Finding a “New Normal”

By: Brianna Payne

Like the rest of the world, Career and Technical Education has been dramatically impacted by COVID-19. Membership in these student leadership organizations is down across the country, and students and teachers have struggled to find ways to be involved. The only human interactions have occurred through a computer screen on Zoom. After a challenging year, though, the Alabama FFA Association is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Spring is always the busiest season for FFA members to compete in the Career and Leadership Development contests that they love and work so hard to find success in. 2020 saw these contests conducted strictly virtually with no national contests to advance to. 2021, however, is allowing opportunities for these students to experience the “new normal.” The Alabama FFA state staff and other supporters have been slowly bringing back in-person events for FFA members utilizing several precautions and guidelines. These events started back in March with the election of district FFA officers. Students in each of the state’s three districts came together to interview for one of six officer spots in their respective district. In pre-COVID days, 20-30 students would gather excitedly to go through the different interview phases, but in the “new normal,” students were given a scheduled time to participate to lower the number of participants near one another.

The day’s events went so well that hope was given of actually having some contests in person. In April, each district was able to hold a hybrid district elimination that consisted of some virtual qualifiers and some in-person events. After all, it is very difficult to hold a safe tractor driving contest virtually. With the help of countless supporters, each district was able to hold nine live events by following CDC guidelines and utilizing schedules for members to compete. While there was no traditional awards ceremony at the end of the day, it was still so great to see that blue corduroy jacket back in action. FFA members competed in livestock judging, land evaluation, forestry evaluation, safe tractor driving and numerous speaking events as they worked to earn a spot in the state finals in May. For events that consisted of large teams such as poultry judging and floriculture, virtual events were held to establish state qualifiers. All of this hard work paid off as 26 state contests were held in person over several days in May. Members who have worked to perfect their craft for years finally had the opportunity to test their skills against other FFA chapters across the state. While these students still could not gather for a large awards ceremony afterward, they took great pride in a job well done. These members and their teachers persevered. They chose to live out the FFA motto and create some truly special memories. The 93rd Alabama FFA State Virtual Convention’s theme was “Conquer.” I cannot think of a more fitting theme. This year, we have seen members and advisers across our state conquer every challenge and obstacle that crossed their paths knowing that they can face whatever tomorrow may bring.

Following CDC guidelines like requiring masks, conducting temperature checks, and utilizing social distancing has allowed in-person opportunities to happen.

Eighteen FFA chapters competed in the State FFA Land Evaluation contest in March.

Virtual tractor driving just isn’t the same. Members were so excited to get back to competing in person.

Members of the Centre FFA Chapter participated in several virtual contests to qualify for in-person state contests.