In the midst of an incredible 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, hundreds of attendees are embodying the last line of the FFA motto by living to serve.
A group of leaders, including state officers and delegates, gathered on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, to participate in eight different service projects across Indianapolis and celebrate the Delegate Day of Service. One group in particular was dedicated to beautifying White River State Park’s Belmont Beach.
“We’re trimming trees for the park,” says Girard FFA member Zoë Rhodes. “We’re cutting away honeysuckle so these evergreens can thrive in this area.”
White River State Park officials like Belmont Beach board member Greg Harger were grateful for this help.
“It’s energizing for people to see what can be done when you have a large group,” Harger says. “We get a chance to do some good work, then the energy that comes from FFA volunteers every year is incredible. It catalyzes things, and lights a little flame of enthusiasm here for the neighborhood when it sees what can be done.”
Giving up a Monday afternoon to help trim, pull and stack invasive plants might sound like a hefty task, but FFA members were glad to lend a hand and serve the communities that have served them.
“I think it’s really big, given the community I’m from,” says Marbury FFA member Jamyracle Williams. “When I came to convention, everybody was praying for me and saying, ‘Hey, if you need this while you’re up there [in Indianapolis], call me.’ I believe in giving back and being involved because the people who help build our communities gave back and that’s how it’s supposed to be.”
Although these service projects might not all look the same, they each fulfill and support the FFA motto.
“I think service is a major part of FFA,” says Nashua Plainfield FFA member Caleb Lentz. “I know that back home we did a lot of meals for farmers in our small community. We also have a lot of floods and tornadoes, so we’ve been doing a lot of help with that.”
Impactful acts of service won’t stop here. Throughout this year’s convention, there will be more projects going on behind the scenes. If you’re tuning in from home, check in with your chapter to learn about ways to serve your community.
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