Cashion FFA members including, Chambers Clark, Austen Evans, Justin Robinson, Sarah Robinson, Jarrel Kadavy, Melissa Barry, Tres Basler, Cade Broadbent, Kelley Marlow, Cory Palmer, and Lane Welch attended the 2008 Alumni Leadership Camp in Wagoner, Oklahoma.
Also, we had two FFA members attend the Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The two Cashion members who attended were Megan Adams and Brentney Maroney.
By Kelley Marlow, Reporter
Cashion FFA members including, Chambers Clark, Austen Evans, Justin Robinson, Sarah Robinson, Jarrel Kadavy, Melissa Barry, Tres Basler, Cade Broadbent, Kelley Marlow, Cory Palmer, and Lane Welch attended the 2008 Alumni Leadership Camp in Wagoner, Oklahoma. On day one, it was “Forming” the day of “Building the Foundation of a Team.” Our team goals in order to be effective must be clear to everyone, common in all of us, communication must be used, and we all had to face our challenges!
Day two was the “Norming” stage--- “Finding the Team Rhythm.” We were beginning to understand what our role was in on our team. Our role as team members was to focus, listen and contribute so we could understand the rhythm of our team. Cade Broadbent tried out for one of the Flag Lowering parts and was selected to speak in front of everyone at the banquet on the last night.
On day three, our last full day at camp, was the day of “Storming” with our team and the day of our team task. It taught us to trust others and to take the right risks. As leaders we had to be aware of the trust/drama factor that occurs when teams work together. We also attended three FFA Opportunity Workshops choosing between Interview for Success, Teaching Ag. Education, Proficiency Awards, State Fair Opportunities, the College Experience, and Advertising Your Chapter. That night we got to either attend the Hypnotist Show by Dr. Al Snyder. Many FFA members got picked to get on stage to be hypnotized, Cory Palmer being one of them. Dr. Snyder had them all perform several different amusing acts that were very entertaining.
Our last day was “Performing.” The stage of leadership when team members grow together, having a common vision about our purpose, not being afraid of conflict, and embracing it as an opportunity to make our team stronger. It was also our last chance to make sure nothing was left unsaid. We also got our happy grams from anyone that wanted to write you one, a little piece of paper that you can always keep to remember the people you met.
Overall, the 2008 FFA Alumni Camp was an experience that will never be forgotten by very many. We got to learn important life and leadership skills as well as having fun at the same time. New friendships were made, as well as life-long memories.
Also, we had two FFA members attend the Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The two Cashion members who attended were Megan Adams and Brentney Maroney. WLC is the National FFA Organization’s premier leadership conference. Their focus was to take leadership skills to the highest level by learning to solve local problems; learning to build relationships; developing their character and living to serve. It is a five-day event that trains FFA members to make a positive impact in their school, community, state, and country.
The capstone event of WLC is a civic engagement activity, which takes leadership and service learning to new standards. Partnered with the Mid Atlantic Gleaning Network, participants glean food for area food banks and shelters. It was a life changing experience for both members.
