National FFA Week is something many FFA members look forward to every February. For the organization’s national officers, the week is typically spent on the road connecting with as many FFA members, supporters and stakeholders as possible. But due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event will look different from normal for the officers.
“My teammates and I are excited to share experiences with chapters across the country – virtually,” said David Lopez, western region vice president from Holtville, California. “Though we won’t be on the road, we will still conduct workshops, keynotes and even get to connect with members online.”
In a first for FFA, all six national officers plan to hold more than 100 virtual events with members and chapters from over 30 different states. Anna Mathis, national secretary from Valley Springs, Arkansas, noted how this year’s unusual schedule offers unique advantages.
“Typically, officers would [each] go to one state and do keynote speeches and workshops during the week,” Mathis said. “This year, we have the opportunity to interact with [many] different states and chapters and meet more members, which is exciting.”
To prepare for a National FFA Week unlike any other, the six national officers have been living and working together in Indianapolis – the city where FFA is headquartered.
“We have two apartments, one for the girls and one for the guys,” said Miriam Hoffman, eastern region vice president from Earlville, Illinois. “We cook dinner together, we go to the gym together and we spend time together on the weekends. … We’ve only been in Indy for a month, but we’re already more like family than just teammates.”
Artha Jonassaint, southern region vice president from Okeechobee, Florida, agreed that the officers have a familial bond due to their current situation, and it’s helping her stay focused during trying times.
“We love watching movies, hearing each other’s stories and making TikToks together in our spare time,” Jonassaint said.
The national officers are currently working a busy schedule to train for this year’s National FFA Week. Paxton Dahmer, central region vice president from Nevada, Missouri, said training has been strenuous, but the officers’ camaraderie and his positive outlook are keeping him going. He’s looking forward to connecting with FFA members in a brand-new way.
“We have a unique opportunity to reach more members in more states in more ways this year,” Dahmer said. “I’ve learned that there is far more value in the positive than the negative.”
Doster Harper, national president from Covington, Georgia, said he hopes FFA members across the nation will share the officers’ passion and enthusiasm as National FFA Week starts on Feb. 20.
“I know the situations we have been put in are tough, and we often find ourselves [feeling] like we’ve lost all control in our lives – but because we wear the blue jacket, that’s just not true,” Harper said. “Always know that you can make a difference.”
To learn more on how you can celebrate National FFA Week, visit FFA.org.
