more years of high school. Maybe you’re getting ready for an FFA contest or you’re ready for a summer job. All these steps in planting apply to whatever chapter of life you’re in. Wherever you are ready to go, first make sure that it is right for you. Just because it seems right on the outside doesn’t mean it is. Go out into the “field” and make sure it meets everything you need. If it’s college, go visit the college and make sure you like campus as well as the classes they have to offer. If you are looking at a new FFA contest, make sure it’s something you are interested in. Or if you’re just ready for summer, coming up with the perfect summer plan. Prepare the equipment. Now that you’ve made sure the “field” is right for you, you prepare. Whatever is going to be your mode of transportation, make sure it is ready. For college, it might be getting registered for classes and finding a roommate. For an FFA contest, it would be going to practice. For summer, double checking that you can actually do whatever your perfect summer plan was. Picking up seed. This is where it starts to get more real. For the FFA contest, it would be getting all the materials needed and continuing to learn all that you can. For summer, it would be reaching out to friends and buying new summer clothes or seeing when the pool opens. For college, it would be buying things for your dorm and school supplies. This is the meat and potatoes of what your next season is going to look like. Planting! You are now ready to do it! You have everything you could possibly need to be successful in this next season!  Whatever season you are in or whatever chapter you are ready for next, make sure that you are ready to plant! Waiting for the next season, Lily Sloan 2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Treasurer

A Little Piece of Home

“Lebanon, Indiana!”

That’s where I call home.

Over the past few months, the Indiana FFA State Officer Team has had the gift of being on the road, going all over the state. Somewhere during almost every visit, I get asked the same question:

“Where are you from?”

I always answer the same way: “I call Lebanon, Indiana home.”

Sometimes I try to find a map and point it out. Other times, I use my hand to show where it is in the state. If neither of those work, I simply do my best to explain it. “It’s between Lafayette and Indianapolis!

The more I answer that question, the more I’ve started to think about it. My hometown is so much more than just a place on a map.

When I think about Lebanon, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t a location. It’s the people.

It’s the teachers and school staff who pour so much into their students.

It’s the friends who push you to take a leap of faith, even when it feels scary.

It’s the family who is always willing to answer a FaceTime call or listen to your stories or crazy ideas.

Between all the miles and all the new places, I’ve started to realize that I never actually left home. I’ve been carrying it with me. You never truly leave home because you carry it with you in who you are and how you love others.

Even when Lebanon is hundreds of miles away, I still find pieces of it in the way I connect with people, and the way I show up each day. I think about the people who poured so much into me to help me become the person I am today.

At some point, all of us will step away from what’s familiar, whether that’s for college, a job, a vacation, or something new.

That step can feel exciting, but it can also feel uncertain. It’s easy to focus on what’s different instead of what still feels like home. It’s up to us to make that choice and find a sense of home in the communities and people around us.

I’ve realized I don’t leave home when I put miles on the odometer. I just make room for more of it. 

In every classroom I’ve visited this year, you’ve made me feel at home through the way you welcomed me into your communities.  You’ve taught me that home isn’t a place, but the people. It’s something you carry with you, like a little piece of home in your pocket, shown in the way you love others because of your roots.

No matter where this blue jacket takes me next, I know one thing for certain: I’ll always carry a little piece of Lebanon, Indiana with me.

With a piece of home in my pocket,

Lauren Argotte

Indiana FFA State Secretary

Ten Things Kaitlyn Can’t Live Without

While on the road the past few weeks, I have met hundreds of FFA members and students. During my classroom facilitation workshop on motivation, we talk about the things that motivate us the most- or things we cannot live without. Hearing so many different perspectives and learning about students favorite hobbies, restaurants, sports, FFA events, things to do for fun, etc. has got me thinking a lot about my favorite things.

1. Agriculture- Honestly, no one can live without this one! Agriculture provides food, fuel, and fiber to the world. So everyone needs agriculture! Personally, I have a deep love and passion for this industry so I definitely couldn’t live without it.
2. Family, Friends, and Mentors- This is the group of people who support me in all that I do. I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without all of the people who have been by my side every single step of the way and have sacrificed so much for me to succeed. The ones who always accept and support me: through the good, bad, ugly, and great.
3. A Calendar- If I didn’t have a place to keep my schedule, I would be a MESS! My calendar is a necessary tool in keeping me organized… and sane.
4. Coke Zero- I know many people would call this a slight addiction (and maybe I would agree with them) but there is nothing like a cold and fizzy Coke Zero! A fresh Coke Zero instantly boosts my mood!
5. House plants- Considering I have over 200 house plants, I feel like they have to make this list. When I work with my plants it helps me think clearly and escape my stressful thoughts at the same time. It is definitely my form of therapy.
6. My Phone- As much as we all hate to admit it, a lot of our lives are in the little box of technology we call an iPhone. This little device helps me navigate where I’m going, connect with friends and family when we cannot be together in person, and answers all of my dumb blonde questions I have throughout the day.
7. Hair spray- The curls in my hair wouldn’t survive without hairspray, and neither would my nylons! Hairspray keeps the nylon runs away!
8. Faith- Put it all in the Lord’s hands. He has a beautiful plan for every single one of us!
9. Trips- I LOVE to travel! Life is better with a trip to look forward to.
10. Ice Cream- In the wise words of my mom, “Ice cream makes everything better!” This is my go to sweet treat, pick me up, or date with friends! Nothing beats yummy ice cream! Bonus points if it’s from Jiffy Treat or Cone Palace, my two favorite ice cream shops in the world!

What are the things you can’t live without? 

Your friend,

Kaitlyn Maruszewski

2025-2026 Indiana FFA State President

More Than a Meal

As a traveling FFA state officer, I spend a lot of time on the road. New towns. New schools. New members. New conversations. Every chapter visit is different, but I have found one question that works almost every time:

“So… where’s the go to supper spot around here?”

It sounds simple, but that question opens doors.

When I ask members about their favorite place to eat, their faces light up. Suddenly, we are not just talking about contests, leadership workshops, or schedules. We are talking about Friday night traditions. After game burgers. The local diner where everyone knows your order. The café that supports their chapter at every fundraiser.

Food connects people because it tells a story.

In agriculture, we already understand the power of food. It is what we produce. It is what feeds communities. But it is also what gathers us around tables, tailgates, and kitchen counters. When members tell me about their favorite supper spot, they are sharing a piece of their hometown pride.

Sometimes it is a café run by an FFA family who talks about their days in FFA as they ring me up at the register. Sometimes it is an international market with nothing but pictures on the wall for a menu. Sometimes it is a small corner spot serving surprisingly good catfish. Maybe it is even a bakery that opens before dawn, serving the best donuts known to man, or an Amish grocery store where you get the best bang for your buck. Whatever it is, it matters to them, and that makes it matter to me.

As I travel, I have realized that asking about food is not really about the food. It is about belonging. It is about saying:

“I want to know what home tastes like to you.”
“I want to know what you love about your hometown.”

More often than not, that simple supper question leads to deeper conversations about their goals after high school, their families, and why FFA matters to them.

Leadership is not always about big speeches or grand gestures. Sometimes it is about pulling up a chair, sharing a meal, and listening.

So if you ever find yourself in a new place, whether it is a chapter visit, a conference, or just a new season of life, try asking:

“What’s the go to supper spot?”

You might leave with more than a full stomach and a smile. You might leave with a stronger connection and a good story.

Always looking for a good conversation over a meal,

Jenna Lawler

2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Reporter