Guthrie FFA members attend leadership conference in Washington D.C.

Guthrie FFA sends three members to Washington Leadership Conference: Melinda Bush, Dalton Cockrum, and Morgan Truitt have received the opportunity to attend the Washington Leadership Conference sponsored by the National FFA.

These members all applied and received scholarships to cover the cost of this trip which will help teach them about being leaders not only in their chapter but in their community.

Morgan Truitt received a scholarship sponsored by the Guthrie FFA and Melinda Bush received a scholarship sponsored by the Guthrie FFA Booster club. Dalton Cockrum received a scholarship which was sponsored on a state level by T & D Meats and Oklahoma FFA Foundation Presidents club. Two of the members will attend the first week of WLC and one member will attend the second week of WLC.

Since 1969, the National FFA Organization has hosted this student leadership event. From June 7 to July 30, members will spend a week under the guidance of professionals, counselors and FFA staff members. In workshops, seminars and small groups, students will focus on identifying and developing their personal strengths and goals while undergoing comprehensive leadership training that will help them guide their local FFA chapters.

Students will also analyze the needs of their communities back home, develop a wide-ranging and high-impact community-service initiative and implement their plan with the help of their FFA chapter upon return home. Students in recent years have promoted agricultural literacy; brought awareness to abuse; collected and distributed shoes to individuals in Haiti; created an awareness plan on hunger, and more.

During their time in D.C., FFA members will also experience the history of the nation’s capital, touring landmarks including the Washington Monument, War Memorial, the National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Capitol, among others. Students will also have an opportunity for congressional visits during the week.