FFAvorite Week continued...

Just after sneaking back to finish my Animal Science test, I packed up for the long haul home for the weekend with some stops along the way.

First stop: Springfield FFA!
My good friend from camp, and cabin roomate, Kelly invited me to some to their chapter meeting and 2nd annual Wii Tournament. Yes. Wii Tournament. Traffic kept me away from making the short meeting, but it didn't keep me away from total domination in the tournament! Once making myself at home in the Ag Room in Springfield, I got the chance to catch up with some friends: Jordan,Kelly, Jeremy, Cheyenne, Andy, Tyler, David and Mr. Brown.
Jordan... is college bound for St.Cloud. Due to his hard work in basketball, he has been offered a nice scholarship to play there. Jordan will retire this year as a Region VI FFA officer.
Andy...is younger than I thought he was. All year, I kept thinking he's graduating, but he still has another year. I had a great conversation with him and talked through the National Chapter Award. It's encouraging to know that he still has another year to serve as a positive role model in his school. He is currently serving as chapter president.
THE set up for the tournament was awesome, with 2 Wiis going simultaneously, each projected on the wall of the Ag Room/Library. Kelly and I were partners, and remember how I mentioned my 'total domination'? That's is more of a preview more next year, because we got dominated 0-2 eliminated right away. DONT LAUGH. It's not funny. I also spent the night browsing the school with FFA members looking for the hidden FFA emblem. Needless to say, we failed.

Next stop: G-ma's!
Yeah, that's the best part about having a Grandma who lives in the area-> A place to sleep and good food. Never fails!

Good Morning: Southwest Star Concept FFA!
Another friend of mine and former Region VI teammate, Maddie informed me of the events in Heron Lake, Minnesota to end their FFA Week. They had baby animal day.I had my mind set on filling the minds of kindergartners about the wonders of sheep, but instead Loretta did the talking. Instead, I was just another kid asking questions about the ferret, chicks, ducks, goats, calf, horses, lambs, dog and guinea pig. I'm so glad I went because I got to see Mrs.Schoenfeld. Long story short, she is the bomb and was one of the driving forces that helped me get where I am today. She currently works with Jackson County 4-H, after previously teaching Agriculture are SSC and advising Region VI FFA. Oh, and Megan, if you read this, I didn't forget you, I hope you are feeling better. I also got the chance to meet some of the guys in Mr.Place's Livestock class:
Jon... is going to be a Golden Gopher next year!He is a big fan of NCIS, CSI and anything that has to do with mysteries. Next fall, he intends to study Psychology and Sociology in hopes to prevent future crimes.
After cleaning up the gym in Heron Lake, we hustled over to Okabena (the High School) for Ag Olympics where students were challenged with wheel-barrel racing, milk chugging, dressing as a farmer and making butter. Students were all successful in the tasks except for the butter part. Lucky for me, I just learned the proper technique of butter making from the one and only Tony Seykora. Of course, butter formed! I wish the best to my friends, Megan and Maddie who will represent their chapters as State Officer candidates this year! Also, that they (finally) will win the state Meats CDE... but you are going to have to get past Marshall first!

Final Stop: Marshall FFA!
I made my journey home, and in Marshall I had the chance to catch up with a growing leader in our chapter:
Eric... is currently serving as chapter treasurer. As a member of the Farm Business Management team that placed 3rd last year at State, I can't wait until they make Nationals this year. (Fingers crossed) Eric has high goals and aspirations in this organization. His passion and interest for agriculture and FFA would not even indicate that he grew up in town. This year he is running for Region VI office and would like to attend the Washington Leadership Conference.

With my experience in Job Interview, I helped new member Adri with her competition. She is applying for a position with photography with an agricultural company. I also got some much needed signatures for scholarships from my faithful advisers! But, the lambs back home were calling my name, so I took off shortly.
What a great week. At one point I thought, "...Wow, that was my last FFA Week.." WHAT?! How stupid of me. Just because you don't wear the blue jacket or it "shrunk", doesn't mean that you still cannot celebrate the FFA Week with your community. I encourage you, for next year to make yourself present at one of your home chapter or local chapter's events.
TOTAL Mileage for FFA Week 2010 = 1,238 miles!!!
Each gallon of gas was worth it.