On December 1-2, four Collinsville FFA members attended the annual MFE (Made for Excellence) and ALD (Advanced Leadership Development) leadership conferences in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Advanced Leadership Development conference is intended for junior and senior FFA members. This conference is designed to develop better leaders who will build stronger FFA chapters. ALD introduces FFA members to the concept that leadership is influence in a real-life and purposeful way. Students will work in small groups to solve challenges, have discussions and plan for the success of their local FFA chapters as they learn about team building, problem-solving and service to others.

The Made For Excellence conference is designed for eighth-, ninth- and 10th- grade FFA members to meet them where they are: thinking about plans for the future, understanding themselves and considering choices ahead. With a thoughtful mix of activities, large and small group interaction, direct instruction and personal reflection, MFE is designed to be engaging and meaningful for FFA members.

Caysi Meyer and Justin Branen, attendants of MFE, and Laney Branen and Kacie Lameyer,

attendants of ALD, all brought home knowledge and skills that they can exhibit in their home chapter. The skills they learned are skills that can be carried throughout their FFA careers, as well as their adult lives.

-- Caysi Meyer 2/7/2019