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I have been through eight different agriculture teachers during my time at Nelson County High School and they have all impacted me in various ways. This was a quote from Nolan Miles, 201 120 1 2 State FFA Treasurer, during the advisor appreciation luncheon at the Kentucky State FFA Convention. My co-workers and I looked at each other. Had it really been eight different people? I never realized until that moment how much teacher turnover had transpired over the last four years. Through all of its changes the Nelson County agriculture program has remained successful. What was the constant factor that ensured that success? The answer resides not in people, because people come and go, or events because they too evolve over the years. The secret of success for the agriculture program was traditions that have prevailed through time. Traditions of leadership, service, diversity, and community involvement all culminated together to create a strong program and various events were utilized as vessels to exhibit these core traditions.
Tradition of Leadership
One of the key traditions of the Nelson County program, and other programs all across the nation, is a tradition of leadership. A student lead executive team is an essential part of this tradition. As advisors we are asked to advise from time to time as the need arises not overshadow the students. The committees are responsible for developing the ideas, planning the events, and carrying them out to completion. One event that truly achieves a tradition of leadership is the Freshmen Leadership Conference (FLC). In 2002 the executive team saw a need for freshmen in leadership roles. How could they get them more involved and instill in them the leadership qualities necessary to run a successful chapter? Through this brainstorming session, FLC was born. An overnight conference that included workshops put on by the executive team, vespers from the chapter officers, and fellowship with other freshmen was created. Over time state officers became involved and attended to serve as role models. Other chapters across the state developed their own FLC programs. This event has become a true means to accomplishing the tradition of leadership. Even before FLC began the Nelson County agriculture program was practicing the tradition of leadership. During the parent member banquet...