Worries to Rodeo

“I want to take you back to a young man in Georgia in the eighth grade who joined FFA for the special membership card, this boy couldn’t even give a book report in front of his class without getting physically sick. Well, after many years and a state vice presidency, that man stands before you today as one of the biggest rodeo announcers in the country." For those who have attended the 97th National FFA convention, these words ring out across the hard ridden dirt at the Friday night rodeo. For those of you who are in FFA, we all know the one member that is tentative to reach out and to find their part in FFA. I can remember my very first FFA activity, it was freshman year chapter kickoff. I was pumped to say the least, but also confused, there was so much that I could do, I had no idea where to start. Thankfully an older officer was willing to get down on my level and help me find where I fit best. As you progress through your FFA journey, keep in mind that there are many younger members trying to find their place in FFA. Your job is to find them and to help them, just like some did to you. FFA is a place where everyone can fit in, just finding where is the important part. Just like plants and animals require tending to and nurturing to survive, so do your members. My reminder to you is to never neglect your members but to make them part of your focus in FFA. because with a little help, they too can be like the rodeo announcer, starting off shy but finishing strong and bold with skills to last a lifetime.

-Marshall Frye

2024-2025 DV President