We were able to get an incredible view of the city from the North Tower in Tokyo. Toyota was our first visit, where we got to know the company and some of the challenges they are working to overcome. We had a reception in the evening where we formally thanked Mitsui and Co., LTD for their sponsorship and support of the National FFA Organization.
In the afternoon we had the opportunity to visit with poultry producers in Pennsylvania, as well as another sponsor, the Pennsylvania FFA Association. It sure is fun to see some of the games and get involved in some competitive sports action. The Christmas tree was put up in the rotunda of the National FFA Center and we had a great time hanging decorations and singing carols with the wonderful staff members.
Our officer team was excited to be a part of the "job shadow day" in which we learned about some of the teams at the national FFA center. It was so refreshing to see the excitement on members' faces as they shared a little about themselves and their chapter.
The 2001-2002 National Officer Journals
Amber Haugland
2001-2002 National FFA Central Region Vice President
I flew to Portland and then headed to Woodburn, Oregon - site of the 2002 State Convention. It was in this session that we heard four incredible speakers give their version of the FFA Creed. I headed to the Sponsors Luncheon and met some of the incredible supporters of the Oregon FFA Association.
Dan then took us down to the floor of the Board of Trade where we witnessed the opening of a market. This week I pay tribute to all the hard working people across America who believe in the future of agriculture. I went out to the Tennessee Mid South Fair where I met with FFA members from all areas of the South.
When I arrived there were a number of FFA competitions taking place so I went to one of them…the poultry competition. Then it was off to Campbell High School, home of the Camels, to visit their chapter. We had the opportunity to go to Louisville, Ky. drive to the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, site of the National FFA Convention.
Then we thanked everyone who works in FFA – we officers dedicate 365 days, but almost all of these employees have dedicated years to do good things for the students. We took a day and drove down to the southwestern part of the state, home to Theodore Roosevelt National Park – ND badlands. I couldn't believe it...meeting the president - the leader of the free world - the most powerful individual in the world.
We were pretty dazed for the rest of the day thinking about the incredible possibility. We left for a night tour of the monuments we would visit with the state officers during the conference. This evening we had a workshop on Local Program Success led by Tony Small from the National FFA.
All the officers entered the room and sat down. We were all in intense excitement. Once we arrived we went to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where we had the opportunity to lay an FFA wreath. I rode with the Georgia officers to the cruise ship and became an honorary Georgia Peach. We had so much fun talking and laughing.
It was quite a time to think – with the sounds of the forest in the background, with the bright stars and moon shining overhead.
Tuesday, June 18
State officials from Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi arrived Sunday evening to join us for the Mr. Bowl. As the day progressed it was great to see officers like Kelly and Toni put together their workshops and feel confident. I was delighted to find that these government officials were even more talented and strong of character than I could have imagined.
That evening we held reflections on the porch where we had the opportunity to think about what makes us a unique member of a team.
Wednesday, June 19
A sponsor and VIP reception was held the evening prior to the last session of the day. The highlight of this session was the announcement of the report of the State Officer Nominating Committee. I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening with the past and present state officer teams.
Once at the Leadership Center I met the rest of the state officers, Chris, Jared, Ryan and Josh. Later that evening it was time for a game of water volleyball – the state officials and I arrived at the North Dakota State University campus at noon, home of the 73rd North Dakota State FFA Convention.
But the next morning I arrived at Clemson University, the site of the 75th South Carolina State FFA Convention. At this breakfast I had the opportunity to meet the team of state officers, as well as part of the state staff, the leaders of this association. After the workshop, I had the opportunity to visit with some FFA members and state officer candidates, like Matt and Nic, who were going through the interview process.
The last item of business was to close the time capsule after the new state officials placed inside it the letters written to the 100th team of state officials. And with the blow of the gavel, the 75th South Carolina State FFA Convention came to a close. Many of the competing cowboys and cowgirls are chapter members and FFA officers.
In the afternoon the business meeting of the delegates took place, where the business of the New Jersey Association was transacted. These are just a handful of the FFA members I had the pleasure of getting to know at this state convention. I had the opportunity to speak with the eighth grade agriculture class and answer some of the questions they had for me.
