The gavel will be in Jessica Mars’ hands when the first session of the 2017 Indiana FFA Convention opens on June 20. She is the 2016-17 Indiana FFA president.

Mars took time to talk with Indiana Prairie Farmer about how she became so passionate about FFA, and why she believes this is a state convention you won’t want to miss.

IPF: Why did you become involved in FFA?

Mars: My maternal grandparents farmed. But the person who really got me excited about FFA was my eighth-grade ag teacher, Stacey Hartley, at Lebanon Middle School. She sparked my interest, and it was soon full speed ahead.

IPF: What got you excited about FFA early in your career?

Mars: What got me hooked was the parliamentary procedure contest where you conduct practice meetings as a team. Win or lose, we were a team, and we grew closer to each other.

IPF: Where did you spend your time outside of FFA?

Mars: I was a 10-year 4-H member, but I’m one of the few I know who never showed an animal! Photography and other projects kept me busy. What really drew me to 4-H was the chance to develop leadership skills and meet people, especially through 4-H Junior Leaders.

IPF: You are the first state FFA officer from Lebanon FFA. Why did you apply?

Mars: I didn’t want to. My ag teacher, Kirsten Scott, kept sending me emails about state office, and I kept deleting them! Finally she broke through and I applied.

IPF: Looking back on your career in FFA to date, what is most important?

Mars: It’s the people you meet and get to know. Contests are great and you learn a lot, but it really is all about the people you meet in the process.

IPF: What is the theme for this year’s state convention?

Mars: We are building off of the National FFA theme. It is "Transform Purpose Into Action."

IPF: How far in advance do you plan for state convention?

Mars: We had the general sessions laid out and most of the big-picture items in place by mid-March. We did that so later on we could concentrate on practicing exactly what we would say and fill in the details.

IPF: When does state convention begin?

Mars: The first actual session is the FFA Foundation session on Tuesday evening, June 20. However, there are team contests at Ivy Tech in Lafayette on Monday, June 19. We’re doing something new — the FFA mixer this year will be Monday evening at Ivy Tech instead of on [Purdue University's] campus. There will be games, fun and free food for members.

IPF: Are there things for members to do at convention besides attend sessions?

Mars: Yes. We have six leadership workshops planned, beginning with two on Tuesday. They’re free, and you don’t need to sign up in advance. We also will have lots of displays about FFA set up in key areas.

IPF: Can adults attend convention?

Mars: Absolutely! Go to the Indiana FFA Association website and register as a guest or an adult. We also need volunteers. Our goal is to have 3,250 FFA members and guests attend this year!