Sibley East FFA!

My final week of college is finally here, and I have finally finished finals week. FINAL.

Ok, enough of that.

Sibley East FFA!

Wednesday, I took a trip over to Arlington, MN for the Sibley East FFA chapter banquet. Here are my top 4 highlights:

1. FOOD. This was by far the best banquet meal I had all year. The mashed potatoes were incredible and I probably could have ate the whole pan of it.

2. Getting to know the Star Greenhand, Christy. Already, in addition to receiving her Greenhand Degree she has successfully competed in the Best Informed Greenhand competition, won the Region VII Dairy Judging contest, been elected to serve as chapter Reporter and this summer she will go to the State Greenhand Leadership Conference. Talk about a great start.

3. Re-uniting with Vinz, Erin, Bryce, and Jessica-getting to see them in action with their chapter as officers, awards and chapter slide show.

4. Meeting 2 alumni fraternity brothers of mine in Alpha Gamma Rho: BOTH Sibley East advisers, Mr. Uhlenkamp and Mr. Eppen.

5. Welcoming Kenzie to the has been-President club. She just retired as Chapter President and is moving on to new things next fall at MSU-Mankato to study Nursing. Congrats on a great 4 years in FFA!

It always gets me each time they begin the installation of the new officers. I think back to when I was first installed as Region VI Sentinel in 2007. I was so nervous and excited at the same time. Since then I have been through 5 installation ceremonies, and at State Convention last April it was bittersweet as I found myself saying, "It is an honor to be an officer in the FFA..." The beginning of the installation of a new generation of agricultural education leaders. I find myself mouthing the words or saying them in my head at each banquet, and think about the meaning of the installation and retirement of each officer team. Its not the end, just another beginning.