Local FFA Members Attend State Conference
Tyrone Area FFA members who attended the 20th ACES event in Harrisburg on Feb. 9-10. Left to right, back row – Emma Bartel, McKenna Chronister, Noah Frantz, Colin Jackson, Karly Diebold, Allison Miller, Guy Williams; front row – Grace Peterson, McKenna Yaudes, Olivia Beck, Whisper Breon, Alyssa Luciano, and Garin Hoy
Tyrone sophomore Karly Diebold was one of 13 Tyrone Area FFA members to attend the 21st annual Agricultural Cooperation Establishes Success (ACES) conference in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on February 9-10.
“I enjoyed making friends with people from across the state, and the workshops were a lot of fun. My favorite workshop included Speak Ag which we identified misconceptions of agriculture and how I can advocate the truth in a respectful, educated manner,” said Diebold.
I enjoyed making friends with people from across the state, and the workshops were a lot of fun. My favorite workshop included Speak Ag which we identified misconceptions of agriculture and how I can advocate the truth in a respectful, educated manner
— Karly Diebold
Over three weekends, the conference was attended by more than 1,450 FFA members from across the state.
On the first day of ACES, members participated in workshops run by the State Officer Team and the PA FFA Association.
“As a first time participant of the ACES conference, I found it to be a very informational experience,” said Noah Frantz.
Members attended workshops on the diversity of agricultural careers, self-appearance and presentation, hands on agriculture, advocating one’s passions, and social media struggles.
“I went out of my comfort zone and wrote and elevator speech in the one workshop and then presented it to a room full of FFA members I did not know. This builds on my ability to make a good first impression when I interview for a job,” said Guy Williams.
Later in the evening the students practiced proper table etiquette. Students had the opportunity to socialize and burn off energy through a dance social.
Before lights out, students attended a 20 minute reflection on how one needs to overcome fears and strive to make the best out of every situation.
The morning before departing from Harrisburg, members gathered to complete the community service project at ACES. The students learned about Meals on Wheels of America and how nine million seniors are faced with hunger each day. The members learned that Meals on Wheels not only delivers to seniors who have no ability to leave their homes, but also has facilities where seniors gather to enjoy a hot meal and socialize. The session concluded with each member decorating and writing facts and quotes about agriculture and the PA FFA Association on a place mat. These will then be used throughout Harrisburg during the weekly social meals.
The conference was sponsored by the CSX Transportation, Ag Choice Farm Credit, The Universal Leaf Foundation, Pennsylvania Department of Agricultural, Pennsylvania FFA Alumni and Pennsylvania FFA Foundation.
