October 2009, FFA New Horizons

FFA

new horizons l o g o n at f fa n e w h o r i z o n s . o r g

速

the magazi ne of the n ational ffa orga nization | October 2 009

A Penny Saved Make your summer earnings last all semester

10

ways to Lead Out Loud at the 82nd National FFA Convention

The Power

of Paint color FFA members give to service projects

See video at ffanewhorizons.org

Create a profile. Add friends. Start a group. Voice your opinions.

web poll I joined FFA because…

I live on a farm or ranch.

45.5% Because blue corduroy is awesome!

22.7%

The Buzz Online Join the national FFA convention conversations on FFA Nation. Find other members who will be heading to Indy next month, discuss the events you plan to attend and even make plans to meet up with your FFA Nation friends!

I have family in FFA. 18.2%

Log on to see this month’s

FFA Giveaways Discussions

I wanted to join a school organiization.

13.6 %

Has anyone done an aquaponics system? If so, any helpful hints?

Thanks to FFA Nation user pman1294 for creating this poll.



ffacutie01

Log in to FFA Nation to respond.

FFA

new horizons.org ®

What ’s New

Need a past issue? Click on  Virtual Magazine for current and archived editions.

Check out our  Convention page for the latest news on the upcoming 82nd National FFA Convention. And starting on Tuesday, Oct. 20, we’ll be blogging live and posting photos from the event. Visit now and visit often for everything FFA convention-related!

“Our FFA chapter recently held an Ag Environmental Day, where we taught fourth Jesse Hall, graders about agriculture Elizabethtown and the environment. It’s FFA, Pa. very rewarding for Go online to submit our members.” your FFA experiences.

State Scoop Read special inserts from other associations in  State Scoop.

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New Horizons

Log in to comment on articles and blogs FFANewHorizons.ORG

ffa

Volume 57 Number 1

new horizons

®

October 2009

The magazine of the National FFA Organization

Kim Newsom V.P./Custom Publishing

Joyce Caruthers Copy Editor jessy yancey Associate Editor Andrea Bloom, Chris Hayhurst, Contributing Writers Jessica Mozo, Jessica Walker

Keith Harris Creative Director

Brian McCord Senior Photographer

Jeff adkins, todd bennett, Staff Photographers

Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio,

J. Kyle keener

Christina Carden Associate Production Director

Katie Middendorf Production Project Manager Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams Senior Graphic Designers Erica Hines, Amy nelson Graphic Designers Marcia millar, Patricia Moisan, Ad Traffic

raven petty

Gary Smith Distribution Director

Yancey turturice Information Technology Director

andy hartley Web Implementation Director

franco scaramuzza Web Design Director Yamel Ruiz Web Project Manager

carl schulz Web Design

Jennifer graves Web Production

twila allen Color Imaging Technician

Julie woodard FFA Publications Manager Kristy Meyer, Amber Striegel FFA Communications Ray Langen Executive Vice President

Carla H. Thurman Sr. V.P./Sales

Casey E. Hester Sr. V.P./Operations

Mark Forester V.P./Visual Content Teree Caruthers V.P./Editorial Director

Natasha Lorens Production Director jeffrey s. otto Photography Director

Beth Murphy Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division Tori Hughes Integrated Media Manager

rachel matheis Sales/Marketing Coordinator Shelly Grissom Office Manager

linda bishop Receptionist For advertising information, contact Tori Hughes, (800) 333-8842, ext. 281, or e-mail thughes@jnlcom.com.

8 cover story

2008-09 National FFA Officers

Paul Moya, NM President

Nessie Early, CA Secretary

Hannah Crossen, OH Eastern Region Vice President

Laila Hajji, OK Central Region Vice President

Regina Holliday, GA Southern Region Vice President

Riley Branch, TX Western Region Vice President National FFA Staff

Larry Case National Advisor, Chief Executive Officer

Steve Brown Executive Secretary

Bill Fleet Acting Chief Operating Officer

Marion Fletcher National Treasurer

Julie Adams, Mark Cavell, Division Directors Dale Crabtree, Janet Maloney, Dennis Sargent, Kent schescke, Vicki settle, lee anne shiller, Tony Small, Bill stagg,

will waidelich National FFA Board of Directors – Members Larry Case Chair, USDE, VA Steve Brown Secretary, USDE, VA Marion Fletcher Treasurer, State Supervisor, AR

Jim Barbee State Supervisor, NV Robert B. Calvin Agriculture Teacher/USDE, MO Wilbur Chancellor State Supervisor, MS

Keith Cox FFA Executive Secretary/USDE, SC

Joel Larsen State Supervisor, MN

Curt Lucas State Supervisor, KY

Brian E. Myers Associate Professor/USDE, FL

John Rakestraw Business Representative/USDE, CO Subscription Information: FFA New Horizons (ISSN 1069-806X) is published Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct. and Dec. by the National FFA Organization, 6060 FFA Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art or any other unsolicited materials. For subscription information contact: FFA New Horizons Subscription Services, (317) 802-4235 or e-mail newhorizons@ffa.org. Periodical postage rate is paid at Indianapolis, Ind., and additional mail offices.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to FFA New Horizons, P.O. Box 68960, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960.

CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A

Copyright© 2009 by the National FFA Organization and Journal Communications Inc. The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Contents

The Power of Paint FFA members give color to community service projects.

12

Make Some Noise

16

Lights, Camera, Action

4

FFA Faces

6

Scrapbook

This year’s national FFA convention focuses on Leading Out Loud.

FFA member Clayton Thornton runs the show at local theater productions.

Connect with members from across the country.

Read news, jokes and more.

20

National Officer Q & A

22

Your Money

24

What’s Hot

26

What’s On

28

Back Talk

Meet Vice President Riley Branch.

Make your summer earnings last all year.

Learn why canned food drives are important.

Navigate colleges, careers and the convention.

Please recycle this magazine

On the Cover Illinois FFA members help restore a barn in Nashville, Tenn. Photo By J. Kyle Keener

FFANewHorizons.ORG

Read about former member Darleen Vaterlaus.

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3

FFA Faces

Win a Chevrolet T-shirt Chevrolet, the sponsor of FFA Faces, will award a T-shirt to featured members.

Nominate yourself by following the steps below. Questions? E-mail ffanation@jnlcom.com.

Create

Describe

Nominate

Go to ffanation.ffa.org and sign up for an FFA Nation profile.

Upload a profile photo and fill out the fields to tell us about your FFA experiences.

Under the FFA Faces thread on the Discussions page, tell us why you should be featured.

Zachary Rameden

ND

Chapter: Rugby FFA

KY

Chapter: Bracken County FFA

This high school senior first joined FFA when her advisor encouraged her to take part in CDEs. In addition to participating in floriculture and small animal events, Erin attended the national FFA convention, earned her Greenhand FFA Degree, and served as chapter secretary and treasurer. She plans to attend college and major in accounting and agribusiness.

Lane Heath

OK

Chapter: Canton FFA

Alicia, a high school junior, is an active member of her FFA chapter.

She earned her Greenhand FFA Degree, has attended the state and national FFA conventions, and was a member of the dairy cattle career development event (CDE) team, which placed ninth in the state out of 67 teams. She also enjoys helping out on the family farm and learning new agricultural skills.

Anna Leigh Peek

WI

Chapter: Spring Valley FFA

A high school senior, Zachary uses his FFA experiences to gain career skills. Through his supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program, Zachary works at a local veterinary clinic where he observes surgeries and assists with examinations. He also served as chapter president and earned his chapter’s FFA achievement award.

Alicia Appelman

Erin Ingli

AL

Chapter: West Limestone FFA

This high school senior served as chapter president for two years and recently retired as the state FFA sentinel. Anna Leigh was also the state proficiency winner for her home and community development SAE and placed third in the state extemporaneous public speaking CDE. She will attend Auburn University and plans to become an agriculture instructor.

A high school senior, Lane has developed a diverse SAE. His projects include showing sheep, goats and swine and working on the family farm raising grain, oil and sorghum crops. He also helps feed and maintain his family’s Angus cow/calf operation. Lane has competed in the livestock evaluation and prepared public speaking CDEs and served as president of his FFA chapter.

Melinda Hattery

IN

Chapter: North Miami FFA

Melinda, a high school junior, has been involved with a horse and beef cattle SAE for the past seven years, even before she joined FFA as a freshman. Melinda helps her FFA advisor train the underclassmen parliamentary procedure CDE team and is active in the fruit sale. She is also active in 4-H pony club and serves as a captain in her local 4-H color guard.

– Andrea Bloom

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New Horizons

FFANewHorizons.ORG

FFA scrapbook

Express yourself

47

National FFA agricultural proficiency awards will be named during the 82nd National FFA Convention in October.

1906

National FFA officers Paul Moya and Regina Holliday visit with Bill Ford of Ford Motor Co., a National FFA Foundation platinum sponsor.

Strong Foundation Sure, you’ve heard of the National FFA Foundation before, but do you know what it’s all about?

The National FFA Foundation secures financial support for FFA programs from businesses, organizations and individuals. In short, this group helps ensure that future FFA members will have the same opportunities as you.

And the businesses and individuals who sponsor FFA activities have a strong commitment to this organization.

So the next time you see an FFA sponsor or receive an award, take a minute to say thank you or send a nice card. Show them that you care, too.

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New Horizons

was the first year a race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

While in Indy for the convention, make plans to visit and learn more about the sport of car racing.

Just Joking What did the tree ask the leaves last autumn?

Why are you falling for me?

Kyle Kakela Rolla FFA, N.D.

ffanewhorizons.org Send us your best jokes through our Online Feedback Form.

FFANewHorizons.ORG

FYI Your Turn

Keep us informed!

This is your chance to be a part of FFA New Horizons. Send us a short article about your latest chapter activities, awards you’ve received or even your involvement outside FFA. Be sure to include a high-quality color photo and your contact information.

Congratulations to Lauren Osborn, a Letchworth FFA member, who is currently serving as the New York State Dairy Princess. A four-year FFA member, Lauren has competed in the state speaking competitions every year and participated in numerous leadership opportunities. Way to go, Lauren!

Or, send to: FFA New Horizons P.O. Box 68960 Indianapolis, IN 46268 newhorizons@ffa.org

Fighting Blight Ever heard of a chinkapin? The Ozark chinkapin, once a dominant tree in North Arkansas forests, now usually grows to be no larger than a shrub before it dies of Chinese chestnut blight.

But the Marshall FFA Chapter in Arkansas is working with area conservation groups toward restoring this tree.

Chinkapin wood, once used for fence posts and lumber, is high in tannins, which create a natural resistance to rotting.

For the project, Marshall FFA members are propagating chinkapin trees in the greenhouse, using nuts from trees that grew large enough to bear fruit before dying of the blight. These seedlings will grow for several years and then be infected with the blight.

If there are survivors, they might become seedstock for a breeding program of blight-resistant chinkapins.

FFANewHorizons.ORG

Want an easy way to send your story? Visit ffanewhorizons.org and click on  Tell Us.

Judged a Success Each year, Tarleton State University’s College of Agriculture and Human Sciences hosts a career development event (CDE) invitational competition for Texas FFA members. This year, more than 5,000 FFA members were present – the highest attendance ever. The invitational offers students a “practice round” and allows them to prepare for team judging in 13 categories. The top individuals and chapters are recognized with prizes.

FFA

New Horizons

7

Cover Story

You Can Make a

Difference Giving back to your community is the first step to changing the world

8

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New Horizons

FFANewHorizons.ORG

Story by Jessica Mozo Photography by J. Kyle Keener

W

e’ve all heard President John F. Kennedy’s famous quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

As an FFA member, you already know that’s the kind of volunteer spirit behind the FFA organization.

Chances are you’re already finding ways to give your time and energy back to your community, whether through chapter activities or your own efforts. But if your volunteer drive has, well, shifted into neutral, you don’t have to look far to find a little inspiration.

“Why it’s important for FFA members to support their communities can be answered by considering what happens when they don’t,” says Damon Spight, an education specialist for the national FFA. “Pride in the community suffers.

The quality of life for the community is reduced. There’s less physical activity and less healthy lifestyles.”

The possibilities for making a positive impact on your community are endless, but one opportunity FFA has created is the Campbell Soup Co. barn restoration project.

In 2008, FFA partnered with Campbell to restore old barns across the nation in an effort to give back to those who work in the industry of agriculture. Valspar Corporation joined the effort, donating the paint needed for the barns’ facelifts.

From August 2008 to May 2009,

In March a group of Illinois FFA members offered their time and labor to help restore a barn in Nashville, Tenn.

FFANewHorizons.ORG

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9

Cover Story

FYI

Opportunities Await You Looking for a volunteer opportunity in your community?

Talk with your FFA advisor about launching a chapter service project.

You can even receive grant money to support your service-learning project. Check out the Living to Serve website (ffa.org/ltsgrants) to learn more.

For project ideas, visit these websites: ffa.org/ndos www.nylc.org www.ysa.org www.SERVEnet.org www.idealist.org

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Illinois FFA member Tyson Seggenbruch, left, helps install new window frames during the restoration of a historic barn in Nashville, Tenn. The farm has been put into a land trust so that it can never be developed. volunteers from FFA chapters and FFA alumni around the country restored five barns – in Reddick, Ill.; Cherryvale, Kan.; Nashville, Tenn.; Corfu, N.Y.; and Clackamas, Ore. Five additional barns will be restored each year, thanks to the generosity of the program sponsors.

Karen Guy, owner of the Nashville barn, says she was very moved by the selflessness and dedication of the 60 FFA members and alumni who worked on her historic barn.

Volunteers replaced the barn’s rotted boards, stabilized support beams, rebuilt doors and put on a fresh coat of red paint with white trim. In the end, the FFA members restored more than just the barn.

“I’m not around a lot of young people, and I was so in awe of their hard work and their great attitude,” Guy says. “They restored my faith in future generations.”

The National FFA Organization’s National Days of Service program also exists to help members learn about the impact made by volunteering their time.

“National Days of Service is a fantastic service project that’s offered during the national FFA convention, and it’s always a big hit with students,” says Lucy Whitehead, program manager for the National FFA Alumni Association.

During the 2008 convention, 12 service sites were selected in the Indianapolis area, ranging from a therapeutic horseback riding center to Habitat for Humanity.

Over three days, 1,139 FFA members volunteered at all 12 sites, giving more than $91,000 in time and service value. Each site demonstrated to FFA members how projects could be replicated in their own communities.

Similar projects are planned for the 2009 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis (see ffa.org/convention to learn more).

“FFA members really live to serve and value their communities,” Whitehead says.

“They love to step up and take the lead, and they really do have volunteer hearts.”

FFA

SEE video ONLINE

Visit ffanewhorizons.org to learn more about the barn restoration project.

FFANewHorizons.ORG

Navigate the Convention While attending the national FFA convention, it’s easy to be a bit overwhelmed.

This year, we’re publishing a special Convention Navigator to help you out. Pick up a copy at the official convention registration booth or information booths.

Turn to page 26 to learn more about this great new convention resource.

2009 National

FFA

Convention

Navigator

• Career profiles • College listings • National Agricultural Career Show map • Indianapolis attractions

Make Some

Noise This year’s national FFA convention focuses on Leading Out Loud

I

t’s that time again – pack your bags and get ready to head to Indianapolis for the 82nd National FFA Convention.

Kicking off on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and winding down on Saturday, Oct. 24, this year’s theme is “Lead Out Loud.”

If you’re wondering what to expect, ease your curiosity and check out our top 10 list of what’s noteworthy at this year’s convention.

If you’re still thirsty for more, visit the convention pages at ffanewhorizons.org and ffa.org/convention for even more exciting announcements and news!

continue to buzz with activity during this year’s convention.

2. Convention Concerts This year’s convention will feature a Wednesday night concert with mega-singer Toby Keith! Tickets are $30 and $40, with doors opening at 8:30 p.m. To purchase tickets and see the full lineup, visit ffa.org/convention.

Also, be sure to attend the National FFA Band and Chorus concert and the other venues where FFA members show off their own talents. This year, you may even hear

1. Lucas Oil Stadium

some FFA members performing at the Circle

Those who attended last year’s national FFA convention will probably remember this facility. It’s pretty important, serving as the site of several convention events and attractions – and this year is no different.

With state photos, concerts, food court, Stars Over America Pageant, American FFA Degree ceremony and more, Lucas Oil Stadium will

Centre Mall!

3. National Days of Service FFA members have the opportunity to serve as volunteers in Indianapolis, giving their time to local organizations like Gleaners Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and Indy Parks. If you’ve never participated in the

FFA members like Chelsea LaJoye showcase their musical talents as part of the National FFA Band.

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FFANewHorizons.ORG

Brian M c cord

FYI

Story by Jessica Walker

FFANewHorizons.ORG

FFA

New Horizons

13

J. kyle keener

Cheer for your state during the fourth general session, when each state’s flag is presented and posted on the convention stage.

Days of Service before, make plans to

For the full listing of tour

do so this year!

opportunities, check out ffa.org/convention.

4. The Laser Show A convention favorite worth writing home about, the laser show

8. National FFA Officers Listen to Paul, Nessie, Hannah, Laila, Regina and Riley deliver speeches and take time to thank

6. Career Show The National FFA Agricultural

them for their year of service while welcoming six new national FFA

is back. You can look forward to

Career Show offers more than 1,300

viewing a thrilling spectacle at each

booths with representatives from a

general session, sure to impress

variety of colleges, agriculture-

even the most experienced

related companies and other

convention attendees. And in

organizations ready to answer

Broncs Championship finale. The

keeping with the convention theme,

questions and provide information.

event will feature cowboys fighting

we want you to be LOUD and proud when the show starts!

officers for 2009-2010.

9. Broncs, Bulls and More Saddle up for the 2009 Bulls and

for the win, as well as bucking 7. Convention Souvenirs

horses and bulls.

Just next door to the career 5. Tours and Day-Trips Spend time learning more

show, you can pick up a few souvenirs at the FFA Shopping

10. It’s All Interactive Even if you can’t make it to the

about agriculture and career

Mall. More than 30 stores are on

convention, you can still join in on

opportunities by going on one of the

site, including John Deere,

the fun. You can tune in to the

tours or day-trips organized for the

Cowpokes, Tractor Supply Co., the

general sessions on RFD-TV. You can

convention. Some of your options

Indiana State Museum Gift Shop

also go online to check out the latest

include career success tours,

and more. Visit the FFA Mega Store

news, award winners and feature

educational tours and the National

to score chapter supplies, T-shirts,

stories at ffanewhorizons.org and

FFA Center tour.

posters and other must-haves.

ffa.org/convention.

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FFANewHorizons.ORG

Georgia FFA member Clayton Thornton has a knack for working with computers, cameras, lighting equipment and anything technical.

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FFANewHorizons.ORG

Lights, Camera,

Action Clayton Thornton, a self-described

‘techie,’ runs the show at local theater productions

Story by Chris Hayhurst Next time you go to a play, whether it’s at school or in a professional theater, pay attention to the lights.

Under normal circumstances, you

ministry major is a great way to learn the ropes.

A graduate of North Oconee High School in Bogart, Ga., Clayton’s first exposure to the

might not notice them at all, focusing

intricacies of lighting was at a theater

instead on the action onstage. But those

seminar in seventh grade.

lights do big things. They set scenes, create

“After that, I started getting involved

tension and highlight speakers. In many

with the theater, working with lighting

ways, they help tell the story; in some cases,

design, and then that expanded into sound

they are the story.

production and computer projection,”

“I love the way lighting changes the mood of things,” says Clayton Thornton,

Clayton says. “It’s just grown from there.”

During high school, even as he served in

a college sophomore majoring in media

four different FFA chapter officer positions,

ministry at North Greenville University in

Clayton spent much of his free time at a local

Tigerville, S.C. “The effects you can create

playhouse, shadowing pros and gaining

are incredible.”

hands-on experience.

Media ministry, Clayton says,

“That’s where I learned most of the stuff

involves integrating audio, video and

I know today,” he says. “I met lots of great

other media platforms into high-energy

people and asked them all kinds of questions,

presentations that churches can use to

and just listened to what they had to say.”

jumpstart their services.

J. kyle keener

soundboards and graphic design, – a media

Simply put, it’s worship entertainment –

Meanwhile, he also worked as the technical director at both his school theater and his

and for someone like Clayton, a self-described

church, was co-editor of his senior yearbook,

“techie” with a knack for things like computers,

and shot photos and videos for numerous

FFANewHorizons.ORG

We’ve long known that FFA members are about more than just “cows, sows and plows.” You are selfless, motivated, and most of all, unique.

Throughout this school year, we’re highlighting FFA members who embody what today’s FFA is all about. Last issue, you met Katie, a talented singersongrwriter. This month, meet Clayton, who describes himself as a “techie.”

Clayton is FFA. Are you?

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New Horizons

17

events, including the FFA banquet.

“My senior year, my supervised agricultural experience program (SAE) focused on making the video for the banquet,” Clayton says. “I shot video clips of everything we did and everywhere we went.”

Once he had his material, he boiled it down to one 10-minute highlight reel. The video was such a hit that Clayton wound up making copies and selling them.

While he enjoys making videos, Clayton’s true passion is in lighting.

It’s challenging, he says, requiring just the right balance of technical knowledge and creative ambition. In theater, for example, it’s the lighting designer’s job to coordinate all lighting effects with what’s taking place onstage.

“If I’m watching them rehearse and they start singing a song about

the sun coming up, I’ll make a note in the script that I want the lights to turn yellow,” Clayton explains.

Later, or sometimes right there on the spot, he records “cues” into a lightboard – an electronic device that controls all the lighting details.

“Most shows bring in the technical aspects the week before the show begins,” Clayton says. “I usually record between 70 and 100 cues per show, and preset everything.”

Using lighting to tap his creative side has been fun, he says.

“I used to not think of myself as a creative person. I was always seeing these things and thinking, ‘Wow, I would have loved to have had an idea like that,’” he says. “I never thought I was creative enough to come up with those kinds of ideas myself. But now, as I’m getting better at using the tools that allow

me to do certain things, I’m developing more of a visual mind.

I’m finding myself becoming more and more creative every day.”

Clayton hopes he can use that unique combination of technical know-how and creativity to someday land his dream job – lighting designer with the high-flying, world-famous acrobatic troupe Cirque du Soleil.

And if that fails?

“I’ve always believed that if you look for them, opportunities will arise,” Clayton says. “And it’s your job to take advantage of those opportunities. You have to step forward, and if you fail, you can always get back up and try again.”

Clayton says he finds inspiration for his lighting and video projects by embracing the natural environment all around him.

Are you also a “techie?”

Tell FFA Nation about your interests and experiences. Sign up for a profile and show off pictures of your best work.

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FFANewHorizons.ORG

FFA National Officer

Q&A through action. FFA members have an unbelievable impact in their communities, and the national FFA convention is all about celebrating your work!

Q

What is one memory from this year that you’ll never forget?

A

I was very fortunate to travel to Alaska for its state FFA convention, where there were about 60 students in attendance. While spending time with members, eating reindeer sausage and moose soup, climbing mountains, and checking out grizzly bears, I had a blast.

That was when the diversity of areas that FFA reaches became clear to me. All of the students I’ve met this year are unique, but the organization is able to work with all of them to help them achieve their dreams.

FYI Riley’s Favorites

Did you know this Texas native used to rodeo competitively?

Learn more about Riley: Personal hero: Granddad Candy: Milky Way Vacation spot: Colorado Food: Mexican CDE: Horse Evaluation Sport to watch: College football

Riley

FFA

New Horizons

Now that you’ve spent nearly a year getting to know your team, can you describe your teammates in one word each?

Branch A

National FFA Western Region Vice President

Riley Branch joined FFA because he wanted to try something new. Riley grew up on an Angus cattle ranch in northwest Texas, where, as he puts it, “the stars are bright and there aren’t many trees,” and FFA seemed like something he would enjoy. He did, and today he is serving the organization as its Western Region Vice President.

Q

What is the meaning behind the national FFA convention theme you and your teammates selected?

A 20

Q

The convention theme is Lead Out Loud, and this convention is all about what FFA members can do to lead loudly

Hannah is disciplined, Nessie is spontaneous, Paul is diligent, Laila is caring and Regina is thoughtful.

Q

As an agricultural leadership major in college, what types of skills are you learning in your college courses?

A

At Texas Technological University, our degree focuses on organization development and building businesses and organizations. We study a lot of the theory behind leadership and how people respond to a leader’s different traits.

These are all skills that will help us serve organizations to make them more efficient and to build a tightly knit team of employees.

ffanewhorizons.org Click on In This Issue for more from our interview with Riley.

FFANewHorizons.ORG

FFA your money

Saving your earnings

Saved

A Penny

Make your summer earnings last all semester

N

ow that summer is over, chances are, so is your summer job. And that means

it’s time to focus more on schoolwork and less on work that actually earns you a paycheck – at least until next summer rolls around.

Hopefully, you’ve been able to stash some of your hard-earned cash in a checking or savings account, or even in a jar on your nightstand. Now the trick is making it last through the school year.

The first step to successfully living off your summer earnings from September through May is to make a budget. Figure out how much you spend each month on things like gas, eating out, going to the movies and shopping. Then limit yourself to a certain amount of money in each category every month.

Sandra Shore, senior counselor for a nonprofit New Jersey credit counseling agency called Novadebt, says it’s also important to consider the real cost of repetitive purchases that don’t seem expensive at the time.

“For example, a latte may only be $3, but at the end of the month, that’s $90 if you have one every day,” Shore says. “That’s a pair of shoes or gas for the car. And at the end of the

22

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New Horizons

year, that’s $1,080.”

Here are some additional tips to help you learn to make your cash last – not just through the school year, but throughout your life.

1.

Consider value.

Consider the value of what you buy to you, not what your friends will think.

“Teens especially are very susceptible to peer pressure, and they may spend money on clothes or entertainment because their friends are doing that,” Shore says.

4.

Say no to PLASTIC. “Students are often offered credit cards while still in high school, and this is an area where we see a lot of problems,” Shore says. “Many students use credit cards and find they can’t pay the balances. Understand that a card should only be used as a convenience and not to spend more money than you have. Using credit wisely means paying off card balances in full each month.”

5.

Delay gratification.

Instead of spending all the money you have, think of ways you could use it in the future. You can even tape pictures that remind you of your long-term goals (a car, computer, college or trip to a foreign country, perhaps) around your room to help keep your goals on track.

– Jessica Mozo

2.

Pack light.

Leave your debit card at home. Only carry a small amount of cash so you’re not tempted to give into buying things on an impulse.

3.

Keep records.

Manage your checking account wisely. Don’t forget to write down everything you spend.

“Track your expenses so you can see where your money is going,” Shore says. “A teen may not need a checking account to pay bills, but they do need to know how to use one once they are on their own.“ FFANewHorizons.ORG

FFA What's hot

Cool stuff to know

A Can-Do Attitude Here at FFA New Horizons, we receive reports from FFA members across the country about your inspiring community service activities. (By the way, we welcome these stories and hope you’ll keep sending them!)

Many of your activities involve local canned food drives, and these types of drives continue to be vital. Here’s why: • Hunger is a serious reality for one in eight Americans – including adults and children.

• Each year, the Feeding America network of food banks distributes 2 billion pounds of food to needy Americans.

• Feeding America provides emergency food assistance to approximately 4.5 million people in any given week.

Find your local food bank and learn more about the Feeding America program at feedingamerica.org.

Creating a Cleaner County Eight years ago, the Churchill County FFA chapter in Nevada began what seemed like a small project of collecting twine from farms, ranches and dairies around the county. Little did they know, the project would become the chapter’s largest community service project and fundraiser.

The members soon learned that one ton of hay produces one pound of twine, and that Churchill County produces a lot.

The FFA members collect about 70,000 pounds of twine each year.They gather the twine two to three times each week by driving around nearby ranches. Then they use a cardboard compacter to push the twine into oneton bales. The bales are shipped in a large truck to a recycling center, where the twine is melted into plastic pellets and used in roofing plastic.

“Recycling is important for our chapter,” says Christy Fagundes, chapter FFA reporter. “Not only is this project profitable for us, but we also have the ability to create a cleaner world.”

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FFA What's on

news

media buzz

web Careers, College and Convention

VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS American Bucking Bull Inc. www.americanbuckingbull.com Dawn Bravo – Tulsa Welding School www.weldingschool.com General Motors/Chevrolet Division www.chevy.com Justin Brands, Justin Boots www.justingypsy.com Kansas State University College of Agriculture www.ag.k-state.edu Keystone Steel & Wire www.redbrandgear.com Monsanto Company www.producemoreconservemore.com National FFA Organization www.ffa.org OSU Institute of Technology www.osuit.edu/t/ffa2009 Rocky Mountain Clothing Company www.rmcjeans.com US Marine Corps www.marines.com USDA/APHIS www.aphis.usda.gov VF Jeanswear/Wrangler www.20x.com/tx_home.php

Convention Noise Want to know the most up-to-date news about the 82nd National FFA Convention?

Visit our convention page on ffanewhorizons.org for announcements and news, as well as member-submitted comments and thoughts about the convention theme, Lead Out Loud. During the convention, we’ll be blogging constantly.

You can also visit ffa.org/convention for lists of award winners, videos and press releases.

Check out the 2009 National FFA Convention Navigator, available online at ffanewhorizons.org.

Inside this neat digital magazine, you’ll find information on agricultural careers, a listing of colleges that will be exhibiting at the national FFA convention and more.

There’s also a map of the 2009 FFA National Agricultural Career Show and lists of Indianapolis attractions.

The online version is available now, and be sure to pick up a printed copy at the national FFA convention registration booth.

2009 National

FFA

Convention

Navigator

• • • •

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Career profiles College listings National Agricultural Career Show map Indianapolis attractions

FFANewHorizons.ORG

FFA Back Talk

Former members Reflect

Darleen

with horses and won third in the state for her FFA equine proficiency. Learn more about Vaterhaus and her efforts.

Vaterhaus Q Former Oregon FFA member owns a small farm, runs a successful website

How did your FFA experiences help mold your work ethic and self-motivation?

A

FFA is an encouraging and safe place to explore new skills and experiences.

I remember how I would look forward to trying new challenges, usually not knowing much about it before trying. FFA helped me realize that I need to continue learning and growing throughout my life.

Q

What FFA experiences helped you learn how to set goals?

A

Previous to FFA, I had no concept of goal setting and opportunity costs.

From day one, our FFA advisor began discussing goal setting for our projects. With his messages about goals, I discovered that I am able and responsible to choose my own paths and directions.

Darleen Vaterhaus raises horses and runs a social donation website.

W

hen Darleen Vaterhaus realized the need for teachers to obtain new educational items for their classrooms, she decided she could help.

The result? The Donate 2 Educate program, which is a social donation website (www.donate2educate.com) that allows teachers to request anything helpful for their classrooms. For example, an agriculture teacher might ask for greenhouse supplies or supplemental textbooks. At the same time, anyone can contribute money to the website, 100 percent of which goes directly to purchasing teachers’ needs.

Vaterhaus’s philanthropic spirit comes naturally to her, partially as a result of her own experiences with FFA. A former FFA member from McMinnville, Ore., she grew up

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Q

This time of year, a lot of FFA members are creating goals for themselves.

What advice do you have for them?

A

I once heard on the radio that a man was going to eat a car. I thought, “No way!” They explained that he was going to grind the car into dust, then eat it by the spoonful. So I thought, “That could work.”

Grind your big goals down to a lot of bitesize goals. When something seems too big or overwhelming, I remind myself about “eating a car,” and it helps me keep perspective.

Tell other FFA members about your goals and aspirations in our Discussions thread about setting goals.

FFANewHorizons.ORG