Margeaux Stewart stands by her FFA jackets, showcasing her growth within the organization.
Margeaux Stewart is a senior at Lanesville Jr.-Sr. High School in Indiana. She is currently a fifth-year Lanesville FFA member in District 11.
During this time, she has held numerous leadership roles to continue growing in various aspects of her life. Stewart is currently serving as the District 11 president and in her second term as chapter president. In previous years, she also served as reporter at both the chapter and district levels.
Stewart with her District 11 reporter jacket.
From Jerseys to Blue Jackets
Stewart was deeply involved in sports during her earlier high school years. However, as she became more acquainted with the National FFA Organization, it quickly became clear that the organization had everything she was passionate about.
Growing up in a family with roots in agriculture, Stewart was surrounded by the FFA values. Two of her siblings had also been involved in the organization, which initially sparked her interest. At first, she was simply excited to be part of something bigger.
It wasn’t until the middle of her sophomore year that she began to understand the true depth of what FFA could offer beyond the chapter level, as Lanesville FFA became increasingly involved at the district and state levels. She said these opportunities “led me to where I am today.”
When Stewart’s previous advisor moved on to a new career path, a new advisor stepped in to continue supporting Lanesville’s growth and members’ FFA journeys. Both advisors helped Stewart reach where she is today, ensuring the chapter continued to “keep going” despite any challenges it faced.
Stewart (left) received the Lanesville FFA Chapter president position from her cousin, Libby (right).
Saddle Up to a Bright Future in Sales
One of Stewart’s favorite parts of FFA has been the competitions, particularly the Ag Sales Presentation Leadership Development Event (LDE). She first competed in the event during her sophomore year, and it immediately sparked a passion. In 2023 and 2024, she placed first at the District Convention, and she is excited to compete in the process again this year.
Cultivating Connections in District 11
Stewart said she loves meeting FFA members and inspiring individuals to get involved. The District Kickoff is an event where she and other FFA members come together to meet new faces, share stories and bond over their love for agriculture, as well as “what they love about FFA and how FFA has impacted their lives.”
District 11, one of the larger districts in Indiana, brings members from all corners of the region together — some of whom travel up to two hours to attend.
The Lanesville FFA Chapter officer team at the National FFA Convention.
Flipping Pancakes and Building Connections
Back in Lanesville, Stewart looks forward to the Annual Farmer’s Pancake Breakfast event that her chapter hosts during National FFA Week. Seeing both older and new generations of agriculturists support the chapter, while also having the opportunity to regroup and enjoy a meal with people she hasn’t seen in a while, is always special.
Rooted in Rodeo
Stewart’s family has deep roots in the agriculture industry. Her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) involves working at her family’s indoor rodeo arena in Henryville, Ind., which hosts barrel races twice a month, along with team roping lessons. As the employee manager, Stewart is responsible for ensuring the events run smoothly, managing the staff and keeping the arena safe for all participants.
Lassoing New Connections
Through this managing role, Stewart has continued building connections by being given the “opportunity to reach out to different people,” she said. “The rodeo industry is very different when it comes to different events, and I’ve just loved getting to meet new people and communicate with those individuals.”
This experience has allowed her to build communication skills and not be afraid to talk to someone she doesn’t know.
The Stewart family’s rodeo arena in Indiana.
Endless Learning Routes
Growing up in a rodeo family, Stewart was no stranger to the world of horses and cattle. However, it wasn’t until she joined FFA that she truly recognized the vast opportunities offered within the agriculture sector.
“You might think you know a lot because you come from an agricultural background, but FFA opens your eyes to an entirely new perspective,” she said.
Roping in Lifelong Relationships Through FFA
From public speaking to developing a greater understanding of the agriculture industry through a business lens, Stewart’s journey of personal and professional growth has been shaped by a variety of experiences. But one of the most impactful forces in her life has been her involvement in FFA, particularly the opportunity to meet people and build meaningful relationships with them. “People from all different backgrounds come together and share a love for agriculture,” she said.
The organization creates a family where everyone always wants the best for each other, which allows individuals to be their true selves, embrace their identity and grow their self-confidence. “There are so many opportunities and something for everyone,” she said. “You can flourish in so many ways, and you can jump-start your career, too.”
Stewart shortly after being installed as the Indiana FFA District 11 President.
Finding Beauty in Every Path
Stewart’s deep passion for the agriculture industry continues to drive her as she nears the completion of her cosmetology training. She plans to graduate with both her high school diploma and cosmetology license. Looking ahead, she is excited to further her education at an agricultural college, focusing on areas such as agribusiness, agriculture sales and marketing, or agricultural communications.
Her journey has been shaped by numerous opportunities, including securing an internship last summer where she worked on graphic design and marketing for a family-owned business. Reflecting on her time in FFA, Stewart is grateful for how the organization has helped bring her career aspirations into focus. “I wouldn’t have had the opportunity for the internship without FFA,” she said.
Stewart’s journey in the blue jacket is an inspiring message about the impact of the connections you can make within the agriculture industry and how much growth can be experienced when you simply “go for it!”
