FFA: Faith, Family, and Agriculture

Bridget Bator ’14

Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of Noah Wolinski

Here at Nouvel, students come from many different backgrounds and participate in a variety of events outside of school. Recognizing the importance of these students and their contributions to society, the Panther Print likes to spotlight one of these outstanding students. Recently, Senior Noah Wolinski attended the National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Convention down in Kentucky as part of being the President of the local FFA chapter. This writer sat down with the future veterinarian so that he could shed some light on his experience.

So Noah, what exactly does FFA do?

One way to describe FFA is much like KFC. The acronym FFA may officially stand for Future Farmers of America but it represents so much more than that. Our organization is a premier leadership organization that is based on agriculture education. But agriculture is more than just farming: it is a science, a business, and an art. While FFA is recognized as the Future Farmers of America, we are the future chemists, teachers, and leaders of America as well. One of our main focuses is to not only teach agriculture but to develop the best leaders that we can. When businesses see FFA on a résumé, they most likely give higher positions to those people since members of FFA are committed to being the best leaders that they can be. FFA may also stand for faith, family, and agriculture.

How long did the convention last?

The convention lasted for four days. (October 30^th – November 2^nd)

What is the purpose of the National FFA Convention?

One of the main purposes is to finish the national leadership competitions. It is also an educational opportunity for students to learn about different careers, programs, and activities that come with the agriculture, or “ag” community. It is a wonderful opportunity to really show everyone that agriculture can be so many things. I think that every member of FFA should experience this opportunity once in their life. It really is a life-changing experience.

What was your most memorable moment on the trip?

I actually have a couple of memorable moments. The most memorable would be the opening ceremony where I got to dance to “What Does the Fox Say?” with girls from New Mexico. People formed a tunnel for the national officers to run through. I was able to hear speeches from the national officers filled with passion about FFA. The best part was when the national President of FFA dressed up as Si Robertson from Duck Dynasty! He was in a full camouflage suit and carried a staff while sporting a long beard. The stadium was filled with 62, 998 people! It was the biggest FFA National Convention in the history of the organization!

Would you recommend that other students join FFA? Why?

Well, FFA is only open to people that are able to be enrolled in an agriculture class. However, if you are offered an opportunity to take an ag class that has a FFA chapter, take it. FFA is life-changing and will open your eyes to a community that is committed to helping our country and bettering society with positive leadership.