Six Long County High School students attended the National FFA Organization Chapter Officer Leadership Training Conference from July 13-15 in Covington.  

Local FFA officers who attended the session were Madison Smith, president; Elizabeth Coble, treasurer; Tristen Pitts, secretary; Hailey Hendrix, sentinel; Andrew Davis, reporter; and Marissa Pitts, chaplain.

According to Davis, the group was challenged to create a set of standards and write down goals for the upcoming year. He said the FFA members took part in workshops focusing on professionalism, service, commitment, teamwork, recruitment and sharing their message. Davis said they were encouraged to make an impact in their school and community, received tips on how to improve their club’s member involvement and were given ideas for fundraising and promoting the FFA.

FFA state President Avery Duncan talked about the importance of the COLT conference and how it helps the officers.  

“COLT conference is an excellent way for chapter officers to kick off their year of service. It’s amazing to watch the officers develop skills and form friendships that will last a lifetime. We challenge these officers to work together to empower the other members of their chapter.”

Helen Young, the FFA adviser for LCHS, said there were more than 250 officers attending the conference representing all 39 chapters across the state. She said the Georgia FFA Association is the third-largest in the nation, with 38,000 members. She said the National FFA Organization was formerly known as the Future Farmers of America but changed its name in 1988 to reflect the growth and diversity of agriculture. Young said the mission of the club is to develop members’ leadership skills, personal growth and career potential.