FFA students showcase their leadership, community impact in Thurston County

Youth-focused initiatives were highlighted at the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18, where local Future Farmers of America (FFA) students showcased their leadership and community service efforts. 

Students presented FFA’s impact on youth development and public engagement. They showcased the organization's three core pillars: growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. 

"When I first started high school, I had absolutely no idea what FFA was," said AJ Swearingen, a member of the Yelm FFA chapter.  

"It honestly brought out the best in me. I've learned that FFA is so much more than just animals and stuff like that. It's about building community and serving your community."  

The commissioners were impressed by the poise, confidence and dedication displayed by the FFA students. They shared personal journeys of transformation and the positive impact the organization has had on their lives and their communities. 

The FFA, a national youth organization, has a rich history in Thurston County. It has chapters at schools like Yelm High School and Tenino High School.   

"FFA works really hard with all that they do," said Nevaeh Vasquez, the representative for the Tenino FFA chapter. 

"I remember telling my mom when I first started FFA as a freshman that I didn't think it should just stand for the Future Farmers of America, but more the Future Families of America.” 

Matt Mounts, a 25-year teacher at Yelm High School, praised the FFA's ability to develop confident and articulate individuals. 

"You can see that whether it's Tenino High School, Yelm High School … individuals can come up and speak confidently and be proud of what they've done in their community," Mounts said. 

Mounts shared that since he's been at Yelm, the chapter has been named a top 10 chapter in the nation 12 times and was also named the largest FFA chapter in the nation.   

The FFA students' presentations showcased their involvement in various community service projects, from helping the Nisqually Land Trust with tree planting and environmental restoration to assisting the Yelm Community Services food bank and housing facility. 

 "Our FFA has been really dedicated to community service and helping build the community," Swearingen said.