Seven Tyrone Area FFA members were joined by about 400 other FFA members and advisers from across Pennsylvania at the 2018 Fall Leadership Conference on October 2 at the Blair County Convention Center.

The attendees were challenged to “Open Your Sail” for leadership, personal growth and career success.

First year members rotated through a variety of workshops which highlighted official FFA dress, SAE and the three circle model of agricultural education programs, career paths, and FFA history.

Freshman Kaila Moon, Makayla Sprankle, Taylor Walters, and Shyann Kephart represented Tyrone Area FFA as first year members.

“It was awkward (at first), yet attending this conference taught me that not everyone is a social butterfly, like I am.  I was given skills on how to make work with others who are shy or non-social butterflies,” said Moon.

“I agree it was awkward at first because we were not with members of our own chapter, but mixed in with other first year members.  I realized all new FFA members are nervous.  Also the longer you are with the group, the more you get to know people and have fun,” added Kephart.

Chapter officers received training on their specific responsibilities via the students enrolled as Agricultural Education Majors at The Pennsylvania State University.

“It was a great experience working with others and meeting new people from different chapters.  It’s always nice to see what other chapters are doing,” said senior Haylee Blowers.

FFA vice president Garin Hoy, treasurer Karly Diebold, and sentinel Guy Williams also attended the conference as officers.  The officers were so excited to share their knowledge of how Tyrone Area FFA chapter conducts their year utilizing the Program of Activities, which are driven by the students committees.

“It made us realize that we are a chapter which is truly built, driven and owned by the chapter.  Our members and officers work together to not only create and vote on the annual budget, but all of our activities,” said Garin Hoy.

The afternoon session involved chapter reflecting on service and what type of service project chapters can conduct.