Chisago Lakes and Forest Lake FFA Chapter Visits

As of October 31, 2008, chapter visits have been under way. Pete and I have visited two chapters so far and were warmly welcomed by both. These visits to Region IV schools are unique for me because I grew up in a production agriculture area in Southern Minnesota. Most of the chapters that Pete and I will be visiting do not daily contact with production agriculture, but are closer to agriculture business since their chapters are located so close to the cities area.

On Halloween, Chisago Lakes hosted us at their high school. Ms. Schwartz had a wonderful class of Animal Science students. We had fun helping them discover the opportunities that FFA and agriculture offers to students. Thank you Chisago Lakes!

Next, we visited Forest Lake on Veteran's Day, Tuesday, November 11. We were able to sit in on their chapter officer meeting that morning and then visited with two 9th grade agriculture classes. Their chapter also hosted a school-wide assembly in honor of Veteran's Day in their high school gym. I was truly amazed by this experience because the celebration was so moving and I was glad I had the opportunity to attend. Thank you Forest Lake FFA!

Keep up the great work! I am looking forward to visiting AFSA NE Metro and the School for Environmental Studies at the end of this week.

Caitlin

81st National FFA Convention

Flying on a plane, riding in a limo to the hotel, watching a laser show, getting a free preview of a new movie. These are just a few of the perks of being a National FFA Delegate. But, what do we really do? Over 400 delegates participate in the National FFA Delegate process. This year, Minnesota had nine delegates, which is one more than last year! (Thanks to our membership increase.) We traveled to Indianapolis a couple days before the convention actually started to participate in the delegate meetings. The delegate process has been around forever and is the reason that women were allowed to join FFA. This year I served on the Goat Proficiency committee. We decided that the National FFA Board of Directors should seriously look at creating a separate proficiency area for goats. Other important issues I was able to vote on include the American Degree requirement changes and dues increases. 

In addition to serving as a National delegate, I received my American Degree at the convention. Receiving the highest award in FFA is truly an honor. I really appreciate the support that my family, friends, FFA advisors, fellow officers and chapter have given me throughout my FFA career. Thank you!

Caitlin 

Region V Chapter Leaders Conference

I had the unique opportunity to do a full day of workshops with chapter leaders from Region V on Thursday, September 18 2008. Brad Lanoue and I had a great time learning about Region V FFA Chapters as we shared what we know about being chapter officers with them. Hopefully those chapter leaders have used the skills and knowledge they learned that day to strengthen their chapters and encourage others to get involved in this great organization. Thanks for a great time Region V!

Your State Secretary,

Caitlin

U of M Invite

On Tuesday, October 7 2008, I briefly helped out with the 2008 U of M Fall Invite. Each year Career Development Events are hosted at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for FFA members to practice their CDE areas. I always looked forward to going to these while I was in high school since they were real practice and we were competing with teams that we would see again at State Convention. It gave me a feel for the areas of my contest that I needed to improve upon and let my team know what our strengths were compared to other teams. Even though it was pouring cats and dogs on the day of the Invite, I think FFA members had a blast! The next Invite will be on Thursday, December 11  2008. See you there!

Caitlin

Region II Fall Rally

I haven't written in a while, so fall semester has proven to be extremely busy. 

On Tuesday, September 23 2008 I was invited to attend the Region II Fall Rally in northern Minnesota. It was really neat to attend a Region II event since I come from Region VII and my chapter visits are focused in Region IV this year. I gave a welcome to their Region members and noted that they are the most diverse Region in the state in terms of agricultural production. I then had the opportunity to talk to Greenhands about the importance of service in their communities. Hopefully those members I talked to are pursuing some community service activities. What's really neat is that Region II FFA is hosting a Region Winter Fun Day and Service Day in Foley on Saturday, December 13 2008. Unfortunately I will not be able to make it there, but I wish them the best of luck with their service project and I hope everyone has a great time!

Caitlin