Fostering future leaders: FFA students shine during fair

As Wyoming's Big Show 2024 kicks off, the Green River High School FFA chapter is making waves with its dynamic presence and commitment to nurturing young leaders.

Liz Thoman, the Ag teacher and FFA advisor at Green River High School, shared her insights on the chapter's impressive activities and goals at this year's fair.

Thoman, who has been with the chapter since 2016, is deeply involved in both teaching and mentoring students.

"My role is to be that avenue for kids to be involved in FFA and gain essential leadership and career development skills," she explained.

This year, the chapter's participation at the fair is a testament to their dedication, with students showcasing their skills across various events.

"We've got kids in the horse show, beef show, swine, goat, sheep, and poultry," Thoman said. "Pretty much all the species are represented by our FFA kids."

In addition to the competitive events, FFA is making an impact with its new "Everyday Agriculture" display in the Small Hall. This educational exhibit aims to engage the community and provide insights into agriculture beyond the usual fair attractions.

"It's another avenue we've added to enhance our presence and educate the public," Thoman noted.

Preparing for the fair involves meticulous planning and addressing challenges. As Thoman highlighted, "The biggest challenge is continually improving the fair experience for the kids. Each year, it's about finding ways to make it better and ensuring that every student has a great opportunity."

The chapter's goal is to offer the best support and opportunities for its members, balancing the demands of preparation with their educational objectives.

FFA's influence extends beyond the fair as well, contributing significantly to the local community.

"FFA helps students become leaders and gain career skills that are essential for life after high school," Thoman shared. "It's about preparing them for the future, whether they pursue careers in agriculture or other fields."

Thoman's passion for FFA stems from her own experiences as a student and her desire to give back.

"I grew up doing FFA and wanted to provide the same opportunities I had to a new generation of students," she said.

The chapter's accomplishments have also been recognized with a significant accolade.

"Last year, our FFA chapter won the Chapter of the Year award in Wyoming, which was a huge honor," Thoman revealed. "It's a testament to the hard work of our students and their dedication."

Looking ahead, Thoman is focused on expanding opportunities for students.

"We hope to eventually get a barn for students to have animals in, which will allow more kids to participate and gain hands-on experience," she explained. This future project aims to enhance the chapter's impact and involvement in the fair.

In closing, Thoman emphasized the broader significance of FFA.

"FFA isn't just for kids who want to be farmers. It's for any student who wants to develop leadership skills and career readiness," she said. "Agriculture is a broad field, and FFA provides valuable skills that apply to many different careers."

As the fair continues, the Green River High School FFA chapter stands as a shining example of how dedication, education, and community involvement can come together to foster future leaders.