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LEWISTOWN -- When Abbie Fitzgerald stepped in front of the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology's operating committee meeting on Thursday, May 8, the Big Valley FFA member didn't expect to be graded.
After all, the final school bell had rung hours earlier.
Nonetheless, after Fitzgerald, who serves as the Big Valley vice president, and three other FFA members -- treasurer Sean Gutshall, secretary Lillian Seaholtz and reporter Sebastian Kauffman -- had finished their presentation, "What is FFA?" to the Academy administration and committee members, they received rave reviews. Of course, they passed with flying colors.
One of those high marks came from committee member Diane Stewart, a former educator who assisted with the selection process for the chapter officers.
"I want to compliment each of you because I was fortunate enough to be one of the interviewers for your positions when you guys went for your offices, and I was so impressed then with each of your speaking abilities, Because those interviews were not easy," Stewart said.
"What you are doing now, it's so important to get up in public and speak and you all did it so well," Stewart added. "I'm just so impressed with all of your speaking abilities, and I just see that growing for each of you. And you're using that to leap into whatever is next for each of you because of those personal skills -- you all made eye contact, you all stood up straight, you all spoke clearly. Kudos to all of you for that."
School-based agricultural education certainly plays a vital role for students in the Big Valley FFA. But the chapter also emphasizes service to their school and community, high-impact leadership experiences, being a positive influence for others and growing one's own leadership ability.
"You're probably wondering 'what does FFA have to do with agricultural sciences.' When you enroll in agricultural sciences, you're automatically enrolled in FFA," Seaholtz explained.
The Big Valley FFA chapter holds monthly meetings, participates in community service, and has various committees for members to promote community and collaboration within our committee.
Highlights from this year's agricultural sciences program include: completing wood and welding projects in ag mechanics; holding a rabies clinic, fetal pig and chicken wing dissections in the veterinary science class; integrating pest management and organizing the greenhouse sale; and earning a trip to the state Envirothon competition on May 21.
Additionally, there are other important life lessons that are learned by members, which the officers showcased without realizing it.
"We're talking about 21st Century skills," Mifflin County School District Superintendent of Schools Vance Varner said. "Communication is number one.
"It's about having that confidence to speak well," Varner added. "When I see you guys in the hallway or when I see you up there, you speak to me, you make eye contact when I walk in. You thank me for coming. That matters to the older generation."
Varner stressed that when parents ask him what skills their children should be working on, he answers, "It's communication -- which is verbal and written communication," without hesitation.
"I think you guys knocked it out of the park and I'm proud of you guys," Varner quipped.