Seventeen students from the Tyrone Area FFA Chapter attended the 2022 Agricultural Conference Experience Sessions (ACES) in Harrisburg.

The overnight conference was held over three consecutive weekends to allow more than 1500 FFA members from across the state to participate in interactive workshops and events. Members also had the opportunity to interact with professionals from the agricultural industry to learn about career choices.

The ACES conference had two main learning tracks, the novices (freshman and sophomores), and the advanced (juniors and seniors).

The novice track members engaged in hands-on activities to learn concepts that every FFA member should learn in their first or second year within the organization.

They were also taught about professionalism, morals and values, important years in FFA, and the key to a great conversation.

“It was great to be at an in-person conference where I was able to interact with other freshmen and sophomores in student-centered workshops, “ said freshman Nora Hoy. “The workshop I liked the most was on communication. Not only did I like the group I was working with, but the tips on how to start a conversation and avoid awkward moments will help me greatly. I also enjoyed engaging with the juniors and seniors during our meals, social time, and the Sunday morning large group session.”

The advanced track members were in high spirits as they took on a journey on how to prepare for the near future of graduating and career or college pathways.

Key workshops addressed resume writing, interview skills, and dressing for success. All of these played a key role in the other two workshops on being a good leader and the importance of utilizing social networking and connections while staying professional.

“I learned a lot about colleges, future plans, and networking in the workshops that I completed. This information I took to heart considering I will be starting to think about future plans after high school and I will start applying to colleges very soon,” said junior Hailey Houck.

“I also learned a lot about leadership and the different steps people take in order to earn respect as a leader. Respect is important and learning all the right ways to earn it was very helpful. I enjoyed this experience and took away a lot of great memories from the trip. I liked meeting the new people and getting to know what they did within their different chapters.

Saturday evening was a social time for all attendees to unwind and get to meet new people at the dance and/or play board and card games in the other ballroom. The PA FFA Alumni Association provided beverages and snacks for the evening.

Houck enjoyed the opportunity for social time at the conference.

“I enjoyed the dance and the friends that were made over this trip. Being my first year that I went to ACES, I can say that it was a great experience and I am ready to go back next year,” said Houck.

The conferences wrapped up with an inspirational session before breakfast and then a large group discussion reviewing the concepts of the previous day’s workshops on goal setting, leadership skills, and serving as an advocate for FFA and the Agricultural Industry.

“One of my favorite traditions to do during the conference is the cellphone tower rule. Our chapter members are asked to place their phones in the middle of the table during mealtime to ensure they are engaged with those around them, rather than engrossed in their social media accounts. This helps to stimulate conversations about their workshops, hobbies, and life in general,” said Tiffany Hoy, the FFA advisor.

Tyrone  FFA students who participated were Nora Hoy, Kiara Rhoads, Rayann Walls, Hailey Houck, Grace Peterson, Remington Weaver, Randi Williams, Emma Bartel, Dylan Ewing, Lilly Ray, Brienn Jones, Dominick Ray, Leo Veit, Tristan Conterras, Caleb Lawson, Jenna Weyer, and Catie Ewing.

Funding for the 2022 Pennsylvania FFA Foundation was provided by AgChoice Farm Credit, Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit, Northeastern Ag Education Foundation, PA Department of Agriculture, and Rural King Foundation for Rural America.