By Courtney Levan and
Kayla Tanner
On Tuesday, Oct. 5, eight Greenhands (or first year FFA members), one Area officer, and Advisor Tiffany Kauffman attended the Area XII Greenhand Conference in Branson.
The Area officers conducted opening ceremonies to kick off the conference.
Members were split into groups and had to create a dance for the contest – American Idol/So you think you Can Dance – FFA Style. Three Ag teachers served as judges and Mrs. Kauffman acted as Paula Abdul. After each group performed, they announced the winners – all were winners.
The judges conveyed the significance of the contest which was, with FFA you can learn to overcome unexpected obstacles, and just as there as many different styles of dance, there are many different opportunities for members to participate in during their FFA career – just find the ones for you.
Members also took part in three breakout sessions where they participated in a game, then learned the lesson of the activity.
In Breakout #1, members learned you never know what those around you are going to say or do, so pay attention to your surroundings and make sure you only say what you mean.
Breakout #2, the scenarios game taught about always making good decisions and that easiest doesn’t always mean it’s the best.
Breakout #3 taught about teamwork and working together.
To close the conference, Missouri state officer from Area XII, Quaid Taylor, inspired the Greenhands to make a difference and told how the FFA has positively impacted his life.
Attending were Area XII Sentinel Courtney Levan, Kayla Tanner, Nathan McCollom, Cheyenne Lafferty, DJ Shumate, Tracey Greene, Oceana Olsen, Moe Melton, Dean Pierce and Mrs. Kauffman.
