Tyrone FFA recently had a visit from two state officers, Tyler Watkins, State FFA Vice President and Elizabeth “Beth” Winklosky, State FFA Treasurer.  They presented interactive agricultural education awareness sessions at Tyrone Area High School on Tuesday, September 29.

The Pennsylvania State FFA Officers will make more than 100 visits to various chapters all over the state during their year of service to perform leadership training, help with local fundraisers, perform FFA and agricultural awareness workshops and encourage local service involvement from FFA members.

“I really enjoyed having them here,” said FFA Vice President Baylee DelBaggio, “In our workshop they taught us to open up and be confident with ourselves. And that the way we see ourselves is different then how other people do but it doesn’t matter because you should want to show your full self to people.”

The State FFA Officer team has developed a cohesive awareness program to motivate students to take advantage of the many opportunities agricultural education has to offer. They touched on the three components of a successful program: Classroom Instruction/Laboratory, FFA Organization, and SAE’s (Supervised Agricultural Experience Programs); Leadership Characteristics; Team Building; and Awards one can receive in the FFA.

“I got to meet Tyler and Beth this summer at Huntingdon fair, “said FFA Treasurer Katrina Hagenbuch, “They’re both great people and they love to interact with everyone in the classroom.”

Tyler and Beth spent a full day at the school to conduct their program. Student involvement already has increased at Tyrone Area High School Ag Education program, primarily because of participation in career development events, local meetings, socials, fundraisers and attendance in leadership conferences.