New Year, New Me... Not!

New Year, New Me??? Well no, not really but I figured I could start by writing again. I guess I minimized my blogs because I just felt uninspired. But with the New Year, I feel like I have a never ending list of things to do and applications to read, so instead I will write.

This past fall, I had the opportunity to work with a P1 student teacher. At the beginning of the semester, I was so unsure that I was qualified to help guide a student teacher, and following the semester I feel just as unsure. However, with that being said (or written), I feel like I learned a lot and was able to actually help this baby calf trying to walk during her first few hours of teacher life.

So this is for any teacher that’s never worked with a ST (or a lesson for those not great at it). Because of some confusion through the university, I can honestly say I had no real clue what I was doing or what was expected of me. So this list is just some food for thought:

1. Set expectations early: I talked with a few veteran teachers and created a document that outlined the basic expectations for her while at HHS. Some of the documents I read from other teachers were awesome and others were sort of demeaning. I always thought of a ST as someone that wants to learn and do what teachers do, not someone that is around to be a TA and do your work for you? Maybe that’s just my understanding, but I feel like it’s a cooperating teacher’s job to set expectations and ensure the ST gets a full experience of everything a teacher does so that they can be successful after they’ve left you. I created a binder for my student teacher that we went through prior to the first day of school. We outlined the calendar, classes, curriculum and general expectations. 
2. Classroom comes first: Helping a student teacher establish a classroom culture and reminding them that the classroom is their first job. We talked with her and found out what she was most comfortable and confident with teaching and which she felt would be most challenging. Because she was a P1, she observed for a couple weeks then started teaching full time with the class she felt most comfortable with. We then added others in short units for other classes giving her more time to prepare for classes that seemed more daunting. Another thing that I personally do is 3-week packets which allowed me to sit and plan with the student teacher weeks ahead of time so there was less day-prior panic by all parties involved.
3.  But, don’t forget about the rest: As much as we must instruct and guide on in the classroom festivities, we cannot forget the other 60%+ of our job. Everything from officer meetings to FFA competitions, project visits, and banquets. How can we expect student teachers to learn professionalism outside of the classroom if they aren’t with us to see it modeled? Take them everywhere, don’t assume they’ve seen something just because they were maybe in FFA. Seeing how an opening and closing contest runs as a teacher is extremely different than how we may have saw it as a kid. Even things as simple as talking about basic housekeeping of running a chapter, like budgets, purchase orders and conference applications are important skills they all need to learn. We can’t assume that they know it or that someone else will teach them.
4. Importance of being inclusive: This goes hand-in-hand with taking them everywhere. Include them in everything while keeping it professional. They need to understand the ins and outs of how a department works (or doesn’t) and they need to be part of working with the FFA officers. Have the kids include them and make sure to include them in the basic inter-working of the department. If we don’t show them, who will?? We cannot continue to blame student teachers for not knowing anything, if we don’t actually teach them…
5. Let them make mistakes: It’s hard and I would say this is my least favorite thing but I would say allow them to fail or make mistakes in a safe environment. This semester, my student teacher taught a lesson she created and she learned quickly that she didn’t get through to the kids. The kids were lost and she ended up staying up for the better part of the night to re-do the lesson so she could reteach it. I didn’t criticize her, I just asked her after the lesson if she felt like it was effective. She said nope and began recreating her lesson to reteach. It was one of those fancy teachable moments, veteran teachers talk about… LOL
6. Create a digital reflection: I’m big on reflection and based on scheduling I wasn’t always able to talk with my student teacher following a lesson. I created a google sheet that listed the date, lesson topic, student teacher reflection and notes and then my questions, comments or concerns. It was a great way for both of us to make sure we reflected on the lesson and when we got to the end of the semester it was super helpful for filling out university paperwork and evaluations. It was probably the number one random thing we did that turned out to be the number one most useful/helpful.

Bottom line, try to remember back to your student teaching experience and if it was positive or not. Remember the things that made it that way… Help guide others based on that. Helping your student teacher have a positive but realistic experience will help our whole profession in the long run. I was fortunate to have two amazing schools during student teaching with some amazing teachers and mentors and am so grateful for their guidance and instruction.

Thank you Rod, Lily, Susan M, Susan P, Ken, Kevin, Aireal and all the others that let me watch and learn during student teaching…

 Include them with officer things... Give them a chance to develop relationships with the kids

Take them everywhere including industry tours, CATA stuff, FFA stuff, school stuff... EVERYWHERE

   

Why do you care where I go?

When I was in high school, I ran into this funny predicament... People thought my college of choice was their business. I got asked multiple times from adults and teachers on campus, "Fresno, really?" "Why would you ever want to go there?" "Isn't that place the armpit?"

Here's my question, why did anyone care where I went? Now that I am a teacher, I talk with students all the time about where they are going to go to college. But NEVER do I ever cut down a college or university because I think there is some magical college they should go to. What I think really should have no bearing on where they go, because that's just it... THEY are going.

Teachers, adults, school staff, parents, etc. here's a thought: No matter where a kid shows interest in attending-- support it! Because at the end of the day they want to go somewhere and try something new. Now, it's important to have the "realistic" convos to ensure a kid is applying to match schools along with their dream schools, but as long as they are striving to do something with their future, why would any adult or person shame that?

I was always uh let's say "strong enough" to not care what people thought of my college choice, because I knew Fresno was the right place for me. And you know what? It was the PERFECT place for me. If every person felt that UC Davis (for example) was their perfect school then admittance percentage would go down even more, tuition would go up and people would be crying daily about their lack of acceptance at their perfect school. There is a reason there are over 2,500 colleges and university in the United States!

Every school offers something different and provides a unique opportunity for a kid to feel like it's "their school". We should focus more on exposing kids to the experiences that allow them to see all types of colleges, so they can make an informed decision about where to attend. We, as adults, need to encourage that they see, visit and apply to more than one dream school (And that it's not the end of the world, if they choose something other than a dream school).

Most recently, I (and others) helped encourage a kid to look at a school they did not have at the top of their list. Only because it was a "match" did she apply. She recently visited the town, campus, and met with athletic coaches. It's like flipping on a light sometimes, when you step on a campus-- you just know. Kinda like love at first sight??? In that first instance, she knew she was going to commit to the school, athletic team and the idea of wearing purple FOREVER.

The craziest part was that adults have had the audacity to question her choice. It's just nuts to me that someone who has never visited a school can have such a judgemental reaction to someone's choice. A little word to the wise: Not everyone wants to go to YOUR school. People want to find THEIR school. "Finding your school" is how kids stay in school, get involved and feel accomplished when they finish.

Be proud but be supportive!

Just some of my girls that have found THEIR school!

 Kansas State University

 Cal Poly

California State University, Chico

The good things...

Last week, I had a student bring me her "packet" of information for writing a letter of recommendation. Our school provides a handout with primarily questions for students so they can give teachers information before simply asking for a letter. Most students include a resume and a parent "brag" sheet, also provided by the school.

While, I knew this student would most likely ask for a letter of recommendation, I didn't realize she would bring me a 10 page packet of information. The funny part is, I could probably write her a 3 page letter of recommendation without any packet. I have gotten to know her well over the last 3 years and have so many experiences that I could reference to give her a shining letter. I reminded her when she handed me the giant packet that she only gets one page and I would do my best to condense her experiences and growth to that.

After, Emma asked me twice if I read her packet, I figured I probably should get started. She said she was especially proud of her personal statement that was included. Below is what she wrote:

"Growing up on a modest, four acre farm with various chores ranging from feeding my sheep, to watering our fruit trees, I can always relate situations back to life’s common scenes. I see my various sized sheep saundering throughout the pasture carelessly, and my border collie, Woody, herd them into the locked barn every night, like a shepherd. 

I too am a border collie, in every sense of its nature; a guide dog, if you will. I understand the importance of having a shepherd, a guide, a leader and have witnessed the chaos that is caused by the absence of one. When I see sheep aimlessly wandering, whether it be on the soccer field, my school’s hallways, or in my FFA chapter, I refuse to be passive. Much like Woody, I thrive in this position. I have a passion for service, and consequently I find myself holding positions of leadership in just about every aspect of my life. 

I have an inborn fondness for structure, and I believe that there are benefits and opportunities to reap from living life with purpose. I know that every great structure has a foundation, or a leader, and without one, it becomes weak. I have seen first hand the monumental amounts of positive change in a structure because the foundation has been changed and fortified. For example, my freshman year when I first joined my high school’s FFA program, it was just two months after the school year started that my teacher quit. That entire year was a jumbled mess because we had substitutes and volunteers advising our FFA chapter, and had no solid foundation. After recognizing the need for leadership in my chapter, I decided to run for office and was elected Vice President which left me in charge of reviving my chapter’s committees and breathing drive back into the members. Finally, after a long interview process, my high school hired a new full time Agriculture teacher. She immediately hit the ground running, and replaced our makeshift foundation with dedication, hard work, and leadership. I personally witnessed one person’s leadership take a practically non existent chapter, to be state recognized the following year and was able to share that experience along side her. 

Over this last year, I realized that my purpose is to serve my teammates, classmates, and members just like Woody serves my sheep: selflessly and passionately. I have learned that putting others before myself is rewarding and that my efforts and energy are contagious, just like my Ag teacher’s leadership inspired me. I believe leadership is influence and I aspire to instill fervor into those around me. I intend to pursue Law, where I can combine my passions for agriculture and advocacy into a career that promotes initiative and leadership in my community. Using the servant leadership Woody demonstrates as my foundation, I desire to serve as a catalyst in my community, tackling new ideas, cultivating change, and harmonizing the best interests of many."

I was so humbled that she wrote a little about me. It was such a positive reminder that the daily frustrations are eliminated when students (and myself) focus on potential and total growth. High school isn't about the tests taken or the assignments turned in, but the experiences and growth that teenagers go through. While Emma talks about the transformation of the chapter, I have witnessed the transformation of her. She is one of those kids that will leave high school and constantly strive for more and better. She will make a difference in the her community because of the passion and purpose that drives her.

She is right about many things in her statement, but my favorite is "Leadership is influence". Influence to do more, be more and serve more. Who you influence and how you influence people are lasting impressions...

Some of the many experiences, we've had the past 3 years...

 2, soon to be 3 National Conventions...

 A lot of food!

 More food, more importantly silliness even when things don't go our way

More fun...

 Success...

 Recognition!

This is quiet possibly my favorite picture of Emma...

It shows her "fierceness"!

This picture is a compilation of hard work, dedication, intensity and drive to succeed

I'd like to thank the academy...

Well, while trying to beat the 108* heat and avoid things I should be doing like planning for next year's classes, I figured I'd write about something amazing.

During the CATA (California Ag Teacher's Assoc.) conference I attended last week, my friends and I attended the awards banquet dinner. This year's theme was Masquerade which I thought was pretty fun. The banquet is always a highlight of the conference, as during the evening, the CATA gives awards to teachers and programs throughout the state.

Much to my surprise, I was awarded with the Outstanding Single Person Department award. While I am not a huge fan of recognition or compliments, I am extremely proud of this honor. I know I have worked hard the past two years to completely turn around the agriculture department and FFA chapter at my school.

One of the things I am most proud of, is who got to present me with the award. It was perfect timing as the presenter changes each year. To me, having Mr. Albiani present my award, make me laugh during the picture and tell me congratulations, was the biggest honor of all...

Almost 5 years ago, I had completely lost hope of getting a job in the agriculture teaching profession. I was not the #1 pick coming out of the credential program, I had applied to 25+ jobs with very few interviews and while most of my credential cronies were beginning the school year, I was going to move back to Ukiah to find a regular job.

In September, I applied for a long-term substitute job at Elk Grove High School. I actually got an interview, and ended up getting the job. Mr. Albiani, Ms. Mangan (Schager), and the principal either were completely crazy that day or believed in me more than I believed in myself.

Mr. Mooney has referred to that year, as Disneyland for me. While I'm sure he means something else, I like to think of that year as Disneyland too! Mostly, because it is one of my favorite places. I learned more in that year than I had hoped for and am eternally grateful for Mr. Albiani and the EG crew for taking a chance on me and not getting too upset for when I screwed things up.

Receiving the Outstanding Single Person Department award was an honor. But to me, Mr. Albiani handing me that plaque was the best part. It was as if he was telling me "You did good". The whole EG crew has kept me since my long-term sub gig... As evidence by going to dinner with them every night while at conference.

Being a single person department is hard. No doubt about it. But finding people who continue to mentor, chat and give advice when needed is the reason I have made it as a single person department. So the award wasn't just for me... It was for every person (Ag teacher) who has ever helped me. While there are too many to name, I want to say THANK YOU to every person who ever helped me in some way, shape or form.

Since the banquet, teachers and friends have continued to ask, "how does it feel?" The truth is... It feels the same. I don't work harder than others, in a single person department, I just filled out the application and was picked. There are so many outstanding Ag programs in the state, some run by the best teachers I have ever met. These teachers are also very humble and would never think what they do, is extraordinary... But they are!!!
Fort Bragg, Anderson Valley, Delano, Sebastopol, etc. Ya'll rock my socks... You are amazing!

For now, my plan is to continue doing the most and best I can for my students. While calling, texting, emailing, and talking to the best in the business to get help (or to collaborate with-- educationise speak) when needed. 

All the department award recipients 

The Sonoma Section in the banquet photo booth... 

New Year, No Impressive Changes

While I may not be an uber optimistic person or Emily Post, when it comes to etiquette (although it's top 5 for my favorite books), I do think society has lost some of the good old fashioned traditions about being a decent person.

So my question is when did it become okay to just do whatever? Ya I get the whole "do what you want, do what makes you happy, do what moves you, etc". But when did it become okay to do any of the following? What is wrong with people?

• When did it become okay to...not RSVP to events, showers, weddings, etc?
• When did it become okay to...not work?
• When did it become okay to...be on welfare?
• When did it become okay to...not to stop at stop signs?
• When did it become okay to...have children and go out and party every weekend while your kids are home?
• When did it become okay to...wear pajamas in public places? For real, keep that crap at home
• When did it become okay to...bring your dog to the store? Ya know, Nordstroms, Safeway, etc. 
• When did it become okay to...not follow rules of any kind?
• When did it become okay to...not respect police or law enforcement of any kind?
• When did it become okay to...not help with anything when you were invited to be in a wedding party?
• When did it become okay to...not make your child's Halloween costume?
• When did it become okay to...play video games all day instead of work, have a hobby or anything really?
• When did it become okay to...judge people who produce your food, when you could have no hope of ever providing for yourself?
• When did it become okay to...not write a thank you card when you receive a gift or gesture? (No a Christmas card with a pre-printed thank you does not count)
• When did it become okay to...to sell any kind of product just so you can get it cheaper? Ya know have parties and beg friends to buy the crap-- I don't want it, can't afford it and don't need it
• When did it become okay to...not cook? If it started in a box, it doesn't count...
• When did it become okay to...get high just to get through the day? We all have issues... Work your shiz out some other way
• When did it become okay to...spend un-godly amounts of money on livestock, just so your kids can win? 
• When did it become okay to...have a reality TV show about literally anything?! NO ONE CARES
• When did it become okay to...expect something in return for doing community service or making a donation? You know what you get? A good feeling for doing something for someone other than yourself...
• When did it become okay to...let your children make the rules and never say no? They are children...
• When did it become okay to...become a "photographer" and charge people money, when you have no training or education?
• When did it become okay to...create a blog about nothing?? (HAHAHA guilty!)

Whether you agree or disagree, well that's up to you. But seriously consider what is wrong with society... Because none of this is okay...

Just remember, it's all in good fun!!

Water your own grass!

This is post is literally about something that I have no experience with. But that's never stopped me from having an opinion so here goes...

A few days ago, I saw a picture of a high school friend with another friend. Now, I must not pay enough attention to facebook because I was under the impression these people were married... To other people! So I texted my best friend and she informed they were both divorced now.

What the heck is wrong with people?! How have people become so accustomed to divorce? What happened to vows and all that crap?! Now, I'm definitely not the first to join the marriage bus, because I think people forget that it is partially a business deal (disagree if you want). But I also believe that when you get married, you have to work at it. Right?! It's not easy, it's not for the party, it's not to appease people nor should it be something that is a quick decision.

My unfiltered opinion is that technology has helped ruin the sanctity of marriage-- not in the way you may think. I also believe that parents help mold their children into the type of spouses they will become (stick with me...).

My generation (okay like 35-18 years old) has been ultimately spoiled rotten with new inventions, new technology and the luxury of instant information. This, in my opinion, has been to our demise. Where on earth would people learn about "sticking with" something in our age of instant information and new gadgets?

"Oh, your cell phone has a cracked screen? That's okay we will go get you a new one, even if we don't really have the money for it"
WHAT?!?
Why on earth would you buy a new phone for someone who didn't take care of it in the first place???

I feel this type of attitude has trickled into marriages. If something is broke-- that's okay, get a new one! Uhhhhhh no! You work to fix it. And you start in the beginning by taking care of it.
So many people my age rush into marriage. Not knowing enough about the other person, whether it's handling conflict, raising kids, career changes, dealing with deaths, or even just getting through holidays is where it starts. Then two years later they wonder why they are unhappy, don't have anything in common and start looking other places for love and attention.

Parents have such an impact on their children and I think marriage is one of the areas they spend the least amount of time talking about. Parents who indulge their children "just because", are not helping. You are creating future adults who are too spoiled to share, discuss difference of opinions or even some who refuse to be content with what they have. Creating people who always ask "What if..." or those who always are looking for more, better or bigger. To be real with you, you are creating a$$holes, just stop already... Teach your children to take care of what they have, save up for new stuff and create some appreciation.

Now, I'm not saying all marriages are doomed or any crazy shiz like that... I do believe that people sometimes just make it work... LIKE THEY SHOULD! But it takes work, time, effort, compromise, compassion and nurturing.

 I know there are always some extenuating circumstances for people to get divorced and I totes get that. But if more people spent as much time and effort into being married as they do working, eating, tweeting, crafting, facebooking, shopping, watching TV, reading, exercising, sleeping or whatever else, there would be far fewer divorces.

Just my 2 cents... Okay maybe fiddy cents.

For every marriage... Take some time to water your own grass

I try not to be negative but occasionally this pops into my head... People-- stop rushing it!! 

Time = Rewards

So I have just finished entering all my students fair entries online... I have these neat folders that have labels with the kids, their species, tag numbers and a checklist for all the crazy items we have to submit hard copies of. Entering online was the easiest part of collecting, checking and signing all the paperwork. I calculated the number of times I signed my name... 127 effing times!!! REDONKULOUS! I need to get a stamp or something...

In the process of entering all of them, I thought about each kid, their animal and the project visits I did during spring break. It's amazing how well some of my kids care for their animals. I can honestly say I was impressed with most of them. While all of them maintain pretty nice pens and feed them show feed, not all of them spend the extra time with their animals. Don't get me wrong, they take excellent care of them! But I mean like the sit in your pen and do homework kind of time, that really builds the bond with their animal.

I was able to hangout at one families place for clipping cattle yesterday. The amount of time these kids spend with their animals is impressive. While raising steers take true dedication and is a huge time investment, these kids have other animals also. Now, I don't expect for all my students to make their SAE project their life, but I do expect them to spend the time to build a bond that is evident in the show ring. And contrary to what my students think, every time I visit them they make it incredibly obvious who walks, works and spends time with their animals. I have one swine kid who is a senior, never been in FFA or raised any animals, lives in town and he is doing the best job of any kid I have watched since becoming a teacher. He pays attention, notices changes, asks questions, does what he's told, walks, feeds and spends time with them. I wish I had 20 of this kid. He truly cares and WANTS to do a good job.

When kids spend the time... It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see it...

So that brings me to the why... Why do kids do it if they don't care? If you aren't going to put in the time, then why? Because I guarantee if you don't put in the time, the show ring will not be a smooth ride. Unfortunately, the kids I have, have a very supportive community that spends an A$$ load of money at their auction. This is a great thing, don't get me wrong. But this is when I wish that buyers would come to the shows, watch the kids, buy based on dedication not last name, age or just for the hell of it. Because at the end of the day, they are buying a product-- a meat product-- that as far as I'm concerned better be the best damn piece of meat they've ever had because it was raised right!

Creating that awareness with students has been kind of a struggle. Making them understand that they are creating a product, for someone else and if that product is not of superior quality then those consumers will not return the next year. I try to explain to all of the kids that raising animals is not easy and it takes time. It is a living, breathing thing that depends on us for a good life before it becomes a product for us. It is important that we treat it with the utmost care while it's here....

Personally, that's why I love breeding animal projects. The kids with breeding animal projects GET IT. They understand they day in, day out feeding, care, management, time investment and what not. They know those animals rely on them for everything. Unfortunately, I only have about 5 kids with breeding projects... Project Competition is coming up so fingers crossed for those kids to be able to talk about their projects and all the time and work they put in. Don't worry I'll be making them practice till they hate me ;)

Changing the culture of a group of high school students takes time... But I see the changes everyday. And that makes me warm and fuzzy on the inside... Knowing these kids are making progress away from their bad habits reminds me I am doing my job...

My kids attitudes prior to my arrival... HAHAHA

 

We're getting closer to this now....

I think some get a little tired??? lol

Sunday Ranch Run

Sooooo... My family has this place we call the Ranch. It's actual name is the Terraces and belongs to my Dad's family. It was owned by Carl Purdy, my great great grandfather. He was a pretty famous horticulturalist and botanist. He created the first seed/bulb catalog, so that people way back in the day (like late 1800-early 1900's) could order seeds and bulbs. He named a couple and what not...

"Purdy, Carl–(1861-1945)–Ukiah, California–established his nursery in 1879.  He specialized in California natives.  He started collecting native seeds, bulbs and plants in about 1875 when he was only in his teens, for a nurseryman in the eastern United States.  He traveled widely as a collector and was a school teacher for a while.  In 1903 collecting native bulbs was his principal work.  His first catalog was published in 1896. He also did landscaping in the San Francisco Bay area.  He was especially interested in native lilies and collaborated with L. H. Bailey in writing on California bulbs for the Cyclopedia of American Horticulture."

That's what Smithsonian says about him... Kinda cool...
He even wrote a book called My Life and Times. You should read it.... Or not. I have and think it's pretty interesting but it's also my family. Not sure I would think your family is interesting-- just kidding, I'm sure they're awesome. Last year the Mendocino County Museum did a museum exhibit on him. My parents worked with a curator and collected TONS of stuff to put in the exhibit. It turned out pretty cool. You can check out pictures http://www.mendocinomuseum.org/carl-purdy-exhibit-2011-12.html

Anyways... My grandma Vesta was Carl's grand daughter. She always told cool stories about the Ranch and Carl Purdy and taught me a ton about flowers... Which is why I love that I live in the place that was her house. My yard is awesome! Right now, the weather has been so beautiful that my daffodils are blooming. Well they are also blooming at the ranch. So today I headed up with my parents to take some pictures and just look at all the wildflowers that are still there from Carl Purdy. When my grandma passed away, she asked to be put out on the point that overlooks the entire valley of Ukiah. She has daffodils surrounding her and her 100th birthday would have been this Friday (the 21st). Guess she thought almost 95 was close enough. It was such a nice weekend and a gentle reminder of we are who we are and where we came from has such a large impact on who we become. I feel blessed to come from such good roots (haha see plants, roots, get it?)

Happy Birthday Grandma! Into the Daffodils...

Some PJ's and coffee...

Today is what you would call a...... Lazy day? Couch day? PJ day? Do absolutely nothing day?

Whatever it may be, for me it's a complete day of doing nothing. This last week has been absolutely nuts... From daily FFA activities and dress-up days to preparing speakers and regional officer candidates, I am completely exhausted!!! It was extremely successful week but at the same time when you have so many things going on there's bound to be fights, disagreements, upsets, sometimes tears. To say I'm proud of all of my students for their participation and dedication this week is an understatement. 

I mean let's be real I'm not a walk in the park but I tell my kids all the time that I would never ask them to do something that I wouldn't do myself and I would never ask them to do something that they are not capable of. After a couple conversations with various people I've decided that it best not to focus on the win. It's not about the ribbons, the plaques or the announcement of names. It's about the growth process to get you to a point. Teaching kids to work hard, put in the time and practice is my favorite part of being an Ag teacher.

Having moved from a school with three teachers, to a new school and being by myself, this year, I have had to learn what to pick and choose as priorities. One thing I promised myself this year, was that I would never do something for them. The amount of potential my students have is unreal-- getting them to realize their potential has been the struggle. Teaching kids about that process of hard work and dedication has been the test for me. Taking kids who have never been successful in the blue jacket and helping make them successful has been the best part of this year. I feel so fortunate to be able to continue this journey with the students next year.  Although it's only February, I know that my students are learning every day that it's about the process to the win that matters...

This last week has been stressful and time consuming with LOTS of coffee. But if I don't put the time for them and give them my 100%, they won't do the same for me.  They know I'm invested in them and their success and that gives them the courage to try new things and RISK BOLDLY....

All the kiddos at the Sectional Speaking Contest

Some ribbons and plaques! Even they were surprised with their success...

Regional officer candidates! They weren't  slated but they learned a ton from the experience! So proud of them for putting themselves out there!

Word to your mother