STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Three senior officers from the Barren County High School FFA chapter say National FFA Week is about much more than wearing the blue jacket; it’s a time to get members involved, step outside their comfort zones and showcase the reach of the national organization.
Chapter President Johnna Ford, Vice President Alana Houchens and Secretary Holland Kelsey, all seniors, said they began FFA in middle school but really became active as freshmen.
They described going from nervous new members to competitors in contests and leaders in their local chapter, saying that FFA has helped them grow personally and professionally. They credited competitions, speeches and leadership roles with helping them gain confidence in public speaking and in handling difficult situations.
Ford said one of her favorite parts of FFA Week is promoting an amazing organization and seeing it celebrated across the country, adding that friendships with members from other states make National FFA Week feel truly national, as those students are celebrating at the same time.
All three pointed to major FFA events as standout memories.
Ford highlighted her senior-year FFA camp this past summer, calling it an incredible experience where she met members from across Kentucky. Kelsey said her first state FFA convention, held in Lexington, is when the group really bonded and became close friends. Houchens pointed to her first national FFA convention in Indianapolis, where thousands of students gathered, including sessions at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Looking ahead, the students said FFA is influencing their future plans in different ways. Ford plans to study pre-veterinary medicine with an eye toward becoming a rural veterinarian working with both large and small animals. Kelsey said she knows she wants to pursue a career in agriculture, though she has not decided on a specific field. Houchens plans to attend Western Kentucky University and become an English teacher, saying her FFA experience will help her in front of a classroom.
The group also noted support from Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who they say frequently points to FFA as a foundation for his own public service and works to encourage young people in the organization.
Key Facts
– Three Barren County High School FFA seniors appeared on Coffee and Conversation
– Students are chapter president Johnna Ford, vice president Alana Houchens and secretary Holland Kelsey
– Interview focused on National FFA Week activities and meaning
– All three joined FFA in middle school and became more active in high school
– Students described friendships formed at state and national FFA events
– Seniors say FFA builds confidence, leadership and real-world skills
– Future plans include agriculture, veterinary work and teaching
– Students highlighted support from Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell
Michael Crimmins with Glasgow News 1 and Todd Steenbergen contributed to this reporting.
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