'Tis the Season

As the end of the semester winds down, I find myself frantically struggling to get projects in on time, finish homework assignments, and study for finals in both high school and college classes that I have been studying for the past few months. This amount of stress, as is typical, brings on certain mood swings and without doubt a touch of sass and short tempers. While I attempt to rein most of my emotions in, I find myself letting slip a snide comment here or a sarcastic reply there. This just makes me wonder, why is finals week RIGHT before Christmas season? Maybe it’s to test our true character and bring out our true selves in ways that otherwise would remain hidden.

Just recently, my family went and picked out the PERFECT Christmas tree. This tree was exactly six feet tall and was just destined to stand in our living room for the holiday season. Now, the art of Christmas tree shopping is something my family has kind of perfected over the years. We pull up at the Christmas Tree farm, hop out, divide and conquer. All five of us, my dad, my mom, Jacki, Shai, and I, spreading throughout the area, weaving between trees big and small, full and thin. It takes less than 10 minutes before all of us are shouting that we have found the perfect tree. Which then turns into a tree parade as we all exhibit our chosen tree to the others until we have a general consensus of who picked the perfect tree. Once the tree is bought, it is instantly installed in our house and Christmas proceeds to spread its cheer. All. Over. It.

 By “cheer” I mean an assortment of ornaments. Ranging from hand-made ornaments from kindergarten, to hallowed ornaments from my parents past, to the epic moving ornaments that are plugged into the lights. Oh, and you can’t forget the lights of varying colors and brightness. And to top it all off, a star at the very top. Decorating the tree has always been a family affair (although getting it to stand by itself always has dad in a particular “festive” mood…). Even with everyone’s busy schedules, varying amounts of homework and responsibilities, never-ending house chores, and livestock that need to be cared for, the Zenger household always has a block of time for the annual Family Tree Decorating.

With the festive cheer increasing by the second, and Christmas creeping closer every day, Let us not forget who we are and where we come from. Schedule a family get-together

instead of business trips. Schedule a vacation instead of a meeting. Make cookies instead of plans. Buy gifts for others instead of nonsense items for yourself.

Above all, care for others as much as you care for yourself.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Scuyler Zenger

NCD President 

Hard Work Can Go A Long Way

Often times we are told that hard work can get us anything we desire. We are told that with "elbow grease" and some persistent attitude the world is putty in our hands. We hear it over and over and over again, until it slips in the back of our minds, only to be thought of when the going gets tougher than we expected. It is cliché to think that our hard work is what makes us successful. There is merit in the value that is hard work, and I am honored to be a part of an organization such as the FFA that exemplifies what can happen when we work hard.

The FFA is made up of so much more than just "farm kids." While attending the state FFA convention, I like to watch the CDE and SAE Pageants that recognize individuals who displayed hard work and skill in their field. The winners are not just those of us who live on farms; they are everyday people who learned to work hard and because of their efforts, they excel.  We should all strive to be more like those members. They have all taken the value of hard work very seriously.

Hard work is taken further yet even outside of FFA. We should all strive to apply it to our everyday lives. Whether it be schoolwork or sports, our jobs or our relationships, we can see all of those things flourish with some hard work. One of my favorite sayings heard often in the FFA is "the world needs what the FFA has." By working hard, even when our job may be less than desirable, or our homework is making us pull our hair out, we reveal a lot about our character. The world needs citizens with character and moral fiber, and hard work can help shape us all into those people.

As all of our semesters come to a close, I hope this motivates some of you who are struggling to get across the finish line. I know I am feeling the lag after coming off of Thanksgiving Break. I wish you all best of luck on finals. A reminder that NCD Dodgeball is coming up quickly on Dec. 2!!! Be sure to attend with your chapters! With a little hard work, your chapter could become the NCD Dodgeball Champions.

 -Garrett Craig
NCD Vice President

Give Thanks

I hope everyone had a wonderful Veteran's Day weekend. It is truly amazing the country we live in. The people that gave their lives for us, so we can wake up every morning and live our lives to the fullest. In case you have not already, take a moment to thank the people who have served for our country. I stopped by to see my 91 year old grandpa and spent some time with him on Saturday to show my thanks. My school held a ceremony last Friday for the veterans around our county to honor everything they have done for us. Our FFA chapter was asked to wear official dress and be escorts for the veterans. It was such an honor to have a part in the ceremony and be able to show our thanks for our local veterans.

Thanksgiving is coming up next week and I can't wait! This is always one of my favorite times of the year because I get to see family on both sides of my family. I want to wish everyone safe travels to wherever they are going, and enjoy a week with family. Remember to be thankful for the life you get to live. Be thankful for your family and friends. Lastly, be thankful for the wonderful organization we get to be a part of.

Also a couple reminders for all FFA members: NCD dodgeball will be held on December 2nd in Beloit, so start organizing your teams! There are flyers that will soon be sent out to all of the advisors. Also, be sure to represent your district, by ordering a t-shirt. These order forms are being sent out.      

      NCD Treasurer

                -Lauren Simmons

The Best Things in Life Aren't Things

The Best Things in Life Aren't Things
This is a quote that was written on the wall above my bed when I lived out on the farm. As a kid growing up you constantly want everything. You want toys, candy, money, and anything any of your best friends own. As a little kid growing up I wanted all these things, but this quote looked at me every night before bed, and every morning when I woke up. It became engraved in my head at first, but now is engraved in my life.

You don't start applying principles like this in your life until you understand what they truly mean. This quote isn't difficult in finding its meaning, but it can take time to a adapt it into your life. In high school everyone constantly says, "It's the best time to make memories!" or people ask you, "What was your funniest high school memory?" Most of the time you have two different people. Those who go out every weekend "Making Memories" and those who stay in all weekend. I am an even mixture of both. I like to go hang out with friends and do simple things, but I also really cherish the short time I have left living with my family.

Family is where this quote comes into play. In two years I will be moved out. I won't get to wake up every morning to my mom yelling at us to get out of bed, my brothers fighting, and almost being late every day. Although these are the things that some days make me say, "I can't wait to move out." they are also the things that make me say, "I don't ever want to move out." This is exactly what I mean when I say the best things in life aren't things. It is the memories you make and the love in your life. The moments that you remember forever aren't going to be made by buying the brand new iPhone X, they're going to be made spending time with the people you love.

College honestly scares me. I don't know how living on my own is going to go, but I know everyday of my life will be an adventure. Those adventures will always mean more to me then an item I buy ever will.

Cherish your loved ones! They will make your life unforgettable! And always remember, The Best Things in Life Aren't Things.

~Breezy
2017-18 NCD Reporter

Breathe

Sunday, October 22, 2017 marks the day of my senior pictures. As a member of the graduating class of 2018, I indulged in the tradition of capturing the peak of my years in high school with a typical photo-shoot which took a majority of my afternoon. If some of you are like me, you may question the need for an extensive amount of time, money, and preparation for an album that will serve you for about a year, maybe two, before it is filed away until a later date where you might find yourself reminiscing on the floor of your new apartment while eating ice cream straight out of the carton with a wooden cooking spoon because you’re and adult and can do that now. For others, my mother included, the task of senior pictures creates a certain level of finality. By this I simply mean that our parents started capturing moments of our lives with outrageously embarrassing photos of us as naked toddlers and now they get to flaunt how well their children grew up and can finally dress themselves and not have to undergo the sometimes ridiculous event of bath-time with uncontrollable kids. 

Despite my slight dislike of photo-shoots, I found myself enjoying moments of my senior picture session. My photographer, a close family friend, asked me questions about my life that even I hadn’t thought about yet. As a senior, the questions about the next step in our lives seem endless. Where are you going to college? What are you majoring in? How many scholarships have you applied for? Are you going to move back home when you graduate? Most of the time, I find that I answer these questions with “probably’s,” “maybe’s,” and “that’s the plan anyway.” The fact simple fact: I don’t know. Yes I have applied for college, yes I am applying for scholarships, yes I have a major, but all of these things could change in an instant. Much like the college classes I am taking now, due dates could be changed at a moment’s notice, plans might have to be rethought, and our futures ever changing.

 Recently celebrating turning 18, yet another “senior perk”, the only gift I asked for was an Apple watch. Some of you might groan and ask the relevance of this gift (which I questioned after Apple released the new technology). However, the watch had a surprising feature that I have come to love and rely on. Every night, without fail, the watch dings and buzzes on my arm with a simple reminder: Breathe. This notification takes me through steps of releasing the stresses of the day, week, or month and allows me to focus on the more important aspects of life instead of stressing out on yet another college assignment that randomly popped up on the assignment list. If we all could just keep this little reminder in the back of our heads during the day, we might just find ourselves being a little less stressed and living a (semi) picture perfect life. 

Still breathing,

Scuyler Zenger

NCD President

Lauren Simmons NCD FFA

Pike Valley Greenhands

Clay Center Greenhands

Hi everyone! I hope everyone is having a great year! I can't believe it is already October. I am certainly ready for the fall weather. Greenhand Conference was held on Wednesday, September 20th. I think the whole officer team thought it went great. I hope everyone had a fun time. The turn out was amazing. Congratulations to all the Greenhands on their information test. You guys did amazing! The pictures posted are my chapter buddies for the year.

Fall CDE's are already starting. Be sure to participate. You never know if you will like something until you try. My Greenhand workshop was pushing kids to step out of their comfort zones and try new things. I want to encourage everyone to try something new this year. I hope everyone continues to have a great year! Enjoy every step of the way, because before you know it, it will be over. 

Rock Hills Greenhands

Our next district wide event will be district dodgeball this December. The NCD officer team looks forward to seeing you there!                               -Lauren Simmons 

Solomon Greenhands

Riley County Greenhands

Life Flies by When You're Having Fun

Hey guys!

Hope your school year is off to a super start! Mine has definitely been a blast, but junior year has hit me like a brick wall. All the sports seasons are in full swing and every class has already had one or two tests. I've already had late night study sessions and spent time memorizing speeches for college classes, but nothing is better then spending those free weekends with your friends. Most schools have already had homecoming and the school year is already an 1/8 of the year over. Let me say that again. The school year is already an 1/8 of the year over. My junior year is already 1/8 of the year over!

Everything that I have talked about has one thing in common. Time. There's some cool things about time.
"Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it, you can never get it back." ~Harvey Mackay

As we continue on in our school year we learn that our lives are never slowing down. Junior year is said to be the hardest by many people. I definitely agree, but it seems to be going the fastest out of my high school years so far. There can be only one cause to this. I'm having so much fun in my life! I've learned so much in this short time of the school year! Since I've started taking college classes I've learned that my future is coming so fast and there's more important things to be stressed about rather than the 2 questions I didn't answer on my Physics homework.

In the rest of my school year there will be so many things that happen. There will be trips to state in sporting events, relief from acing tests, fun times at dances, ACT tests to take, and memories to be made the whole year. There will be a lot of stress, tears, and smiles in the mix but it will all happen so fast. I'm so blessed that I have found my passion in my life. I've found what makes me smile and what makes the bad times turn back into good times so quickly. I've found what makes my heart beat and I've met friends along the way that share my passion. This is what makes my life fly by so fast.

It doesn't matter if you're 14 years old or 64 years old and you're reading this. If you haven't found your passion in life it's not too late! Don't waste any more of your time doing something you don't love! Don't pursue that high money making job if it's not putting a smile on your face! Yes, doing what I love makes life fly by, but my life is flying higher than it ever has before! Do what you love, not what you think you're supposed to do!

Go fly high!


~Breezy Schroeder 2017-18 NCD Reporter

Scuyler Zenger 2017-2018 District President

Here we go again, another four-hour drive from my house to my grandparents. It wasn’t the fact that I didn’t want to go see my grandma and grandpa because I love them with my life. It was simply the fact that seven-year-old me could not STAND being in a car that long, so I sat the whole way there. Have you ever tried to entertain a hyper child who would ask every 10 minutes if we were there yet, high on the idea of getting to see his grandparents for the first time in about five months? It’s impossible because let’s be real, grandma’s cooking? Nothing could beat that. If you asked my parents how they dealt with the issue of me for so long they would probably answer that they didn’t because not only was I hyper-active, but I was also terrified of the car-wash my parents ALWAYS went through on the way from Washington to Oakley, Kansas.

Now, I find something enjoyable about a nice two to four-hour drive. It gives me time to just watch a nice movie, talk to people on my phone, or catch up on some much-needed Z’s because Lord knows I don’t get enough as it is. It’s a time when I don’t have to worry about schoolwork, housework, or work-work.

The evolution I undertook, called “aging,” is one that we all go through eventually but with varying levels of results. Others might still be hyper-active during long drives, but for myself, I’ve learned to just sit back and enjoy the ride. I feel the same concept can be made for FFA. Some approach it with such high energy and accomplish things in the first five-minutes of the year while others do so in a more managed time-frame.

The giddiness I had as a kid still reappears from time to time. Whether it’s right before a football or basketball game, as I walk into the cattle show, or as I’m getting ready to present a workshop I feel just like a kid again. Luckily for me, I have found my element. I have found that working with my show heifers, long sports practices, or rehearsing a workshop to perfection are all things that I enjoy and hope will contribute some life-long lessons I can take with me as I journey through the maze that’s called “LIFE.”

As your North Central District President, I solemnly promise to meet every day with a renewed dedication to the reason I serve you, the members. I swear my loyalty to you. FFA has so much to offer. Let it be your masterpiece. Shape it, mold it, frame it to your desires. Get as excited about anything you’re passionate about just like seven-year-old me got about seeing his grandparents because before you know it, your high school years are over, you’ve attained your American Degree, and you can no longer compete in CDE’s. So, while you’re still here, still young, live your life, learn new experiences, do something great, and live to serve others.

Learning to Do,

Doing to Learn,

Earning to Live,

Living to Serve.

Scuyler Zenger

North Central District President.

Garrett Craig 2017-2018 District Vice President

Hello, everyone! I am Garrett Craig and the 2017-2018 North Central District Vice President. I live in Clay County and really enjoy living in a rural area. My family consists of myself, my sister Maddison who is a freshman, my brother Owen who is a fifth grader, my mom Erica who is a substitute teacher and my dad Brent who works for a company called "ESPi" in Clay Center. The saying goes, "it takes a village," so I must have been trouble because I've had more extended family members around me as I've grown up than I care to count.

I am a senior at Clay Center Community High School and enjoy many activities there. First and foremost, FFA (of course). Since entering the FFA as an eighth grader, my life has been influenced not only by the great people I've met but also the wonderful, tangible skills I have acquired. Without FFA being in our school system, I would have never discovered one of my true passions in life, which is agriculture. Through the help of my advisors, fellow members, parents, and friends, I have grown to appreciate the different aspects of agriculture in my daily life. I notice them, especially when working on my SAE (supervised agriculture experience). Mine is under Diversified Agriculture Production. My grandparents own a small farm and a fairly large cow-calf operation. To say it was a large part of my childhood is an understatement. Receiving my first cow at the meek age of 3 months, I have come to love beef cattle. Bundled up in a car seat, 3 month-old me sat crying my eyes out in the calving barn for 2 hours while my grandparents pulled a heifer calf. Feeling pangs of guilt from the little guy in the corner, Grandpa broke down and said "Here, have her. You waited long enough." Now a much older, I work with them to manage their herd and get a lot of excitement out of making genetic decisions as well as the keep/cull process of saving replacement heifers. I work for a swine production operation last summer, so I have a diverse back ground in some aspects of animal production. My grandparents are tremendous role models, especially my grandmothers. One is a nurse who devotes countless hours to helping people feel better again. The other is farm wife who doesn't like to stay in the house. As a child, I thought this was the normal way grandmothers were. I soon discovered, however, that not all grandmothers give people shots and administer medicine, and not all grandmothers chase cows and run chainsaws.
Outside of FFA, I keep a pretty busy schedule. I play football and am a three-year varsity letterman. Being my senior year, it made me realize how much I'll miss it after I graduate. I compete in powerlifting and placed 3rd in 4A 198lbs men last spring. Music is another huge part of my life. I am in my school's show choir, "Tiger Chorale," and although I may not be a great dancer, enjoy being in the group and performing for people. Speaking of dancing... I will be the first to admit that I am not a good one. Someone should have told me that before I accepted the role of Ren McCormack in the CCCHS production of Footloose. I'm no Kevin Bacon, but I hope I will enjoy the show as much as the audience will! As the year goes on, it will be my privilege to get to work with the members of the North Central District. Our members are truly the best and I can't wait for what is to come this school year!


Garrett Craig
2017-2018 NCD Vice President

Lauren Simmons 2017-2018 District Treasurer

My name is Lauren Simmons and I am going to be a Junior at Washington County High School. I am your North Central District Treasurer. I have three siblings. Jefferson is the oldest and will be graduating from Kansas State University this upcoming year. Tyler is a year younger than me and will be a Sophomore at Washington. Mandy is the youngest and will be an 8th grader at Washington. My parents are Bruce and Kathy.

I have been around animals ever since I was a little girl. I remember my first pet was a pygmy goat named Gerdie. Eventually that goat, along with some cats and a dog, lead to what our friends and family called the "funny farm." As the years passed by, we added pigs, sheep, ducks, chickens, rabbits, calves, and three horses. One horse was a miniature horse that led to many stories we now laugh about. My dad was so excited about buying us this horse that was NOT broke. You may think how can a miniature horse be scary? It was. After many tears had been shed one night, my younger brother was up next to take his turn on the horse. Things were not going so well and my dad decided to slap the horse's butt. My brother was still in the saddle and the horse took off. My 45 pound brother fell out of the saddle, but his boot remained in one stirrup. The horse drug him around the arena and when his boot finally came loose, half of my little brother's face was completely scraped up.

Today we only have sheep, pigs, and a dog. My SAE is Swine Production Placement. I help my family raise show pigs. In this operation, I work for my dad by helping administer shots, feeding pigs, and cleaning pens. My payment is getting two pigs to show throughout the spring and summer. The remaining pigs will be sold on an online auction. After the state fair, the best gilts will go back to the herd and the barrows will be sold to market. The money earned will return to the operation.

FFA is a huge part of my life, but I also enjoy many other activities. I am involved in FBLA, FCCLA, CYO, 4-H, volleyball, and track. Hopefully everyone is off to a great school year. I look forward to meeting all of the FFA members throughout our district.



Lauren Simmons
2017-2018 NCD Treasurer

Breanna Schroeder | 2017-2018 District Reporter

One of my earliest childhood memories was learning how to ride. I’m almost positive I sat on horses before I could walk. There was a combination of two things that always made riding unforgettable. The first is obviously horses, but the second is my grandpa. My grandpa introduced me to agriculture the second I was allowed to leave the house. Our trips consisted of everything from feeding cows to traveling to horse sales. Countless life lessons were learned in those trips, even though we are so alike and stubborn that a lot of them involved shouting before any learning took place. However, through it all, I’m so blessed that he planted the agriculture seed in my life.

My name Breanna Schroeder, though everyone calls me Breezy, from the Beloit FFA Chapter and I’m proud to serve as your 2017-2018 NCD Reporter! I was born in Hays, KS and was quickly moved to Manhattan, KS where I began to grow up. My childhood consisted of visiting my grandparents farm, attending KSU basketball and football games, and playing any and every sport that was thrown at me. I have two little brothers that are my world. Brodie is 11 years old and going to be in 6th grade and Brevin is 5 and going to be starting kindergarten. I live with my brothers and my mom and dad Brent and Heather Schroeder.

I began first grade attending Riley County Elementary School. Those years flew by until 5th grade when my life started to take shape. My family decided to move out to my grandparents farm to live with them until we began to build our house next to there’s. This is why 5th grade was the best year of my life. I loved the farm more than anything, but of course with ups there are downs.

My nurse and I after finishing my first ever treatment in the hospital

My 6th grade year was the hardest year of my life. In August of 2012 I was diagnosed with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP for short. Basically what that means is my platelets are low and we still to this day don’t know why. Platelets are the blood cell that clots your blood so not having enough would mean you are more susceptible to internal and external bleeding. There is no cure for ITP, but there are treatments. I monitor my platelet count by getting blood drawn about every month and my treatments consist of IV’s in the hospital with a medicine called WinRho only when my platelets get low. Since there is no cure for ITP my body has to fix itself so I am currently living with chronic ITP and am handling it extremely well.

My 7th grade year my family once again decided to pack it up and move. My dad started working for Hardman Wholesale in Osborne, KS so we moved to Beloit, KS. I know it doesn’t make sense. The reason for living in Beloit is we are living right between both of my grandparents, one set in Osborne and one in Riley. My dad has now switched back to his old job which is being a sales rep for Standard Beverage, but we still live in Beloit. My mom sells Premier Designs Jewelry and is a transcriptionist for a couple of doctors.

I attend school at Beloit Jr. Sr. High School and am involved is several different clubs (of course FFA) and play volleyball, basketball, and softball. In my free time, if I ever have any, you can usually find me at the ball fields playing softball or hanging out with family. I travel back to Manhattan a ton for football games and to visit the farm.

My summer softball team after we won state last year

My SAE is in specialty animal production. I raise a special type of quail called coturnix quail. Coturnix quail are extremely special, especially in my life. They contain high concentration of minerals, protein, and good cholesterol. For me personally, coturnix quail eggs have had a significant impact on my autoimmune disorder. It has allowed me longer time between treatments which means the world to me. Not only has my SAE taught me life skills but it has improved my life as a whole, which makes it extremely important to me.

A few of my coturnix quail on the farm

The biggest thing I look forward to this year is getting to meet all of you guys! I’ve told you so much about me but I really want to learn about you! I hope you’ve all had a fantastic summer and are ready for the best year ever because it’s coming fast! See you all very soon!

Breezy Schroeder

2017-18 NCD Reporter

Peyton Horn | 2017-2018 District Sentinel

Kicking off the year we are going to continue to do weekly blog posts. Our first six will tell everyone a little bit about the 2017-2018 NCD Officer team. 

My name is Peyton Horn and some of you may know that I went to Blue Valley, however, this upcoming year I will be attending Chapman. My SAE is in Poultry Production Entrepreneurship where I raise 30 laying hens and sell or give away the eggs to family, friends, and neighbors. Some of my favorite CDEs & LDEs include, Job Interview, Nursery and Landscape, Discussion Meet, and Extemporaneous Speaking. I've got three younger brothers that my mom had with my stepdad that I love to hang out with, even though they can annoy me at times. Some other things that you may not know about me is, I love to play football, I'm a huge Broncos and K-State Fan! I'm so excited to be able to connect more with the members of the North Central District and look forward to seeing the strides towards success the members of our district continue to make.

To The Dr. Seuss In All Of Us

Hi North Central FFA District, this is Riley Sleichter from the Abilene FFA Chapter, and it has been my pleasure to serve you as the District Reporter over the past year. During my year of service, I have had the opportunity to meet countless members of the North Central District, and to those of you who have been cursed with my presence, you know that I am a “bottomless pit” when it comes to eating, my whisper can be heard across a busy room, and my love for my show cows is a bit excessive to say the least. For those of you who have been blessed by avoiding my rampage of making-friends-with-everyone-in-the-room, beware because you are soon to become my next victim and will no longer be a stranger to me.

When I witnessed my cousin’s high-school graduation three years ago, I chuckled to myself about the desolate atmosphere of her graduation party, and I thought with an immature, teenage confidence that I would not be as emotional as my cousin when it came to my graduation. Not knowing many others than my immediate family, I spent the day next to my dad because he insisted I left my cousin alone to be with her friends. When I finally asked for his reasoning on why I should leave my cousin alone with her classmates, he responded in that wise tone that all fathers have: “After today, the chances of Brittney (my cousin) seeing all of her classmates together again are very slim, but her seeing her family all together will last her lifetime.”

Myself on the left with some of my closest classmates

My father’s words, as always, made a considerable impact on me and changed the way in which I view my high school graduation. The mentality of “Senioritis” began looming over me on New Year’s Day when I finally realized that the calendar struck the year 2017, and in five short months I would be strutting across the stage to receive my diploma. While most seniors who catch “Senioritis” tend to develop a form that cannot wait for graduation, I caught a mutated version of the virus that instead of yearning to graduate, I began to beg time to slow down. I began regretting all the times that I decided to stay home rather than hang out with friends and reminiscing the great memories I developed over the previous three years. The realization of my father’s words finally hit me, and I realized that in three months the 134 other people who I spent the first 17 years of my life with will begin to scatter across the nation and phase out of my life.

Now I glance back to myself at my cousin's graduation party and realize that I am in the same shoes that she was in: yearning to make the most of the remainder of my high school career with my classmates. I have begun cherishing the time I have with my classmates, and I am scrapping for more. Whether it has been by feeding my calves an hour earlier to get to the game sooner or meeting my friends at Sonic on a school night at nine-o’clock and talking for three hours (with parents’ approval of course), I have begun treasuring every moment of time I get with them.

In the four years of my high school education, one of the greatest ideas that I have grasped is that no matter what we do time keeps ticking. Time is indifferent about the paper due in the morning that you have yet to start and the calf that you are working so hard to keep alive. No matter what you do, time always prevails; that paper will be due at 8:00 the next morning and eventually that calf will pass away to become one, again, with the earth. Our time here on earth–and with our friends–is limited and it will continue to tick until ours finally runs out, no matter if we made the most of it or not. I encourage you to make the most out of the time you have with your friends, because that seemingly endless amount of time until graduation will come quicker than you expect. Then, you will be saying goodbye to the people who you have spent a majority of your life with, and it will be a bitter-sweet moment.

When the good phases of your life come to an end and your life forever changes, relive a moment from your childhood to perpend Dr. Seuss' advice: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

Enjoy your time while you have it,

Riley Sleichter

2016-17 North Central District Report 

What does it mean to be a L.E.A.D.E.R.?

Leads with integrity

Encourages others to do their best

Always puts other people’s needs above their own

Desires to serve others

Easily approachable

Reliable in every situation

L. Leads with integrity. A good leader is someone who always leads with integrity. Integrity is being honest and doing the right thing, even if your decision isn’t popular. Sometimes we feel the desire to do what makes us look ‘cool’ even if we know it’s wrong. Is that an example to set? It is not always going to be easy to do the right thing, but it will be worth it in the end.

“Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them.”    -Brené Brown

E. Encourages others to do their best. Sometimes people get stuck in a rut and just go through the motions on a daily basis. As a leader, you should remind them that they can do great things, but first they must give their best effort.

“When you encourage others, you in the process are encouraged because you're making a commitment and difference in that person's life. Encouragement really does make a difference.”   -Zig Ziglar

A. Always puts other people’s needs above their own. It’s not always easy, but the people you are leading need to know that you are willing to put their needs above your own. Being a leader is about sacrificing for the greater good.

“A hero is someone who is willing to help others in his or her best capacity.”    -Ricky Martin

D. Desire to serve others. Service should drive you as a leader. Good leaders are the ones who always go out of their way to help other people without having to be asked. It could be as simple as smiling at someone as you pass them in the hallway or having a conversation with someone if they are having a bad day.

“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.”    -Albert Schweitzer

E. Easily approachable. As a leader, you want people to be comfortable talking to you about things. For example, if there was a problem that needed to be addressed, you would want to know, right? If people are comfortable around you, they will approach you and talk to you about the situation.

“I suppose at one time leadership meant muscles; today it means getting along with others.”    -Mahatma Gandhi

R. Reliable in every situation. Sometimes we encounter situations that make us feel uncomfortable or are difficult, but we can’t just quit. We must persevere through the hard situations in order to show that we are reliable and we will always be there for the people that need us.

“Creativity isn’t worth a thing if it isn’t served with an equal amount of reliability.”    -Anton Peck

Being active in the FFA organization provides students with many opportunities to develop their leadership skills. State Conference for Chapter Leaders, Washington Leadership Conference, Leader Lab, State Convention, and even National Convention are just a few places that offer opportunities to grow as a person and as a leader. If you attend any of these events, you will notice that the facilitator of the session or workshop is probably a very effective leader. Do you think they just woke up one morning and said, “I think I’m going to be a leader today.” No. Becoming a leader is a process and it takes time. There is going to be failure, and if you are like me, lots of it. It’s not a bad thing; it is how you grow.

When I became a district officer, I was definitely outside of my comfort zone and I wasn’t sure what to expect, until one of my advisors said to me, “Just set a good example and get to know the members, create relationships with them.” He sure knew what he was talking about. The changes may come slowly and you might not even realize it until one day, your advisor looks at you and tells you he’s proud of the leader you have become.

Anyone can become a leader. There’s no title or officer position that declares you a leader; being a leader is a choice. You choose to do the right thing, you choose to be encouraging and to put others before yourself but first, you must choose to believe in yourself. And when you do, you can have a positive impact on the lives of others. For me, my leadership journey began the day I stepped into that black pencil skirt and zipped up that blue corduroy jacket, and for that, I will be forever thankful.


Your NCD Treasurer,

Taylor Mall

Time Out

It’s the last quarter of the big football game and your team is down by a few points. You line up to start a play, and just as you are getting set your coach calls a timeout.

In another situation, there are ten seconds left in the last quarter of the basketball game. Tensions are running high and the other team leads you by one point. You have the ball and start to drive it in...just as your coach calls a timeout.

We go throughout our lives living on a perpetual schedule. That schedule includes being born, learning, growing up, becoming independent just to become dependent again a few years later until, inevitably, our time runs out. The worst part? We can’t call a timeout during our lives like we can during sports. In sports, we can yell at the refs for a break where we re-hydrate, regroup, and come up with a new game plan. In life, not so much. It’s a different type of game plan when it comes to the real world; one that takes immense preparation and pre-planning, however, we can never truly factor in everything that will happen to us in our lives because there will always be something unexpected and we can’t just yell at the world for a break. So what can we do in order to be as prepared as we can for any curve ball that life throws at us?

Essentially, this preparation comes from the knowledge and skill we gain throughout our lives, but, then there’s the question of where do we gain those skills? For many, it may be sports. For me, it’s been a huge boiling mixture of experiences and organizations with FFA settling itself in the center. There is just something otherworldly whenever I put on the blue corduroy that symbolizes so much for hundreds of thousands of people across the nation and I am so glad that I got this experience before my time runs out.

This next year will be filled with many lasts as I conclude my junior year and begin to write the final chapter to my high school career. However, with my time in high school running out, there are so many other games to be played. The applying to college game, the interviewing for jobs game, and the ultimate game of life. The difference between me and other people, though, is that I have had the experience of FFA before that time comes. So before your time is out and the opportunity is lost, experience something new whether it be a different CDE in FFA or a completely new adventure that will help you realize who you are.

The clock winds down in the biggest football game of the year, your team snaps the ball and scores that touchdown for the win.

Your basketball team puts the ball in play and you drain the game winning shot.

You get into the college of your dreams, you get the job of your dreams, and you get the life of your dreams.

All before your time runs out.

Your North Central District Secretary,

Scuyler Zenger

Someday Is Today

“One day, you’re 17 and you’re planning for someday. And then quietly, without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And then someday is yesterday. And this is your life.”

If any of you have ever heard this quote, then you probably know what show it comes from. Over the past year that show, One Tree Hill, quickly became one of my very favorite television shows. It portrays the lives of many different kinds of students just trying to make their way through high school. Just like the students in One Tree Hill, I at times feel myself coasting and just looking for the finish line, or what I like to call graduation. As high schoolers, we oftentimes like to “wish away” our four years. We find ourselves ready to move on to the next big thing. I’m as guilty of it as the next person and I’ve found that these four years fly by quicker than what I expected them to.

As I’m getting ready to pack up most of my room and belongings this fall, I have gotten into the mood of reflecting on my life and most importantly my four years in high school. I can’t help but think back to my very first high school football game where I could finally stand in the “big kid” student section and cheer on the home team or even the excitement I felt for my very first high school dance. All of those very “firsts” have now turned into my very “lasts”. I know that when it comes time to walk across that stage and receive my high school diploma those memories will come flooding back, but the ones I will miss the very most are the ones I shared in my blue jacket. Some of my most treasured moments have come from wearing that jacket and I wouldn’t trade any of them for the world. Through the years I have met some of my nearest and dearest friends, been given the opportunity to travel around the country, and found what I absolutely love advocating for agriculture and I hope to make a career out of it. None of that would have ever been possible if I hadn’t opened myself up to the possibility of growing as a person and getting involved in the FFA. I know from personal experience that it can be hard to get out of your comfort zone because that’s our safe place. That’s where we can be ourselves and truly be comfortable in our own skin. Shortly after beginning high school, FFA became my safe place. It has become the place where I can grow as a person but still be myself. My fellow chapter members have quickly become my second family, my FFAmily.

When it comes time to zip my jacket up for the very last time, I know that it will be a bittersweet moment. My jacket has become a second part of who I am. It has felt the excitement of doing well at a speech contest, the tears of happiness when I was elected as a district officer, and most importantly the laughter that I shared with old and new friends. My jacket has seen so many experiences throughout my high school career and I wouldn’t have wanted to have it any other way. I will be forever grateful for all of the memories that I have made in FFA. As I get ready to hang up my jacket, somewhere, someone is putting theirs on for the very first time. My biggest wish and piece of advice for them is to make the most out of the four short years that you’ll have in that jacket because before you know it, you’ll be in my shoes and getting ready to start a new chapter in your life. This is your life and your years as an FFA member. Don’t be afraid to make the most of it.

“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game!” -Babe Ruth

Your North Central District Vice President, 

Natalie Harris