The 2012-2013 Alpena FFA officer team has been busy this summer planning for the upcoming school year.  Recently they held their annual officer retreat on August 14 &15 at Beaver Lake campground and earlier this summer they attended state and regional leadership camps.  The officer team this year includes president Alyseya Beaudoin, vice president Joshua Dewar, secretary Amber Eagling, treasurer Jessiaca Schoville, reporter Cathy Cramer, sentential Ayla Manley, historian Madisson Ellis, chaplain Travis Zbytowski, and advisors Ron Worth and Melissa Smith.

During these events FFA officers developed teamwork and leadership skills as well as planning the Program of Activities (POA) for the school year.  The POA incorporates three areas: chapter development, member development, and community development.  Among the 50 plus activities planned for this year highlights include a community barn dance, Alpena Farmer’s Market Kid’s day, district and regional leadership contests, state and national convention and the annual Fruit/nut sale.   Alpena FFA president Alyseya Beaudoin said, “We would like to focus on making each activity we have a quality and worthwhile experience.”

In addition to developing the chapter POA, Alpena FFA officers also developed three goals to achieve during the school year and choose a theme for the year.  The goals include increasing member participation in chapter activities, improving community awareness and understanding of FFA, and increasing the annual fruit sale profits.  The officers choose the theme “Deep Roots, Branching to the future”.  “This year’s theme reflects FFA’s long standing traditions but also highlights the innovative changes that are happening in agricultural today as well as the success and accomplishments members achieve in our chapter”, said advisor Melissa Smith.

With all the activities planned for the upcoming school year, the Alpena FFA officers are excited for all members to actively participate and benefit from the experiences.  It is sure to be a busy and successful year for the Alpena FFA chapter!

The Alpena FFA Chapter officers attended the Region VI Leadership Camp at Lost Lake Woods in Lincoln, Michigan on June 25th and 26th.  During the camp officers learned valuable leadership skills that they will use to run the chapter during the 2012-2013 school year.  Chapter officers that attended camp included president Alyseya Beaudoin, vice president Joshua Dewar, secretary Amber Eagling, treasurer Jessica Schoville, reporter Cathy Cramer, sentinel Ayla Manley, and Historian Madisson Ellis.