– The building blocks for success are simple: hard work, leadership and, for the Cashion FFA officer team, a retreat to plan for the upcoming school year.

At the end of July, the eight-member team, along with advisors Holly Drake, Quetta Burns and parent sponsor Kim Sylvester, traveled to Tahlequah to generate ideas, strengthen teamwork and finalize preparations.

The retreat theme, the “building blocks of success,” came to life in multiple hands-on LEGO activities.

Cashion FFA’s newest agriculture instructor, Burns, introduced the officers to a new activity – a Shark Tank-style idea session.

Each officer was given 10 minutes to come up with an activity for the upcoming year, then pitched their idea to a panel of judges made up of Burns, Drake and Sylvester.

Judges questioned the offi cers, encouraging creativity and problem-solving.

Vice President Maggie Carroll said the challenge was difficult, but rewarding.

“I got a lot of good feedback and felt like it really helped develop my skill of thinking on the spot,” Carroll noted. “It was such a great experience and I hope we continue doing it for years to come.”

As a fun addition to their planning, officers spent a day rafting the Illinois River.

Enjoying the scenery, camaraderie and an edge of competition, they were able to unwind and connect back to the present after a busy retreat spent planning for the future and working together.

“We were in situations where we had to really bond with each other,” Treasurer Sadie Weaver reflected. “It really changed my perspective of being a leader. I can’t wait to see how this year unfolds.”

Now that preparations for the upcoming year are in place, officers are ready to take on one of their biggest goals yet: hosting monthly meetings to increase member involvement.

The first event was a back-to-school bash.

“We believe that by holding monthly meetings, we can provide an engaging platform for everyone to connect and find their place in FFA,” said Chapter President Dally Pedersen. “I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone step out of their comfort zone and find a love for this incredible organization.”

As the school year is now under way, the Cashion FFA officer team is ready to set its plans in motion – one building block at a time.