Tyrone Area FFA first-year members attend the Pennsylvania State FFA Association Fall Leadership Conference on October 3, 2023, at the Blair County Convention Center.

The seven members traveled with FFA advisor Tiffany Hoy, where they joined more than 500 other members and advisors from across the state to “Blast Off” into their FFA experiences.

“I’m really thankful for the opportunity to attend the Fall Leadership Conference (FLC). It was amazing to think about all the adventures and experiences I can gain by being involved in the FFA at the local, state, and national levels. I learned how to use my voice to make a difference in the Ag industry,” first-year member Wyatt Walls. “It was a lot of fun and I loved working with so many other kids who were also 1st year members,” Gabby Dean said.

Other freshmen representing the chapter were Wyatt Walls, Isaac Weaver, John Eaken, Katelynn Weaver, Gabby Dean, Alicia Ray, and Josie Dicken.

Participants rotated through a variety of workshops teaching about Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE), the FFA emblem and history, opportunities for FFA members, and more. “I learned that FFA can help members in many ways, including becoming stronger leaders,” reflected Katelynn Weaver.

FFA advisors also attended their own professional development hosted by the Penn State Center for Professional Personnel Development on Teaching Secondary Students National Electrical Codes from Mr. Sunderland, former Huntingdon County CTC Electrical Teacher.

“I truly appreciate when the Center brings in former CTC teachers who understand the demands current Ag teachers have on conducting quality programs tied to industry standards. The resources on electrical codes were a great bonus to our training at the conference,” said Advisor Tiffany Hoy.

The Pennsylvania FFA Association is a school-based youth leadership development organization of more than 13,000 student members state-wide.