The National FFA Association is the premier leadership organization in the United States and has been since its inception in 1928. Its initial growth was unprecedented in the United States and by 1976, had chapters in all fifty states. Even today, it still leads the nation’s youth in the education of the agricultural industry and the future thereof.
The impact that the FFA has had on past and present generations is profound and some of the best leaders in the country have been cultivated from its mission statement to “Develop competent and assertive agricultural leadership”. One such example of leadership and dedication is Senior Sterling Richmond.
Since freshman year, Sterling has participated in the many offerings that the organization provides such as Leadership Development Events (LDEs) and Career Development Events (CDEs). Most recently, he and other members had the opportunity to compete in the Agriscience Fair at the State Fair of Texas.
“This year we took twelve people including myself to the fair”, Sterling said. “I believe we had nine finalists and 4 quarter finalists, one of whom won a $1,000 scholarship placing in the top six. We also had three other people make reserve champion in their class and had the State Fair Champion come from Stephenville.”
This isn’t the first year he has been to the State Fair. Last year, Sterling and a few others were able to compete and do well at the contests which resulted in one winning Grand Champion and five others winning their divisions.
“Last year we definitely had less people come up and compete and they all did considerably well”, Sterling said, “This year we were able to take more people and they all did well also. Paired with the fact that Stephenville has won Grand Champion two years in a row, I’d say we are definitely doing phenomenal in that aspect.”
However, getting to where he is at is no easy task. Sterling had to overcome a lot to achieve what he was and hold himself accountable in the pursuit of success. Two adversities he had to overcome were public speaking and proper management of time. Luckily, his Ag teachers have been there to help.
“Mrs. Bowers has definitely helped me a lot just because I’ve been on most of her teams”, Sterling said, “She’s helped me a lot with my science fair and agronomy and just public speaking in general. Mr. Smith also has helped me just become a better welder and has been overall really supportive in my success.”
Through all of his success, and trials, Sterling has come to love the FFA and what it stands for. Having been a product of the leadership that the accostiation creates, he is an advocate for everything that they provide and utilize to foster the next generation of agriculture.
“The thing I really love about the FFA is the people you meet”, Sterling said, “I could be talking to someone and they may be related to my family or know someone I know. Also just the diversity of the people and where they come from and how it’s so much different from where I live and work.”
Being an advocate for the FFA, Sterling’s message to anyone considering joining is adamant.
“Do it. Absolutely do it. You do not have to have an Ag background at all. You just need to work hard and try your best. Don’t be scared or intimidated, you wont regret it.” he said.
