Putting in long hours on hot days at the state fair, staying up late preparing activities for leadership camps — these things come with being an Indiana FFA state officer. But when can they let loose just a bit, and be the young people they are?

If you’ve seen state FFA officers in action, you already know their secret. They figure out how to have fun and relax whenever the opportunity presents itself. They find more moments to interact with each other and just be themselves than you might imagine. It’s all part of learning how to meet the demands of life while maintaining mental sanity.

Our camera captured a few lighter moments while the state officers visited our home this fall. The goal was taking individual pictures. Their reward was one of my wife Carla’s home-cooked meals afterward, complete with brownies and ice cream.

The 2023-24 Indiana FFA state officers include Kelby Roberts, Falmouth, Rushville FFA, president; Madalyn “Maddie” Denton, Mooreland, Blue River Valley FFA, secretary; Conner Keeslar, LaGrange, Prairie Heights FFA, northern region vice president; Blaine Wagner, St. Paul, North Decatur FFA, southern region vice president; Caden Sixberry, Crawfordsville, Southmont FFA, treasurer; Carson Rudd, Flora, Carroll@Flora FFA, reporter; and Tanner Weakley, Lebanon, Western Boone FFA, sentinel. Indiana FFA staff members and advisors for the state officers are Erin Padget and Skylar Clingan.

Smile as you check out the photo gallery. Everyone can benefit from a few relaxing moments, even FFA state officers.