Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
How FFA Shapes Students in Mason and Dansville
By: Teresa Miller
The blue corduroy jacket has become a familiar sight in classrooms, barns, and auditoriums across the country, and here in Mid-Michigan it represents far more than an agriculture club. For students, FFA becomes a place to discover their strengths, practice teamwork, develop communication skills, and feel connected to a supportive community. Here in Ingham County, Mason and Dansville have two vibrant chapters that show exactly how meaningful that experience can be.
A NATIONAL MISSION WITH LOCAL HEART
The National FFA Organization, once known as the Future Farmers of America, officially updated its name in 1988 to reflect its wider focus on science, business, technology, natural resources, and leadership. The letters FFA remain as a nod to the organization’s heritage, but today its broader mission is preparing students for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.
At the national level, FFA aims to “make a positive difference in the lives of students” by helping them build leadership skills, confidence, and real-world experience. That mission comes to life through classroom learning, career exploration, leadership training, and active involvement in local chapters.
MASON FFA: LEADERSHIP, PERSONAL GROWTH, AND COMMUNITY
At Mason High School, students not only join FFA to learn about agriculture, but they also find a place where they can lead, build friendships, and uncover new strengths. Members take part in leadership contests, chapter meetings, fundraisers, the co-op plant sale, and various community activities that help shape them into capable young leaders.
“The Mason FFA organization offers a variety of opportunities and services that not only offer premiere leadership development, but encourage it,” said Alex Cargill, Mason FFA student and the chapter’s Vice President.
Mason FFA students also learn through personal experiences working as a team, taking responsibility for projects, and discovering their own abilities along the way. The chapter places a strong emphasis on real-world learning.
“Every activity in Mason FFA encourages students to grow into responsible, passionate young leaders who are ready to make a difference,” said Matthew Albrecht, Mason FFA Advisor and Agriscience teacher.
Classes in Zoology, Botany, and Agricultural Leadership provide a foundation in both agriculture and career skills, while the co-op program, plant sale, and leadership conferences give students meaningful opportunities to apply what they’ve learned. But for many members, the greatest impact comes from the relationships they build.
“Success in FFA isn’t just about winning trophies, it’s about the relationships you make,” said Emma Whipple, Mason FFA student and the chapter’s Reporter. “Truly winning is walking into the room during a chapter meeting and seeing a bunch of smiling faces ready to greet you. If you ever think about joining FFA, do it! You not only gain life skills but also friends that will last a lifetime.”
DANSVILLE FFA: HANDS-ON LEARNING AND AGRICULTURAL EXPLORATION
The Dansville FFA Chapter blends leadership development with an impressive range of hands-on agricultural experiences. In Zoology and Botany classes, students learn by producing apple cider, raising broiler chickens for competition, tending plants in potting sheds and hydroponic systems, farrowing sows, and collecting sap to make maple syrup. These experiences give students a real understanding of the agricultural industry, whether they come from farming families or have never set foot on a farm.
“Dansville is the perfect place to find talented young people who will be the future leaders of the agricultural industry,” said Mike Sheridan, Dansville FFA Advisor and Agriscience teacher. “Whether students grow up on a farm or not, here in Dansville, they understand the importance of agriculture.
Outside of class, the chapter’s activities give students even more space to learn and lead. They participate in Ag Olympics, travel to Indianapolis for the National FFA Convention, compete in leadership development events like public speaking and conduct of meetings, and take part in career development events such as floriculture and livestock judging. They also attend the Michigan FFA State Convention on the campus of Michigan State University, which is a highlight for many students. Dansville’s officer team plays an important role in guiding the chapter, and each officer carries real responsibilities.
“What I get out of being part of FFA is the opportunity to learn as not only a leader but as a member of our community,” said Philomena Mayr, Dansville FFA student and the chapter ‘s President. “FFA teaches you a lot of skills that we can apply to everyday life. I have made new friends and met all kinds of amazing people through the FFA.”
WHERE GROWTH TAKES ROOT
Though FFA operates on a national scale, its deepest influence happens in local chapters like Mason and Dansville where students discover their voice, find mentors, and gain confidence through hands-on learning. Whether students are building leadership skills in Mason or gaining real-world experience in Dansville, both chapters show how FFA creates opportunities for young people to grow, explore their interests, and prepare for life beyond high school.
“Every activity in Mason FFA encourages students to grow into responsible, passionate young leaders who are ready to make a difference,” said Matthew Albrecht, Mason FFA Advisor and Agriscience teacher.
“What I get out of being part of FFA is the opportunity to learn as not only a leader but as a member of our community,” said Philomena Mayr, Dansville FFA student and the chapter’s President.
