On October 18, 2023, forty Taylorville FFA members attended Leadership Training School at Maroa High School. Members had the opportunity to meet and network with other FFA members in Section 16, a group of 18 FFA chapters surrounding Taylorville. While attending LTS, members also participated in workshops focusing on Team Building, Communication, and Adaptability in leadership positions. 

Each exercise was led by either a section or local chapter officer. The team building exercise demonstrated the importance of relying on team members to accomplish a common goal. Members were asked to take a pool noodle section and use the noodle to transport a marble across the room into a solo cup. Members had to work together, and every teammate had to touch the marble twice with their noodles. The activity encouraged teamwork and creative thinking which enhanced the leadership abilities of many Taylorville FFA members. The communication exercise consisted of 5 groups of 4 students. 

The students were assigned the task of creating a step-by-step plan for the workshop leader to follow to successfully make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The group members had to work together to make very detailed instructions, but many groups failed. The lesson was that in order to work together and be efficient in our practice, we need to communicate with one another and be specific to keep all members involved and productive. 

The adaptability exercise was led by Taylorville FFA Co-President, and Section 16 Sentinel, Abby Norris. Each student was assigned a number as they walked in the door and were to find a desk with their corresponding number. After groups were formed, Abby told the groups to have member number 1 close their eyes and all 4 table members were to hold the same marker and write “FFA” on paper. Next, members 1 and 2 had to turn around and still write using the same marker with the remaining members. 

This workshop illustrated that complications arise in all forms of business, but being adaptable will ensure tasks are completed. Overall, LTS is a great experience for all FFA members and teaches valuable skills to work in a group or organization setting.