More than 100 FFA members took a trip to Hesperus for a leadership conference on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, including 36 from the Cortez FFA Chapter.
FFA members from District 3, which includes chapters from Durango, Ignacio, Dolores, Dove Creek, Pagosa Springs, and Cortez, participated in workshops put on by the 2014-2015 Colorado FFA state officers, two past state officers, and by the 2014-2015 District 3 officers. The conference consisted of workshops, service projects and tours.
The district officers conducted three service projects. District 3 president Tierney Wilson helped FFA members bag bean soup mix to give to people in need around the district. About 615 bags of soup mix were made to donate to those in need.
District 3 secretary Kylee Syra and vice president Megan Pope raised about $110 to donate to Heifer International, which takes donations to buy livestock and send the animals to third world countries. Organizers teach families how to raise the livestock, and after the animal has an offspring, the owner gives the offspring to another family and shares their newly gained knowledge.
District 3 sentinel Whitney Finley and treasurer Bailee Karo helped FFA members write thank-you letters to soldiers. About 215 letters were written to recognize soldiers for their service.
Present and past state officers conducted workshops to help FFA members identify their purpose, build positive friendships, recognize various SAE types, and take calculated risks. Members who participated in the workshops walked away with skills and knowledge they can apply in their everyday lives. After the workshops and service projects, members enjoyed a dance, game room and s’mores.
On the second day of the conference, members went on one of three tours – Lake Nighthorse pump house and dam, Old Fort Lewis animal research facility or King Coal Mine. The tours were set up to raise awareness about possible careers, skills needed to be successful in agriculture-related industries, and for members to see what new technology is being used in our area.
The Hesperus Leadership Conference is an annual event that builds upon the knowledge and skills FFA members learn and practice in their agricultural courses.