Mendota FFA members attend annual conferences

Staff
Posted 10/19/17

MENDOTA - Mendota FFA chapter members traveled to Decatur Oct. 6-7 to attend one of two leadership conferences held at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel.

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Mendota FFA members attend annual conferences

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360-The 2017-2018 Illinois Association FFA Reporter Ryan Reeverts, left, greets Mendota FFA members, left to right, Pearl Taylor, Aaron Garza, Blaire Collins, Beau Wixom, Griffin Newell and Owen Wixom, at the 360° Conference.

212-Joey Birritier, 2017-2018 Illinois Association FFA President, center, poses with Mendota FFA members, left to right, Malyka Siebert, Kaysee Villegas, Marissa Martin, Birritier, Noah Garza, Shea Doughty and Dria Kuntz, at the conclusion of the 212° Conference. (Photos contributed)

MENDOTA - Mendota FFA chapter members traveled to Decatur Oct. 6-7 to attend one of two leadership conferences held at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel.

Junior and senior members, Blaire Collins, Aaron Garza, Griffin Newell, Pearl Taylor, Beau Wixom and Owen Wixom attended the annual 360° conference. Underclassmen, Shea Doughty, Noah Garza, Dria Kuntz, Marissa Martin, Malyka Siebert and Kaysee Villegas took part in the 212° conference.

Both conferences are activities of the National FFA Organization made possible by title sponsors as special projects of the National FFA Foundation. The 360° takes students full circle in chapter leadership development, and covered every angle for developing action plans for their chapters. The 212°, which refers to the temperature at which water boils, focuses on taking students to the boiling point of personal leadership. At 211°, water is extremely hot but just one more degree gets it to the next level.

The conference for junior and senior FFA members reflects on how underclassmen view the older students’ actions and leadership abilities and how they can work to improve their local chapters and communities. The event also includes networking opportunities and many other fun and engaging group activities.

Meanwhile, the underclassmen focus on student development, becoming more aware of all aspects of personal growth. The younger students attend sessions on mental, emotional, physical and social growth, and they leave the experience with a personal plan for self-improvement. They also take part in other enjoyable group activities and a dance.

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.