Writing Your Journey - 2023 ACES Conference

This weekend, Mrs. Bier, Miss Boltz, and I took a group of Shippensburg FFA members to the Agricultural Cooperation Establishes Success Conference (ACES) that is hosted by the Pennsylvania FFA Association. At the conference, members interacted with other members from all over the state of Pennsylvania in workshops lead by some of our state's most creative leaders! In the workshops, students participated in activities to improve their teamwork and leadership skills as well as learning how to network with other FFA members. 

We started the day meeting at the high school at 9:45 and I got to learn more about how important planning the timing of your trip is. Students came to the school, and with only a few minor setbacks, we were on our way to Harrisburg. Getting the chance to participate in the professional development at ACES was a great insight to how I can incorporate my passion of the outdoors into the Wildlife course. The speaker mentioned having the trapping association come in to speak, and I was excited that I had already lined them up to come in! 

After an always delicious ACES dinner (the mashed potatoes have been my favorite since 2016), the students had a great time at the ACES dance! It was amazing seeing to students back and having so much fun together. I also got to catch up with some of my cohort members, Lauren and Jacob! 


On Sunday morning, we got together bright and early at 7:15 for the Time of Inspiration. I got to interact with students and reflect with them based on the inspirational story that the State Officers shared. After breakfast, I watched over 600 students work to reflect on their workshops and write their journey. It was so exciting to see students interacting with others and making lots of new friends. 

Finally, we rounded out the conference with Remarks and Closing Ceremonies. As I look ahead and begin taking the reins at planning for the SLLC conference, this experience was so enlightening. 


Thanks for reading along! 


Here's to Part of the Whole Tree, 













Ms. Holtry

Comments

  1. John EwingFebruary 20, 2023 at 11:59 AM

    I know that ACES is a whirlwind of activity and I am glad to see that you fully immersed yourself into the opportunity as an advisor! Great job and I look forward to many more years of you guiding students through these growth opportunities!

    ReplyDelete

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