Greenhand Officers Run Gilbert FFA Activity

Amanda Pucelik, Greenhand ClubRepresentative;(left), with guest speaker Julie Gauman (right)

GILBERT-First year members in FFA officer positions, known as Greenhands, ran their first activity and meeting after school on Wednesday, February 20th during National FFA Week. Everyone was required to memorize their parts for the opening ceremonies, and subsequently were able to greatly develop their public speaking skills in front of 19 other hardworking FFA members and guests present at the event. Ms. Jordan Hunsaker, Greenhand President, ran the meeting with great ease and helped to facilitate various committee reports, such as the Secretary's minutes given by Dean Bushong, and the Treasurer's report voiced by Ms. Hannah Brannon. The guest speaker of the day was Julie Gauman, a former Gilbert High School student and FFA member; she also competed in 1990 on the Meats Evaluation Team at National Convention and helped to win a silver emblem. She spoke to the members about furthering their horizons in the organization and encouraged them to take up responsibility and work hard for what they desire and deserve. Various motions were also given to allocate money for the fast approaching annual banquet. Bethany Porter, Chapter Historian, presented the February Member of the Month award to Jake Fleagle, also a dedicated greenhand member. The chapter officers made a special presentation to their associated Greenhand Officers with bronze officer pins designating their stations. After the general business, members were organized into teams to perform leadership activities such as a lifesaver relay, saran-wrapped group races, and a pie-eating contest! Refreshments included cookies and soda. The Greenhand Officers did a wonderful job and the chapter would like to congratulate them on their huge success!

National FFA Officer Visits Arizona

National Vice Pres. Amber Haugland and Gilbert High School Principal Mr. Charles Santa Cruz

GILBERT-Ms. Amber Haugland, a National FFA Vice President from North Dakota visited the Arizona Association FFA at Gilbert High School around 6:00 pm on Wednesday night. Various chapters had members in attendance to be involved in the workshop, themed "Strike It Rich!" During the event, FFA members were encouraged to "Dig Deep" in order to discover and realize their internal qualities and abilities. Next, they "Dusted off the Treasure" to be able to see opportunities being offered and to develop their skills. Lastly, members "Unlocked the Riches"-i.e. scholarship money through the FFA, success that can be won in the organization, and personal growth that can occur. Amber motivated all those present to go for their goals and have personal faith to accomplish them. Ginnie Bushong, Gilbert FFA Chapter President, also presented her with a complementary club t-shirt to better remember her stay in Arizona.