The state officers are thrilled to bring you this month’s edition, packed with updates, insights, and tips that celebrate the energy and enthusiasm of FFA members across Alaska. In this issue, you’ll find stories of growth and connection in Event Updates, where we recap recent gatherings that capture the spirit of FFA. Future Features highlights what's on the horizon, with events that will continue to inspire and engage. Helpful Tips offers practical advice for making the most of your FFA journey, and in Reflections on the Journey, we pause to appreciate the small, meaningful moments that define a year of service. Dive in to catch up, learn, and be inspired by the stories and opportunities that make Alaska FFA so special!
Inga: Event Updates
Since we last touched base with the blog, there have been a series of events that really sum up the FFA experience and what makes the organization so amazing and impactful. On the local level, we had our district leadership conferences which keep members in a constant state of growth and allow connection between chapters. Following that, there was National Convention, which gave a very big-picture experience of FFA. Read more about these events below.
District Leadership Conferences:
The state officers had a blast meeting with all of the districts and presenting leadership workshops! If you are wondering whether or not the emphasis on direction through problem-solving and goal-setting was a coincidence, you are correct. One central theme that we tried to bring to our district event was the importance of finding direction and that is something we drive home with our theme of the year “North to the Future”. Overall, Districts were a blast with record-high attendance in the Interior, South-Central, and Kenai. Special to the Interior and South-Central this year was the reintroduction of Fisheries and Marine Science.
National Convention
Alaska FFA members made up the 70,000 members in attendance at National Convention this past October. Not only were there familiar faces in the mall and expo, but also on stage as Michael Boatright, Midnight Sun Kenai FFA member, and former State President, received his American degree, and Brayden Abeyta (pictured below), from Midnight Sun Kenai, dazzled hundreds with his talent as he made his way through the talent ranks all the way to the semi-finals.
Midnight Sun FFA member, Brayden Abeyta, competing on the semifinals stage in National Talent
The State Officers had a busy yet fun week as we juggled many responsibilities from cheering on Alaska FFA members to representing Alaska on stage during the flag ceremony and giving voice for our state association during delegate committees.
Sessions were a special treat as they included some very entertaining keynote addresses, including one from the notable Temple Grandin and the very heartfelt, and encouraging messages from the retiring National Officers. It was very moving to hear the RAs from two of Alaska’s favorites, Grant Norfleet and Amara Jackson. Amara even shared a very impactful experience she had with a member while attending our convention.
We hope all of our members in attendance enjoyed Nationals and hope to see even more next year!
Levi: Future Features
Welcome back to our monthly features on upcoming events for the Alaska FFA Association and more! This month, we’re introducing FFA chapter visits!
Starting in the south-central and Kenai districts and working our way back into the interior, we’ll be visiting chapters and giving workshops across the state!
Next up, the
Alaska Agriculture Conference: Farmers Sustaining Agriculture!
This annual conference, a collaboration between the Alaska Farm Bureau and Western SARE, will be held at Pike's Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks from November 15 to 16, 2024.
Learn more at - Annual Convention • Alaska Farm Bureau
25th Annual Invasive Species Workshop
The upcoming 25th Annual Alaska Invasive Species Workshop is a must-attend for anyone interested in environmental challenges and hands-on learning! Taking place on Nov. 12-14 in Fairbanks, this year's theme is all about the pressing issue of managing invasive species in a changing climate. The workshop, coordinated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service and the Alaska Invasive Species Partnership, brings together experts, agencies, and community members who share a passion for protecting Alaska’s ecosystems.
This is a fantastic chance to deepen your knowledge, connect with professionals, and see real-world applications of invasive species management.
Find more details and register here: Alaska Invasive Species Workshop
Melina: Reflections on the Journey
New situations, deep connections, sprinting across the airport for Qdoba, and 2 AM swing dancing lessons. Long talks in hallways and catching up over Chick-fil-A. These things may seem minor when they occur, but these are the memories I will look back on, remember how I felt, and smile. These memories are motivation when I feel tired. Going into a year of service, I knew I’d get to experience so many new things. What I’ve come to realize over the last six months is that it’s the seemingly small moments that mean the most. A quiet conversation on the floor of a hotel lobby may not be a huge event, but it made an impact and a lasting impression.
These small moments can often be overlooked. The excitement of a big event like National Convention can sometimes distract us from the smaller moments and people we met briefly, brought together because they needed our signature. A handshake, a smile, or a quick exchange of jokes can feel like just another part of the day. But I’ve learned that these small interactions add up. They form a patchwork of meaningful connections that remind me why I serve in this role, even when I’m tired or stressed. The look on someone’s face when they share their story with me or that flash of understanding when we talk about something important to both of us—these are the things that stay with me long after the events end.
As I move through my journey this year, I’m learning to slow down and really appreciate these small, beautiful moments. Service is about showing up and being present, and sometimes that means stopping to listen or making time for late-night laughs and early-morning coffee runs. I realize now that what may seem small in the moment can end up being the memory that sticks—the story that we’ll tell a dozen times because it was real and honest. It’s these small moments that fuel me when the work feels heavy. They’re reminders that we’re all connected by our shared experiences and that every handshake, every small gesture of kindness, matters.
Looking back, I know these are the memories that will shape this year and stick with me for years to come. The big events are exciting, sure, but it’s the tiny, sincere moments with people that make this year of service truly unforgettable. It’s a reminder that sometimes, it’s the smallest encounters that leave the biggest marks on our hearts.
Emily: Helpful Tips
Keep Up with AET Journaling
Most of us have probably heard the words come out of our advisor's mouth before: “Did you journal that into AET?” One word: journaling. It’s the backbone of FFA record-keeping, and while it’s tempting to save it for “later,” that usually translates to “never.” Trust me, keeping up with AET entries daily will save you a world of stress and spare you those gentle reminders from your advisor. Skip a few days, and suddenly, you’re deep in a foggy memory bank, trying to remember every detail of last week’s activities. Plus, advisors have a sixth sense for procrastinated journals. Save yourself the hassle and jot down those daily notes—it’s one less thing to worry about!
Nylon Rescue Kit
Ladies, if you’ve ever had a nylon crisis, you know they love to strike at the worst possible moment—usually right before a big event. The secret weapons come in here: hairspray and clear nail polish! Keep these on hand to stop runs in their tracks. A little spritz of hairspray or a dab of clear polish seals up small tears in no time, so you can stay photo-ready without missing a beat. And who knows, you might even end up as the hero for your fellow FFA members in need of an emergency nylon rescue!
Snack Stash Essentials
Pro tip: pack a snack, even if you’re positive you won’t need it. Between classes, chapter meetings, and unexpected schedule changes, it’s a long day out there. An “emergency” granola bar or trail mix can feel like a lifeline, especially when lunch seems like it’s a hundred miles away. There’s no better feeling than remembering you have a snack tucked away in your bag when you’re fading in hour two of a meeting. Snacks are more than food; they’re FFA fuel!
The Extra Pen Rule
Never underestimate the power of an extra pen. Even if you start the day with three of them, FFA meetings have a magical way of making pens disappear. And somehow, it’s always when you need to write something important—like notes for a competition or your name on a form. Be prepared with a small stash; while you’re at it, maybe guard them with your life! They tend to turn into community pens faster than you can say “FFA.” But lending a pen to a friend in need is always a good idea!
The state officer team holding the state award banner for membership increase in 2023-2024. L-R: Melina Regoord, Levi Faulkner, Emily Faulkner, Inga Peterson
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