Hannah & Nessie - Michigan NLCSO

On June 20th we landed in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for our second NLCSO. After getting set up and settled in, we were excited to be joined by the state officer teams from Michigan, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee. From the get-go we knew that this would be a fun bunch! We spent the week getting to know each other and learning about how we will perform this year as a team.


We were also blessed with a celebrity visit by the man, the myth, the legend (and aka, the Big Owl) – Dr. Larry Case! Everyone was glad to have the chance to meet and talk with him. Of course, he was chalk full of inspirational and motivational messages and it was truly a treat to have him join us.


During our second evening, we were invited to the home of Mr. Comer Skinner, a past Michigan state officer and a long-time FFA supporter, for a cook-out and wagon rides. It was so cool to see all of Mr. Skinner’s FFA memorabilia from over the years and spend some time with members from the Hopkins FFA Chapter. We owe them a huge THANK YOU for the delicious meal, sincere hospitality and relaxing evening.



Joining us throughout the week to provide some expert advice were several state staff members, including Mr. Chaliff (KY), Mr. Cole (TN), Doug Gilles (TN), Mr. Fletcher (AR), Mr. Draper (AR), Mr. Wyrick (MI) and Mrs. Zimmerman (WI). Thanks for all your help during the conference and with your guidance, we know that your teams will have much success this year!

Our final night in Grand Rapids was spent at Lake Michigan where we were fed an amazing meal by the members and alumni of the Ravenna FFA Chapter. Between eating, swimming, pyramid building, sing-a-longs, smores and the sunset – it was an awesome ending to an awesome NLCSO.





After rounding out our last few sessions in the morning, we left with some slight southern accents and plenty of great memories to go around. Thanks for such a great week and we especially LOVED the videos you all made us! We love you too! :)

P.S. – Hey Turtles, we’ll buy you a coke ;)

God Bless,

Nessie & Hannah

Hannah & Nessie's Travels

Hey Everyone! Nessie and I have had some interesting adventures as we've been traveling to and from NLCSO's this month. From tornados to cancelled flights to being stranded in L.A., it's been quite a journey so far!

Although there are many memories to choose from, one of the most prominent in our minds took place during our flight from Chicago to Grand Rapids, MI last weekend. Nessie and I had prime seating in the very back row of the plane and settled in for the 30 minute flight. When we were getting ready to get off the plane in Grand Rapids though, we noticed a group of servicemen outside of our side of the plane and one soldier that was holding a folded American flag. We learned from the flight attendants that we had traveled to Grand Rapids with a fallen soldier. We watched out the windows until we were the last people on the plane. While leaving, we asked the flight attendants how old the soldier was. They replied that he was only 21-years-old.

As we watched from inside the terminal, we saw his family and numerous soldiers gather on the tarmack to welcome him home and begin the funeral procession. It was a sharp reminder that there are brave individuals fighting for our freedom and risking their lives everyday to keep us safe. Let us never take for granted how blessed we are to be Americans and continue to thank those who have given their lives to protect us.



God Bless,

Hannah & Nessie

Greetings from Hannah and Nessie!

We’re on the road for the season of NLCSO! Our first NLCSO experience was at the Leadership Training Center in Aurora Nebraska. We were both excited to be coming back to Aurora after having spent time there previously this year for Nebraska’s COLT Conferences. Our first few days in Nebraska were spent with Maile and John Boeder. They were tons of fun and made some tasty home cooked meals—yum! (Thank you for the hospitality, tell your miniature horses aka dogs hello).
Soon after our time with Maile and John, we were joined by state officers from Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota and Minnesota. What a stellar crowd. The conference kicked off with a bang! The officers really brought their A game and remained energized all week. We were also impressed by how hard each team worked on their upcoming activities whether it be PEAK, SCCL, chapter visits or B. I. and E tours. The week was spent learning about teamwork, the messages we deliver and the many experiences of state officers. We even had a unique bonding experience when a tornado went through Aurora. We all gathered under a board room table for safety. This close of proximity to a tornado was certainly a new experience for both of us. We are thankful for the calm actions and attitudes of everyone. We also have to admit that it was kind of exciting.

Above is one of the houses damaged by the destructive path of the tornado. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected in Aurora.

It was sincerely sad to say goodbye on Friday, though we look forward to seeing our friends again at SPC and National Convention.

Dancing- Love Liberty Disco!! Good times.

We all played pool volleyball! It got pretty intense, still unclear who actually won. You all rock and we can’t wait to hear more about your year!

Riley - Travels...so Far!!!

So I was looking through some pictures of my travels, reflecting on the places I have been and the people I met. Then I thought "Hey! I need to share these."Check out the video!

Riley - Virginia FFA Convention

On June 21st I traveled to Blacksburg Virginia and Virginia Tech to attend the Virginia FFA Convention. I had a great time hangning out with members, taking a look around the beautiful Virginia Tech Campus, and hanging out with friends.

After I landed I met up with Chris, Shasta, Courtney, Amy, Codi Jo, Meredith, Jessica, Erica and Willie, a crazy bunch of state officers who love to work hard and have fun! They were busy preparing for the convention and the week ahead.

Throughout the conveniton, CDE events will happen throughout the day, along with workshops, and a lot of hanging out, then each evening everyone gathers for a convention session. On the first day I had a blast hangning out with members preparing for CDE's. I quizzed a team on pet animal breeds for their small animal CDE, what a cool contest, hang a great time hanging out with the state officer candidates playing Go Fish, eating ice cream and I even scared them once!

The convention was off to such a great start and only more fun followed!

On the second day of the convention I presented a workshop to high school students. We had a blast talking about influence, playing charades, and solving a definition! That evening I gave my keynote and had a blast doing it. Thank you VA FFA for laughing at my corny jokes, and all of the funny situations I have found myself in throughout the years. i.e. - Scooting down a ski trail while sitting down!

The following morning I presented a workshop to middle school members about character and values. A slight bit of chaos broke out as we chased each other through the auditorium trying to pop ballons! We also had a great time drawing our self portraits, and having some good conversation!

The entire convention was a great experience. Ben, past state officer from Illinois, joined us at the conveniton. It was great to meet up with Ben again and catch up on times past.

I was also taken back a few years being on the Virginia Tech campus. Right outside of the session hall is the memorial for everyone who was killed in the Virginia Tech shootings that took place a couple of years ago. It was breathtaking to see the memorial, and hear the stories of the environment during the shootings, and the days following them. It is amazing how a single moment in history can change the future of so many lives.

I am very inspired by the story of Liviu Librescu. Mr. Licrescu was a professor at Virginia Tech, and during the shootings held the door to his classroom shut while his students escaped through the windows while the shooter was trying to enter the classroom. Librescu was shot by the shooter. All of his students except for one were able to escape. Many lives were saved by his heroic actions.

While we may not encounter a shooting massacre within our lives, we have the opportunity to take the same mindset of selfless service each and every day.If we will have a constant mindset like Librescu did, many people will be better because of it. Whether it be through starting a canned food drive, reaching out to the student in your school you don't know, or helping a friend who may be going down the wrong path, we have the opportunity to change lives each and every day.

Paul's thoughts -- Go USA!

A while back while sitting in an airport an event occurred that I will never forget. I started a casual conversation with a gentleman who had done more good for those around him in a few years than most do in a lifetime. I listened to stories of his life and about the many times he had risked his life for those around him. I heard about the preparation he went through and the tough times he faced along the way. I listened to him recall the times where he just wished he could see his family and the times where he couldn’t seem to feel like he ever did enough. One of his stories was so powerful that I will never look at doing good for those around us the same way again. I would share it with you now, but I may save it for another day. Keep on the lookout…


The man I met was a soldier in the United States Army and one who had risked his life time and time again for a nation he loved so much and for people he has never even met…


That day got me thinking of how blessed we all are to live in a nation where we have people who are willing to give their all for us to have the freedoms and the lives that we do. These men and women are the epitomy of servant leadership and we all should follow their examples. Don’t ever for a second forget how lucky you are to live in this nation. Take some time everyday to reflect on the blessings we all have and how proud we all should be of the red, white, and blue…

Go USA!!

Paul's Wyoming NLCSO Starts tomorrow

Wyoming NLCSO starts tomorrow and I am so pumped. State Officers from Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota will all be here and I am sure they will be excited for the week. Its pretty late here but ya know that feeling when you are just so excited for something you cant wait...?! well its kinda like that- only a little more excited.

This place is gorgeous out here! Wish all of you could see it.. be on the lookout for photos in the future!

-PDM

Paul's Indiana FFA State Convention

Indiana FFA State Convention
It felt so great to be coming “home”… or at least Indiana will be my home for the next couple years of college. I met so many students who go to school not too far from Notre Dame so hopefully I will get to go to their chapter, district, and state events in the future!

I was picked up at the airport by Mrs. Cain and four members from the Rushville FFA chapter. They were some fun girls to spend time with and we had some good laughs on the way to Purdue. We may have drove in a few circles but we made it just fine. Apparently I may not be the best navigator of the road.

When I arrived at convention I saw the state officers and watched the first session. That night the State executive committee as well as some members from Shenandoah FFA and Ms. Geisler invited me to a local diner that was once featured on the Food Network. They are famous for serving a hamburger with peanut butter in it. That doesn’t sound too great, but it is really good. I liked it at least!

The next day I spent time going around convention and meeting members. I also sat in at the delegate luncheon and had a great conversation with Marissa who actually lives about 15 minutes from my college. I also talked with Amanda who was the District President right around Notre Dame. I watched some sessions and chatted with some FFA members around the hotel and convention. Again that night we went back to the famous pea nut butter hamburger place. Ms. Geisler and I chatted about life and enjoyed some great curly fries. The night before the exec committee as well as the state officer candidates and I all signed a menu and hung it up on the wall next to all the others.

On Wednesday I delivered a workshop with about 200 students and a keynote as well. The convention was a great time. I was sad that it was my last state convention, but I couldn’t have picked a better one to end on. Thanks Indiana FFA!

Paul's Illinois FFA State Convention

Illinois FFA State Convention
Illinois knows how to have a great convention! The convention was about 3,500 students in a loud arena with some pumped up students. I spent a lot of quality time with Andrew, Annie, Austin, Ben, and Clay during the week. The made some videos for convention that were hilarious. I loved how convention was very professional and at the same time still unique in so many aspects.

I also spent some time with some of my favorite people while in Illinois. Jeremy and Samantha came to visit for a night and it was a blast getting to spend some time with them and catch up. Corey and I chatted it up at breakfast and shared some stories from times in FFA. Kaitlin and I also caught up on old times together. And who could forget about the one and only Mike Funk! What a cool guy… !

The students in my workshop were pretty rowdy and knew how to have some fun. Watching the elections was making me nervous as I knew that 10 people were all qualified to be incredible state officers. In the end 5 were elected, but I know all will make an impact in the world around us. Sometimes things don’t happen as we plan, and later we realize it couldn’t have been better any other way.

I spent some time with the newly elected section presidents and the 5 majors including Caroline, Ellen, Amie, Adam, and Kiersten. Overall it was a great week! I also saw a statue of my 5th great-grandfather Pierre Menard who was the first Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. His family was from France and he was born in Canada. His great granddaughter later married a gentleman from Spain. I enjoy looking at my family tree and it was neat to be back “home” in a way so to speak. My friend Thomas Martin and I shared in some good conversation about Pierre and he told me that he has been to Pierre's old home before... How cool right?! That Thomas is a really cool guy!


Thanks for the good times Illinois FFA. Keep it real! Believe that dreams do come true…

Paul's Kansas FFA State Convention

Kansas State FFA Convention
What a great time with 1,300 close buds?! The Kansas FFA State Convention was a great time with some cool students from all across the state. I flew into Kansas City after a mix-up of flights, but I made it into Kansas at almost one in the morning. I was thankful to finally be there as I was excited for the week to come.

Kelsey, one of the convention directors, set everything up for me and was so helpful during the week. Ms. Kane was also a big help and ran a wonderful convention. And who could forget about the amazing Becky Sullivan- it was great to catch up with her too. I met some amazing students at Kansas convention. The staff of about 54 was real cool to hang out with as well as the state officers. Oh yeah, I almost forgot about meeting Brynnifer! Can’t forget about that one… Brandon and Tyler were a couple students who I spent a whole lot of time chatting with. Some great guys who are fun to be around.

I had a fun time with the new state officers too. We went to breakfast together and had a real good workshop too. Thanks Kansas FFA for making it such a great week! Catch up with ya soon!

Riley - Mississippi NLCSO

Regina and I just finished out first NLCSO in Mississippi. Visiting state officers were from Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Puerta Rico!

We had a blast hanging out with the officers during the conference, and discussing what it is going to take for them to be successful over this next year.

Between leadership sessions, funny dancing, late night Sonic trips, and some free time around the pool this was an amazing week. Thank you all for making it special.

After the conference was finished Regina and I loaded up to check out the Vicksburg civil war battlefield. We had a great time driving around and checking out all of the monuments.

It was also neat to see a recovered iron clad battle ship. These are rare to see!

Riley - South Carolina Convention

After the Texas Leadership Conference I found myself in Clemson, SC for the state convention.

The week was full of hanging out with members, state officer candidates, eating white ice cream, and meeting many great people.

During the first session I gave my keynote and had a blast doing it! I was also greatly impressed with the stage set that South Carolina has, check it out!

Amazing...

The next morning we had a blast during the workshop as we learned out influence. Thanks guys for making it a fun time!

I also spent some of the week with Mr. Parris. Mr. Parris is the communications coordinnator for SC FFA, and he had a full schedule of interviews, and dinners. It was great to spend time with Mr. Parris and learn some history of SC FFA!

On my final day in South Carlona, William and I traveled to Stumphouse tunnel. The tunnel was started in the Mid 1800's, but when the civil war started they stopped working on it and never finished it. It was creepy as we were walking into a large dark hole in the side of a mountain. Check out the pictures.