Indiana youth sang the praises and merits of 4-H and FFA in this year's Indiana Prairie Farmer/CountryMark youth essay contest.
Related: CountryMark youth essay contest brings candid answers
Here is another of the four winning essays, this one from Jordan Linville, Knightstown.
Find out the judges' placings in the July issue of Indiana Prairie Farmer, coming soon. See if you agree with them. More essays will be posted here through this week.
Joining the team
When you hear the word "team," you often picture kids in jerseys dribbling balls and calling out plays. When you hear the word "teamwork," you often think of those same kids working together to score a goal. When you hear the word "coach," you might imagine a man with a whistle and a clipboard, stomping impatiently. However, what about when you hear the word "FFA"? What comes to mind?
The FFA is not just another "club." The FFA is a team. It's a team that wears jackets instead of jerseys, has advisers instead of coaches and is a team that emphasizes leadership and personal growth instead of winning.
Being active in school is very important. It looks good on resumes and helps to become involved in the community. However, being a part of this team is more than just another way to look good for colleges. It is more than just a way to get out of class and waste time.
At the end of your life, you will be faced with questions. What are some places you traveled? Who are some people you met? More importantly, were you part of something bigger than yourself? Did you accomplish anything great?
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Being a part of the FFA, I can say I have done these things. I have met many people, been many places and accomplished many things. So why not? Why not be part of the largest, most active team in the nation?
Hayhurst writes from Terre Haute
More youth essays:
Joining the team – Jordan Linville, Knightstown
Meaning of the 4-H pledge - Hellen Kyler, Larwill
Years of memories – Madyson Stricker, South Whitley
Encourage a friend – Alexandria Baker, Martinsville