SERVICE MINDSET The Neodesha FFA chapter and supporters put an emphasis on service and are rewarded with state-wide recognition.
Story by Amy Feigley
I
f first year Agricultural Education instructor Emma Lehmann could choose two words that describe the 50 students that make up the Neodesha FFA chapter, the words willing and eager come to mind. Willing to go above and beyond to help not only those within the chapter, but those within the community, too. Eager to attend every event possible. Like most FFA chapters, the community that supports them plays a big role. The chapter makes every effort to help those in need. According to member, Tucker Leck, community service is a fundamental aspect of the chapter and moving forward, they strive to grow their engagement throughout the state. At the beginning of 2022, Lehmann and a group of her students discussed the current events in Northwest Kansas, the Four County Fire. They put their heads together and gathered up supplies. Reaching out to the community about their plan, in no time whatsoever, they had a trailer load of fencing supplies, clothes, hats, gloves, pliers and other items donated to them from various sources. While this was happening, KWCH 12 Eyewitness news reporter, Brityne Rucker, contacted Lehmann about an interview, which was done via Zoom. At the end of the segment came the surprise that Helping Hands was donating $1,200 to the chapter to purchase more supplies. They in turn donated the money to Bar S Ranch so that they would be able to purchase what they needed for their home and operation. That sort of leadership and true character is built when the students reach out to help others and their willingness to, Lehmann said.
The community of Neodesha is also willing to return the favor to help members with an activity or event put on by the chapter. The chapter had an alumni group, but it became inactive. In 2017, a group of parents of current members revitalized the alumni by contacting the state and national levels to reactivate the chapter. According to Jackie Chandler, president of the Alumni & Supporters, helping the chapter by chaperoning activities, serving as judges for contests and raising funds to be used by the students to attend events, purchase FFA jackets and provide post-secondary scholarships, are just a few of the ways they can give back to these kids. Chandler recommends that those chapters who are wanting to start or reactivate their alumni group that they find five to seven people who believe in the purpose of the organization and want to invest their time to help students. Chapter member Tucker Leck has utilized the opportunities in FFA to grow his interpersonal communication and preparation for adult life. From his involvement in the employability skills LDE to the senior prepared speech competition, and well as other competitive events, FFA has allowed him to find that medium, which in turn has allowed him to grow. As for Lehmann, her students continue to amaze her every single day and the feeling, it is mutual. Whether it is studying for an upcoming contest or pushing up their sleeves to help a community member in need, Lehmann believes these students are the future of agriculture in Neodesha, Kansas, and beyond.