Tyrone FFA Members Attend State Legislative Leadership Conference

By Carly Crofcheck and Tiffany Hoy|March 28, 2016

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Legislative Breakfast, left to right: Reprsentative Judy Ward, Maddie Veit, Zach Wenner (Bellwood), Katrina Hagenbuch, Kelcie Dennis (Bellwood), Baylee DelBaggio, Michael (PSU Student Teacher Bellwood), Brandon Decker, and Daniel Peterson.

Members of the Tyrone Area FFA Chapter, along with students from across Pennsylvania FFA experienced the work of the State Legislative Leadership Conference (SLLC). Nearly 500 members and advisers gathered in Harrisburg, March 6-8 to experience leadership at a whole new level.

Tyrone FFA members arrived excited and ready to take on the challenge of learning and experiencing Pennsylvania legislation.

First, they sharpened their skills on various workshops and became professionals in parliamentary procedure, etiquette, and the legislative process. They split into the House and Senate, then majority and minority, and put the skills learned in the workshops to work by making amendments to bills which are currently being debated in PA government.

In committees, students discussed one of three house bills, and one of three senate bills. After making various amendments within their committees, they held a caucus meeting and the general assembly. The two houses switched bills for one more look at Pennsylvania legislation.

Daniel Peterson and Brandon Decker completing community service at Bethany Village in Harrisburg as part of the SLLC event. They and other Tyrone Area FFA members cleaned, sorted and organized equipment in the exercise room and pool areas. Then they joined up with about 25 other members at the village to complete landscaping projects and interact with the village residents.
Daniel Peterson and Brandon Decker completing community service at Bethany Village in Harrisburg as part of the SLLC event. They and other Tyrone Area FFA members cleaned, sorted and organized equipment in the exercise room and pool areas. Then they joined up with about 25 other members at the village to complete landscaping projects and interact with the village residents.

“I thought it was fun to use my skills form Parliamentary Procedure team practices during debates,” said Tyrone FFA President Brandon Decker, “being able to take part in this process gave me great insight to what happens in our government systems,”

“I learned so much about Parliamentary Procedure and believe every student should have a great understanding of ‘Parli Pro’, how bills are debated, and approved or not approved in our State,” said Tyrone FFA Secretary Maddie Veit.

Once learning the value of success within a challenge, the students were put to the test. Monday afternoon every more than 500 members and advisors completed 1700 hours of community service. Service took place at various locations around the area to complete tasks such as landscaping, packing food, cleaning firehouses, engaging with elderly in an assist living facility and various others activities.

The conference ended with the opportunity to meet with legislators and special guests. The state officer team conducted a legislative breakfast and recognized several extraordinary individuals.

Tyrone Area FFA and Bellwood Antis FFA Chapters had the opportunity to share their breakfast with State Representative Judy Ward.

“Representative Ward is so nice and really interest in the future of our members,” said Tyrone FFA Treasurer Katrina Hagenbuch.