That is the motto of the Future Farmers of America, or the FFA. These 12 words tell us about the organization’s commitment to hands-on learning, skill development, career preparation, and community service. Since 1928, this youth organization has been guiding future leaders in agriculture and beyond through experiences in both livestock and leadership.

The Alpena FFA Chapter was chartered in 1936 and has been fostering agricultural education ever since. It now has over 225 members, including a nine-member officer team.

Agriscience instructor, Melissa Smith, is the chapter advisor. When asked what she hopes students take away from their FFA experience Smith said, “I hope that they would learn leadership skills to follow in life as well as different career opportunities within agriculture and natural resources.”

This month is full of year-end competitions, awards, and sales for this busy Alpena chapter.

Courtesy Photo Blaine LaCross and Gavin Achatz are seen with their rabbit projects at the State FFA Rabbit Competition.

On May 1, FFA students were able to participate in the State Meat Rabbit Contest, either individually or in teams. This hands-on learning experience helped members gain knowledge in raising rabbits for market. Participants selected a meat type rabbit breed such as New Zealand Whites or Calfornians to raise, many of which they bred and cared for in the Alpena High School’s Agriscience Department in the weeks before competition. The focus is on breeding superior genetics, ensuring proper nutrition, and managing their rabbits to meet weight requirements between 3.5 and 5.5 pounds, with high-quality meat. Detailed records of the rabbit’s weight gain and growth are kept along the way, as well as records of care. On Thursday, students selected their best three rabbits to take to Munsell’s Poultry Processing, in Fowlerville, Michigan, where they were judged for health and meat quality. Members enjoyed their time and learned from their experience.

The FFA Awards Banquet took place on May 2 in the AHS Commons to celebrate and honor the achievements of members, recognize officer leadership transitions, and reflect on the year’s success. Members’ families and past alumni were invited to have dinner and participate in an auction to raise funds for chapter activities the following year. President Katie Bushey called the meeting to order with a pound of her gavel, asking her vice president, Liliana Tolan to confirm all officers were at their stations. Each officer noted their positions and duties, and the banquet then began. Awards were given to members for involvement, academics, and outstanding service. Senior members gave heartfelt speeches about their four years, thanking parents and staff for their time and investment.

“Being the president has taught me that being a leader means stepping up when it’s difficult to be the person to look up to,” Bushey said. “It has given me the opportunity to help the community as a whole and help me become a better version of myself. I’m grateful to my officer team this year to lean on and learn from as well.”

At the close of the meeting, the current officers transitioned their roles to the incoming 2025-2026 officer team in a moving ceremony.

President-elect, Brynn Kasubowski, was honored to be elected by fellow members to serve in the 2025-2026 school year.

Courtesy Photo Abby Dziesinski and Brynn Kasubowski are seen with their rabbit projects at the State FFA Rabbit Competition.

“I get to be part of a huge organization and represent an amazing group of young individuals,” Kasubowski said. “As president, I hope to work with my officer team to make a difference for others within the chapter and beyond.”

Alpena FFA and the agriscience students would like to invite the community to their spring plant sale on May 9 and 10. This event will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the AHS Agriscience Greenhouse, located in the back oval of Alpena High School. FFA students in the Innovation in Agriscience class have planted and cared for many varieties of plants this semester and can’t wait to share them with you.

“Through this project, I’ve learned how to properly seed and care for plants,” Ellisyn Olson said. “We have gone over how to fix problems that happen in the greenhouse like bugs and pests.”

This will be a student-run sale, and Olson notes they’ve learned about customer service and how to run a cash register, while keeping proper financial records.

There will be hanging baskets and planters of flowers with fun names like the “Midnight Moon” basket and the “Garden of Wonders” planter. There will also be flats of annuals, vegetables, succulents, and herbs. If you need a petunia for your patio or a dahlia for your deck, this is the place to go.

Courtesy Photo Kaelyn and Tori are seen holding the “Sunset City” Planter and “Dark Hearts” hanging baskets at the AHS Greenhouse. This year’s FFA Plant Sale is Friday and Saturday.

The Alpena FFA Chapter stands on the pillars of leadership and service. Though focusing on agricultural pursuits, they go beyond, promoting community engagement and fostering lifelong skills in their members. From its proud history to the exciting opportunities it provides today, we are sure to see many more great things come from these youth.

Bryanna Beyer is a local farmer with a passion for educating others about agriculture. She and her husband Collin operate Beyer Farms in Alpena. To reach her, email beyer_farms@outlook.com.

Courtesy Photo The newly elected Alpena FFA officer team for the 2025-2026 year will be filled with Brynn Kasubowski (president), Kaelyn Roznowski (vice president), Emma Soltysiak (secretary), Abby Dziesinki (treasurer), Sophie Ferris-Wooster (reporter), Trent Seeyle (sentinel), Matthew Dziesinski (historian), Abbey Glover (chaplain), and Kirra Prevost (parliamentarian).

Courtesy Photo The 2024-2025 all-female Alpena FFA officer team is pictured here: Katie Bushey (president), Liliana Tolan (vice president), Brynn Kasubowski ( secretary), Ellisyn Olson (treasurer), Kaelyn Roznowski (reporter), Emma Soltysiak (sentinel), Hailey Powell (parliamentarian), Sophie Ferris-Wooster (historian), and Vesper Stutzman (chaplain).