The Story behind the Indiana FFA Fellowship Center

     Over five months ago when I packed up to spend two weeks at home for Christmas break, I threw a few books I hoped to read in my book bag. Many of these books had been sitting on my desk all of the first semester of state office. When I was faced with some free time, I picked up the first of a couple great books that I read over break! The first book I read is one that bears an incredible story near and dear to the heart of the Indiana FFA Leadership Center, The Journey is more than the Destination by Cathy and Frank James. A book about how a Christian family dealt with the grief of losing their teenage daughter. As I read the book I was hooked after reading the families precious moments with Valerie James. I quickly learned that Valerie was always bearing a smile, optimistic, radiant, and faithful. Her story is incredible - she was actively involved in many activities throughout her ever too short life but held a spot close to her heart at the Indiana FFA Leadership Center.

     In the early evening hours of June 20, 1997, the life of Valerie Victoria James ended as the result of a car accident. Valerie was a vibrant, enthusiastic, beautiful Christian teenager. She was an integral part of her community and school, her favorite organizational activities, and her close knit family. But Valerie's death started her family on a journey to overcome their overpowering grief. One way the family coped with the lose of their daughter was by giving back to a place Valerie loved, her family lead the efforts to build a chapel in the woods at the Indiana FFA Center. Although the family is quoted saying that "God thought and acted on a much grander scale than we could have imagined" and now that chapel in the woods is now known as the Indiana FFA Fellowship Center.

The family is quoted saying that "God thought and acted on a much grander scale
than we could have imagines" and now that chapel in the woods is
now known as the Indiana FFA Fellowship Center.  

      This center can be rented out from the Indiana FFA Leadership Center which will accommodate over 100 people for theatre style seating. It conveniently was built with a full kitchen, two fireplaces, an outdoor deck facing the center's lake, and five hotel-style rooms which will house 20 quests overnight.

      Valerie's story in The Journey is more than the Destination can purchased

off of Amazon, (http://www.amazon.com/THE-JOURNEY-MORE-THAN-DESTINATION/dp/0595386946). 

     I would love to have known Valerie, but after reading The Journey is more than the Destination and having had the opportunity to spend many hours in the beautiful Fellowship Center her family built "to honor all those who have touched the lives and hearts of the FFA" studying, spending time with FFA members, and reflecting, it has made me feel as if I personally am connected with Valerie and her family.

     I hope you consider reading The Journey is more than the Destination and after finishing it I encourage you to plan a trip to stay at the Indiana FFA Fellowship Center with your family, FFA chapter, church and/or work group - you will not be disappointed! Renting the beautiful Fellowship Center opens the doors to explore all 170 acres of the Indiana FFA Leadership Center, swim or fish in the 5 1/2 acre lake, participate in team training through our newly renovated ropes course, and most importantly make memories that will last a lifetime. More information can be found on, http://www.indianaffa.org/leadershipcenter/, or by calling the Center's office at (317) 878-4570.  

Smiling for Valerie,

Allie Abney

Indiana FFA State President

2013-2014

Banquets and State Convention and Fish, Oh My.

May marks the end of banquet season. Since March 18^th the seven of us have been flying around the state and have attended a total of 93 banquets, averaging about 13 per officer. Whether it was being the farthest I had ever been from my house alone or showing up late and having to speak as soon as I walked in, I had quite a few learning experiences along the way. I had four banquets one week that were each about three hours from the Leadership Center, so I definitely had some quality singing time in my car, but the long hours definitely paid off when I arrived at a banquet. I had a fantastic time at every banquet I went to and met some pretty awesome people. It was great to see our members awarded for all of their hard work. 

While all of these banquet shenanigans took place, our days were spent in the office. We are about chin deep in state convention preparations and the water is rising fast. Everything is really starting to come together. I can’t spill all of the surprises, but I’m the chair of the 6^th session on Thursday afternoon (the elections session), and you’re not going to want to miss it. I can't wait to see everyone there!

Both of our summer interns have arrived and we are happy to have Mallarie and Shelby here with us. Along with them, we have several more new arrivals to the center. First, Cam and I bought some desk fish. He got two but is down to one already, and I have one named Bo-bo and he’s crazy. He loves to pick up rocks and smash his fish face into the tank walls. It’s kind of interesting to watch. 

Our other new arrival is a drum corps. Yes, the whole center is booked out to a drum corps. Sarah welcomed them and told them how happy we are to have them and they said “until you are trying to sleep and we’re drumming all night.” The next four weeks might be very exciting with them here but we are happy that they are.

I did not catch that fish, I just wanted to feel cool. 

I’ll keep you up to date on how the fish are doing.

With Love,

Shelby Sigman

Indiana FFA State Reporter

2013-2014

Beginning the Journey

The Indiana FFA has been blessed to have thirty-seven Indiana FFA State Officer Candidates for the 2014-2015 Indiana FFA State Officer Team. Within this group, there is great potential for the Indiana FFA Organization to mold into our next leaders. Until then, these individuals have a great journey to be enjoyed.                This past weekend many of the candidates joined together at the Indiana FFA Leadership Center to help with our Spring CDEs: Floriculture, Small Engines, and Practical Forestry, view an Executive Committee Meeting, convene for the State Officer Candidate Open House, and get to know one another. Their journey will most importantly be marked by the time they spend together and the relationships they build. Their journey is arduous, but it can be rewarding.                As a candidate last year, I pray for each of these candidates. I pray that they all find a “heart to serve” and a “mind to work”. I pray they build lifelong relationships and find immense personal growth throughout the process. My biggest wish is that these candidates have fun.                I have gotten to know many of the thirty-seven in my time in FFA. They are talented, have huge hearts, and bright personalities. I feel close to them and love them all dearly. I wish each of them the best, not in becoming a state officer, but in life. These candidates all represent how the FFA can develop individuals. For seven, it will be a continued process to grow and serve, but for all thirty-seven, it will be a process that will continually serve them in their future endeavors. Best Wishes, Ethan McNeely Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President 2013-2014

Teammates for a year, Friends for a Lifetime

With 63 days, five hours, 59 minutes, and eight seconds left on our "Time Left to Impact FFA" clock, it's safe to say that time has flown by way too fast. This morning us girls were packing to go home for the weekend, but as we packed I started to noticed that we are slowly starting to move our extra clothes back home.  For me I'm not sure how to react, but for Kayla she is in complete denial. She told me that I shouldn't worry because when we come back on Monday she will have clothes to fill the empty areas in our closet. Over the course of this year my teammates and I have had such a blast. My teammates are some of the greatest people I know. I would just like to take a moment to thank each one of them. Allie, we have had some great talks while traveling to chapter visits and FFA events. I'm so glad to have someone to have deep conversations with about life and faith. Thank you for always being so positive you definitely knows how to brighten someone's day. You are a great friend and role model to many FFA members across the state of Indiana.  Kayla, I admire you for your drive and your ability to focus, because even as I write this my mind is running in a million directions.  I never knew one of my best friends would live in the opposite corner of Indiana. Thank you for running with me and sharing my love for softball, even though we haven't really played much this year. I can't wait to come down to Posey county and learn how to shoot a gun, ride a four wheeler and do whatever else I miss out on up north. Ethan, even though you and I are completely polar opposites I could have never asked for a better southern region vice president. I know I can always count on you for great fashion advice. You are also a very talented volleyball player and have made me enjoy volleyball again. You are going to be a great agricultural lobbyist one day. Shelby, your love for America, Ted, soil judging and FFA is very evident. On our trip to D.C. I had the opportunity to get to know you even better. I noticed your fear of pigeons is definitely real! You are a blessing to this team always willing to get the job done when maybe no one else wants to. And you always know how to have fun! Sarah, your dedication to your faith is something I have always looked up to. I'm so happy that I have someone who shares the same love for dance as I do. You are a great leader and I know you will be successful in whatever oath you decide to take. Cameron, you have definitely been the prankster of the house. And you have a great taste and many different genres of music. You know how to have a great time.  Thank you for always being positive and always being bursting with energy. Just remember Cam you are sent from heaven:) haha.   Thank you all so much for a great year and have a wonderful weekend home!

 Just a fantastic picture of us at the Christmas Party The night before our last camp (LDW) Fall Pictures

National Convention Will You Answer the Call? (LDW)

Our first Indiana Association Jackets1

Thank you all so much. I can't wait to see what the 63 next days hold for us! Love you all, Rebekah, Bekah, or to Cameron...., BECKY!!!!!!

Just Breathe

"Just breathe!" In the first week of district conventions, I have said this more times than I can count on 10 fingers. It's quite ironic since last year I would have been the one pacing in the hallway about to pass out. 

In the past two week, districts 5, 7, 4, 9, and 11 have all ran successful contests. Contestants, advisors, and district officers alike might be thinking "Pff easy for you to say!" But no need to plead the fifth here! I speak the truth. Answer these questions: Did a couple contests run long or off schedule? Did your judges leave comments on your score sheets? Did you and/or those in attendance enjoy their time catching up with old friends or make new ones? Were you exhausted by the end of the night? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you were a vital part of a successful contest!

Why? Well if you were at a convention where a contest ran over, be thankful for thorough judges. Be thankful that, even if a contestant was late or some other circumstance caused the contest to get off schedule, all entered contests got the opportunity to present the material they had worked so hard to prepare. 

If your scorecard looks like a judges ink pen exploded all over it, be thankful for the advice because trial and error is how we grow! The fact that you competed puts you leaps and bounds ahead of the person who stayed at home, no matter where you placed. 

FFA: Food, Friends, and Agriculture. We all know it's true. If you had the opportunity to mix and mingle with those attendance, you were at a successful contest!

If you were more than ready to go to bed after convention was over, then you did something right. Maybe it's because you stayed up all night finishing your project like Aaron and Caleb from McCutcheon. Maybe you spent the whole day walking back and forth down a 1/4 mile hallway to make sure all the rooms were ready like Kelly from Riverton Park. No matter what your convention prep story is, if you gave it your all physically and mentally, you were a piece of a successful contest. 

What determines a successful contest is not who walks away with plaques. It is what happened leading up to that first gavel tap and what happened before the last one.

I've been there. I know district convention causes advisors to wrinkle, parents to gray, and students to pull their hair out. But, even so, take advice from one with experience, one who has had total freak out moments, one who read the same Farm World articles multiple times to glean as much information as possible from them, one who turned every quiz bowl question in a Powerpoint slide so her team could practice: Just breathe. Remember, your brain needs oxygen to function. 

Do not let convention make you look like this...

Love,
Kayla

Look like this!

A Week to Remember - FFA Week 2014

As many of the followers of the Indiana FFA may know the week of February 15-22, my teammates and I celebrated National FFA Week. As we prepared for FFA week I spent a lot of time reminiscing on all of the great memories that I had made during FFA Week throughout high school. My high school FFA Weeks were some of the best weeks I had during high school and I was so excited that I had the chance to spend another year celebrating as a member. One of my favorite FFA week activities in high school was Tractor Day. My senior year my great friend, Harlee and I rode my Dad's cab-less Case IH Tractor to school on one of the coldest winter days… I still remember jamming to Florida Georgia Line's famous song 'Cruise'! 

Harlee and I after we made it to the school my senior FFA week!

I was blessed to spend National FFA week in Northeast, Indiana within some of District II, III, and VI. Not having any idea of what to expect, my schedule quickly filled with speaking engagements, classroom sessions, and various activities that chapters were hosting. At the beginning of FFA week, I was honored to introduce Governor Mike Pence at the Indiana Leadership Prayer Breakfast! It is so hard to select my favorite memory from such a fantastic week.

Throughout this blog find pictures and quotes from the Indiana FFA State Officers with highlights from our National FFA Week experience.

Ethan McNeely the State Southern Region Vice-President said that "the Monday of FFA week was absolutely amazing for me! We met at the Indiana State Department of Agriculture with its new director, Ted McKinney, and other ISDA staff before meeting with Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann. While in the Lt. Governor’s office, we discussed our upcoming project based on promoting agricultural education as STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Afterward, we had a luncheon with ISDA staff and some of the Lieutenant Governor’s Cabinet. Throughout we mingled, and interviewed with Hoosier Ag Today. At the time, I had no idea my interview on the Lt. Governor and State Officer Project would end up being shared on Facebook by Dr. Marcos Fernandez, Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs at Purdue University. It was so exciting to see our work to advocate for agricultural education at the state house beginning to spread amongst others!" Ethan spent his FFA Week in Central Indiana. 

On Monday of FFA Week, the Indiana FFA State Officers were also presented with a Resolution declaring it National FFA Week in Indiana by the House of Representatives. Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Affairs was quoted saying that the “Indiana FFA plays a very important role in Hoosier agriculture as it prepares new generations of leaders in this vital part of our state’s economy.” 

Shelby with the Tri-County FFA Chapter for Euchre Night!

Shelby Sigman the Indiana FFA State Reporter spent her FFA week in District I and parts of District II. Amongst spending the week in Northern Indiana, Shelby participated in numerous chapter events. Shelby and I were even fortunate enough to go skiing with the Tri-County FFA chapter on Saturday of FFA Week. 

Rebekah Frey the Indiana FFA State Northern Region Vice-President's FFA week was spent in District V and VI. Rebekah stayed busy facilitating chapter visits, petting zoos, and various planned FFA activities at many schools in central and northern Indiana. 

Rebekah bowling with the Norwell FFA Chapter! 

FFA Week was the first time our team had been completely on our own to travel from school to school and to present classroom curriculum. Thankfully chapter visits and district kick-offs which we did in pairs in the fall were good practice in preparation for a very busy but amazing FFA Week for the Indiana FFA State Officer team. Kayla spent her FFA week in Districts XII and most of District XI. The pictures and captions below are from Kayla's National FFA Week! 

"I spent my Tuesday helping the East Central FFA educate their school about animal agriculture. All the animals,  which included goats, sheep, calves, piglets, rabbits, and chickens, were brought in by FFA members. Even though Keith's calves kept trying to milk my hand,  I had a blast hanging out with this chapter and their school! After the Broken Bucket Basketball tournament between Hope FFA and Columbus FFA on Wednesday evening, a group of the Columbus young ladies invited me to eat supper with them. These girls found one of the ways to my heart: they took me to eat Mexican! They also earned a place in my heart from all the gut wrenching laughs we shared that night! Thursday night, the Batesville FFA hosted a 'gun' show! Not really. It was was a hay bale throwing contest. I was pretty proud of my 8 ft throw, even though the longest throw of the day was twice that. After the contest I got the opportunity to chat with and get to know their skilled officer team." - Kayla Hoenert, Indiana FFA State Secretary

District X hosted Cameron during FFA week! 



"FFA week has been one of my favorite memories of this year. It may 
have been because of the amazing people, the awesome food or maybe the 
fact that it was a time that validated what I want to do for the rest 
of my life. During my classroom visits I felt a sense of ease and 
excitement. FFA Week 2014 made me that much more  excited to become an 
Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor. Thank you to everyone who I had 
the opportunity to meet during FFA week and for making it EPIC!" - Cameron Frazier, Indiana FFA State Treasurer

Sarah spent her FFA week in Districts IV and VII! Below Sarah shares her favorite FFA memory. 

"My favorite FFA memory during FFA Week would have to be spending the entire day with the McCutcheon FFA Chapter for their ABC's of Agriculture petting zoo.  I had a lot of fun hanging out with the members and taking pictures of all the groups of elementary students that participated.  I also really enjoyed spending time after school hours with the members, where they took me to the igloo for the very first time where I enjoyed a delicious vanilla coke. A day filled full of friends, fellowship, and advocating agriculture; it was perfect!" - Sarah Dirksen, Indiana FFA State Sentinel

It was great spending a week traveling across the State visiting with passionate Indiana FFA members. I was thoroughly impressed by all of the FFA week events that I went to, it was evident that our members bleed blue and gold. My FFA Week came to an end by partaking in a long time tradition with the North Miami FFA Chapter... church, lunch at Pizza Hut, and laser tagging! It was a great way to reflect, unwind, and have a great deal of fun before heading south to head back to the Indiana FFA Leadership Center. 

Attending church with over 45 North Miami FFA members.

My teammates and I collectively visited over 75 Indiana FFA Chapters and traveled 6,888 miles throughout the state. FFA week was one of the best weeks of my life and I am truly thankful that I had the opportunity to spend it with Indiana FFA members in Northeast Indiana!





Forever bleeding National Blue & Corn Gold, 





Allie Abney

Indiana FFA State President

2013-2014

A Look in Our Office

Have you ever heard that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they keep their room or maybe their car? One day Shelby pointed out how different each of our desk spaces are... Her thought really got me thinking. Trust me, we spend a LOT of time at our desks. Time that consist of writing curriculum, checking emails, working on our online classes and of course checking social media.

I started with my desk, which usually consists of piles of receipts, but today has FFA Week prep, LDW prep and my Communication 114 class work. Looking past the papers on my desk I see candy, Chewy Sweet Tarts, left over from the movies the other night. On my cork board I see pictures that remind me of home, friends, my FFA Chapter, and pictures of the day I found out I would get the chance to serve as an FFA state officer. Next to the cork board is a small metal dry erase board that sometimes get used and other times hangs there as decoration. Under that, taped on the wall are various quotes that remind me to stay humble. Lastly, I notice that my desk seems organized. Well on a good day...

Next is Sarah's desk, which we jokingly call the most boring desk in the office. When I took a closer look, I noticed pictures mostly of her family and friends. A wooden cow that was undoubtedly left by a former state sentinel resides there as well. At the beginning of our year, there was a list of possible churches that she could attend while being away from home. I think simplicity describes Sarah's desk and her way of life.

Beside Sarah's desk is Shelby's. We're not sure who came up with the spacing, but the reporter's desk is by far the smallest. You can usually find Shelby burning something - I mean anything from paper to pens. I think she's taking this whole Ignite thing to the next level. Looking at her desk the first thing that catches my eye is her GIANT computer screen, where she can be found watching The Lord of the Rings. Another thing that I see is her love of America displayed by the small flag on her cork board, the flag in the window and the stocking cap next to her screen. Shelby is definitely one of a kind. 

Moving onto Ethan's desk, which you can tell is a little over the top. The fact that it's January 21st and his Christmas decorations are still up is a question all its own. Looking past the Christmas decor I see his big picture from state fair that reminds him of how far he's come in his FFA career. Also notes from camps remain on his desk. I'm pretty sure he even went through some today. Although this is known as the most unused desk in the office, it still has a character all its own.  

The Northern Region Vice President is stationed by the window. Well in this case. Bekah's desk can be described as an artist's desk. At this space in the office you can find her working on an art project. Whether it be a present for someone, a doodle or even something for an up coming camp, art has been made there. In the window sits a little metal dancer. On her cork boards displays pictures of her family and her days in high school. On the other, art work from NLCSO (National Leadership Conference for State Officers) that was drawn on the table during sessions is hung up, art from our own camps, and a piece of art reminding her of her faith. Oh and a random picture of a cat. An artist desk that reflects just that but she seems to always know where everything is.  

                             

Following Bekah's desk is Kayla's. The typical secretary desk in my book, by that I mean she has notes for everything what she needs today, tomorrow, next week and probably even the one after that. I also see some DIY projects scattered across the space like window with lights, her weekly schedule board thing and the flowers in her vase. I think someone really likes Pinterest, cough, cough, Kayla. I see some pictures of her year as a state officer on her board along with the thousands of sticky notes. Lastly you can always find her computer open working on the next deadline for camps, the Impact magazine or school work. That is one desk that is definitely USED.

The last desk in the office belongs to Miss Allie Abney. Her desk can be described as in your face, super colorful and full of expression. You know the saying a pictures worth a thousand words? Well Allie literally has a thousand pictures. They may be on her board or her digital picture frame that is always zipping through, or on her Mac when we is reminiscing through old photos. Another thing I notice about her desk is all the words of wisdom in the form of several quotes on her wall. Quotes that can be used in any situation in life. I also see her love of the FFA, her Belted Galloway Cattle, and cheetah print. 

                             

The office of the 2013-2014 Indiana FFA State Officer Team is a place that of course work gets done, stories are shared, random dance parties take place, some team meetings happen, but above all a place where memories are made.

Forever Blessed,

Cameron Frazier

State Treasurer