Four Tyrone Area FFA members traveled to Harrisburg, PA for a civics lesson in Harrisburg.  Students met with state leaders, discussed community service and learned how a bill becomes a law.

The 28^th Annual State Legislative Leadership Conference (SLLC) from March 15 to March 17 was  held to teach students about the legislative process.

In the workshop, members were broken into the majority and minority of the House and Senate. Bills that are being processed in our government were discussed. The bills ranged from wearing seat belts on school buses to drones being on properties.

Over the course of two days meetings were held by the State Officer team along with six members who were specially chosen. The minority and majority of the House and Senate would join together and amend the bills as then needed.

“Learning about the legislative process and parliamentary procedure was a great experience,” said senior FFA member Heidi Walls.

Community service played a huge rule in the conference. There were eighteen different community service sights and a total 1900 plus hours were worked. Members traveled to the New Kingston Fire Company in Cumberland Valley and cleaned the Firehouse from top to bottom. They swept and moped dining areas and training rooms.  Some members had the opportunity to wash fire trucks.

The 560 plus members gathered for a legislative breakfast with members from the House and Senate. Representative Judy Ward joined the Tyrone Area and Williamsburg FFA Chapters.

“It was very interesting to learn more about someone who is represents Blair County at the State level.  Representative Ward shared stories of how she entered into the political career and some of her daily tasks,” said junior FFA member Katrina Hagenbuch.

The Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding spoke about the importance of the FFA jacket, experiences members receive, and the opportunities and leadership skills that conferences like SLLC provide for members.

After leaving the conference, the Tyrone members went to The Pennsylvania State University Park for a self-guided tour which included the sports museum, ice cream from the Creamery, Animal Science Industry building, the library and the College of Education Building.  Members were able to see state of the art collaborative classrooms and student work lounges, and the living wall.

“We would like to thank the PA FFA Association and Foundation and the sponsors for an amazing opportunity. Many ideas were learned that the members can bring back to their chapters. The sponsors included Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Mid Atlantic Farm Credit, Ag Choice Farm Credit, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture,” said FFA member Hunter Confer.