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