FFA officers travel the state to impact students

Four weeks down, two weeks to go. “Mission: Impact” is almost accomplished. In just four weeks, the Illinois FFA major state officers have already traveled 12,894 miles, met 4,632 students, visited 211 schools, experienced countless interactions and held mutually influential conversations.

The majors make it their goal to be impactful deliverers of the curriculum in a hands-on workshop built for members, which reveals to students how they can find their own path through opportunities provided by FFA.

Put simply, the 2024-2025 Illinois FFA state theme of “Mission” hopes to encourage members to embark on and complete their own missions through opportunities in FFA.

Where have the majors traveled so far on this mission? At this time, 17 of 25 FFA sections have been visited — from the tundras of Section 1 in the northwestern corner of Illinois to the rolling hills and forests of Section 25 in the southernmost tip.

During chapter visit weeks, section presidents and section officers assist in leading the workshop, creating a schedule for these weeklong trips and accommodating housing plans for the visiting major.

“Mission: Impact” takes a break until November as other assignments commence. “Mission: Engage” continues through competitions at the section, state and national level.

“Mission: Advocate” presents itself in March at Ag Legislative Day in Springfield, but also every week through educational Ag Fact Friday videos led by section presidents.

“Mission: Connect” progresses in leadership events, where students build themselves and meet other students from around the state and country.

An assignment for “Mission: Connect” initiates Oct. 23 in Indianapolis at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, where 72,954 members, advisers and guests attended in 2023, breaking the previous headcount record.

This year, 195 Illinois FFA members will receive their American Degree, more than 100 will compete in a national competition and 18 will serve as delegates for committees discussing issues and topics that pertain to the National FFA Organization.

Similar to Illinois FFA State Convention, the National FFA Convention is complete with entertainment, general sessions to celebrate FFA, leadership experiences, keynotes, special effects and exciting elections.

Differently at the national convention, the back of FFA jackets read “New Mexico,” “California,” “Texas,” “Florida,” “Washington,” “Alaska,” “Puerto Rico,” “Indiana” and all other state organizations.

The National FFA Convention is a breathtaking, eye-opening and purely impressive production in which many Illinois FFA members are fortunate to participate.

Just as FFA reporters everywhere explain in opening ceremonies, FFA covers “the state of Alaska to the Virgin Islands and the state of Maine to Hawaii.”

As demonstrated in each individual chapter visit, FFA offers an experience like no other to encounter premier leadership, personal growth and career success and an avenue to help students accomplish their own missions every day.

Sidney Stiers from the Williamsfield FFA Chapter is the 2024-2025 Illinois Association FFA state reporter.