LEWISTOWN — The Big Valley FFA chapter learned that “Agricultural Cooperation Establishes Success” during a conference that helped them work on leadership and conversation skills recently.

That lesson is abbreviated to ACES, which is a conference that FFA members attend during their time in high school.

Over President’s Day weekend, 12 Big Valley FFA members attended the ACES in Harrisburg. ACES is a state level FFA conference held during weekends in February, giving chapters the freedom to choose which weekend to register and participate. Over the month, the PA FFA Association will host approximately 2,000 FFA members at the Sheraton Hotel. This particular weekend had over 500 members, facilitators, advisors, and guests present.

“We look forward to this conference all year,” said Big Valley Advisor Nicolette Cusate. “This conference has a way of getting first year members excited about their future in FFA while still being impactful and reflective for the senior members. Many members say this is their favorite FFA trip.”

The members were separated into multiple groups with other members from all across the state. The theme was “Weekend in the West” with various western themed workshops.

There were two sets of workshops, one designed for seventh- through sophomore members and the other for junior and seniors. Members rotated through workshops about professionalism, goal setting, career-readiness skills, how to stay motivated and make important decisions.

Included in the weekend was two buffet meals, conference t-shirt and the opportunity to make lifelong friends and memories. After the workshops, students had the opportunity to participate in social time, including a dance and other fun activities.

Senior Marlee Basom took the opportunity to attend the conference before she graduates this year. “I really enjoyed ACES. I got to learn how to stay motivated throughout stressful periods and the six steps of decision making when it comes to making a plan, but most importantly, I got to meet a lot of new people,” Basom said. “Everyone I have talked to from the Pennsylvania State Officers to fellow FFA members were extremely kind and happy to be there. I’m happy I got to experience ACES this year.”

Junior Sean Gutshall also valued his experience, saying, “ACES was a learning experience that everyone should participate in. We learned goal management, motivation, personal growth, and much more. Overall, it was a tremendous event, and I am so glad I went.”

Sunday morning started with breakfast and then a large group discussion reflecting the concepts of the previous day’s workshops, and how to use the information they learned to grow their local FFA chapter and serve as an advocate for the agricultural industry.