Focused on the future
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
Now in her third year of representing the Mount Ayr FFA chapter, Lillie Curry has set her sights on her future goals, including one she has a chance of achieving next month.
Selected as one of 10 individuals on the Iowa FFA South Central District officer ballot, she is competing against one other candidate to serve as reporter.
“It’s a position that keeps the community engaged in the organization,” said Curry.
Mount Ayr has not had a student serve at the district level since 2012, when Matt Kerns was the Vice President of the Iowa FFA South Central District.
After submitting her application, she interviewed at district review night on February 5, which accounts for 40 percent of her overall score.
“I interviewed with the whole nominating committee one-on-one, and then I had three two-on-one interviews,” Curry explained, “my overall score put me on the ballot.”
The rest of her score will be determined by delegate body votes.
On March 2, Curry will attend the district convention to give a two-minute speech and answer two questions on stage in front of two students from every FFA chapter in the south central district. Then delegates cast their vote for the candidate who they believe is most qualified for the position. At the end of the day, the new officer team is announced and installed. Their year of service begins following the completion of the general session.
“The FFA motto ends in ‘living to serve,’ said Curry, “I want to serve at a higher level in our district and help others find the good in their lives.”
Curry credits agriculture pageants with helping her get out of her shell.
“When you’re 12 and in front of a room full of people, it’s really nerve wracking,” Curry said, “My parents have pushed me to be the best version of myself.”
Lillie’s parents, Dan and Kim Curry, noted they have helped her understand priorities, what opportunities will help her in her future goals, and focused her in that direction over the years.
“Lillie is a very strong, driven, goal oriented individual,” Dan and Kim stated, “She has taken every opportunity that is presented to her as a learning experience to grow and shape who she is and who she wants to become.”
Her dad first introduced her to FFA, and she heard her dad talk about being in FFA, and all the experiences he had.
“I wanted to be part of something like that,” Lillie stated, “It’s for everyone that wants help developing leadership skills.”
Her parents credit the connections she has made with her mentors for helping her be successful.
“Without the support and encouragement of Morgan Quick, Brian England and Katie Folkmann, Lillie would truly not be where she is today,” said Dan and Kim.
Initially, the organization was named Future Farmers of America, but in 1988 the organization was renamed the National FFA Organization to reflect the growing diversity and new opportunities in the agriculture industry.
Lillie Curry is on the FFA South Central District Officer Ballot for 2024-2025 and will give a two-minute speech and answer questions on stage at the district convention on March 2 prior to the delegate vote. Curry currently serves as the Vice President of the Mount Ayr FFA chapter. Photo by Kim Curry.
“Through FFA, I’ve been given a lot of opportunities that I really wouldn’t have otherwise had,” Lillie says, “I’ve been able to grow myself as a person and a leader, and become a better speaker in public.”
Beyond production farming, the National FFA Organization helps students develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of agricultural career paths.
Lillie has her sights set on winning the FFA state livestock judging contest, continuing her education and livestock judging in college, and pursuing a career in the agriculture industry.
Recently, Lillie participated in the IA Beef Expo Livestock Judging contest on Saturday, February 10, receiving first in placings and fourth overall in the FFA Reasons Division.
She followed that event up by showing her calf this past Sunday in the Iowa Beef Expo (IBE) Junior Show. Lillie placed fourth in the Class 15 – Division I Commercial Breeding Heifer.
