21 FFA Members Attend Washington Leadership Conference
by Mr. Eisenhauer
July 27, 2009
On July 7th, twenty-one FFA members and ten adult sponsors flew to Washington DC to attend the week long WLC (Washington Leadership Conference). After arriving in DC that Tuesday, the group had enough time to tour the Pentagon before the conference actually started. Although most of the area is highly classified, they were allowed to tour most of the facility and visit the memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives their during the 911 pentagon terrorist attack.
The conference actually started Tuesday night, where students were divided into small family groups so they could breakout and discuss many of the issues that were presented in large groups. The conference focused on what it takes for an individual to be an authentic leader. The FFA uses the Washington DC setting to show students what history tells us about leadership in times of peace or difficulty and how one person can make a difference. They learned that everyone has a purpose to there life and that every person can make a difference. They were told that one should not be afraid to take a stand on something they believe in. To be a good leader one must be willing to be a unique individual as well as set a good example. A major focus of the conference was that one small action can cause much change, but it you just sit back and let things happen around you, nothing gets done. It is up to each of us to make a difference for something or someone.
During the conference students were able to tour the monuments one evening, visit Arlington Cemetery witnessing the Changing of the Guard one morning, toured the Capital Building, and visit with Congressman Adrian Smith and Senator Mike Johanns. They finished up the conference Saturday morning with a community service project by traveling outside the city to a sweetcorn patch that had just been harvested commercially. There were a lot of good ears of corn left behind, so the group gleaned the field and sent their harvest to a local food pantry. This was their way of making a difference in the lives of someone who did not have food to eat.
The group then stayed an extra day to do some personal touring. Sunday morning they boarded a cruise boat and traveled down the historic Potomac River to Mt. Vernon, George Washington’s home that overlooks the Potomac River. This was a very informative, but relaxing change from the busy activities of Capital Hill. Upon return from Mt. Vernon, they toured the Holocaust museum to witness the stories and artifacts of one of the world’s greatest atrocities during World War II. To complete the day, they then traveled to a public park in Falls Church Virginia for a catered picnic that was hosted by Bloomfield native Randy Lemke and his family. Randy, wife Judith, and daughter Whitney, talked to the students about life in the “big city”. Randy shared how growing up in Bloomfield prepared him for this way of life, as well as gave him a greater appreciation for the Midwestern upbringing.
Monday morning it was time to get back on an airplane and head for home. Although the students had an experience of a lifetime, most were ready to come back home to appreciate their way of life. Students attending WLC wish to thank the people who participated in and support the annual labor auctions to help pay for their trip. Proceeds from the labor auction are used exclusively to provide opportunities to attend leadership conferences such as WLC, PEAK, COLT, and MFE at little or no cost to the student.
