The Newman FFA chapter hosted two very special guests recently when state officers Sam Doty (vice president) and Kaylyn Shieber (reporter) visited Orestimba High School.

One of the duties of state FFA officers is to visit one-third of the schools with agriculture programs in their year of service, ensuring that each school is visited by state officers every three years.

The officers visit schools to promote the FFA organization and to conduct interactive lessons for students involved in agricultural classes.

Doty and Shieber arrived Dec. 10 and attended the Newman FFA holiday gingerbread house-making event, where over 100 Newman FFA members got the chance to get to know the state officers on a more personal level.

Then the OHS ag students were fortunate to have their Friday lessons taught by two great state FFA officers. They were both very enthusiastic and the students were very engaged in their topic. They put on a great lesson to help students learn about the benefits which FFA offers.

Doty and Shieber talked about the various conferences, such as Made for Excellence and the state conference, which FFA members can attend in 2010.

The officers’ visit was very encouraging to the ag students at OHS. Many stated that they are going to take advantage of the opportunities offered in the FFA organization. There are many important aspects to FFA, and this year’s state officers were able to show our chapter the basis of what the organization offers.

We were lucky to have had two wonderful officers come this year, and are excited to see who we will have in the state officer visit in three years.

(Submitted by Cheyenne Bueno, Newman FFA Reporter)