FFA: Opening doors to the future

Marmaton Valley High School senior Brooklyn Adams is particularly passionate about food science.

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Local News

February 23, 2024 - 3:56 PM

Brooklyn Adams, Marmaton Valley High School FFA Photo by Sarah Haney / Iola Register

With four years of active participation in FFA under her belt, including two years in officer roles, Brooklyn Adams has seen personal growth through her experience in the organization. 

The Marmaton Valley High School senior had previously held the office of student advisor and currently serves as sentinel for her chapter. In this role, she assists the president in maintaining order of meetings.

According to FFA adviser Jacque Gabbert, Adams has consistently demonstrated her commitment by actively participating in various events. “Brooklyn is always willing to help and show up and organize events that we’re doing,” Gabbert notes.

A standout aspect of Adams’ FFA journey has been her involvement in competitive events, particularly in food science. She has showcased her skills in a diverse array of competitions, ranging from food science to ag sales, poultry, meat judging, entomology, farm management, milk quality, and public speaking. 

Adams is proud of her achievements, which include a third-place finish in ag sales and participation at the state level in food science.

“Competing in food science has been my favorite,” she shared. “FFA has opened doors for me — I’ve met new people, made friends, and it has helped me with my public speaking skills. It’s helped me overcome my nervousness.” 

She added that the organization has equipped her with invaluable skills and confidence that has helped in her high school career. It’s hard to imagine the smiling and outgoing senior was ever shy, but she notes that the organization is to thank for this transformation.

As Adams prepares to embark on the next chapter of her academic journey, she sets her sights on studying radiology at Labette Community College. Her interest in this field was sparked by a human anatomy class, as well as her studies connected with FFA.

Ever the advocate for FFA, Adams encourages incoming freshmen to join the organization to help them grow as individuals. 

“I would tell freshmen to join FFA because it has so many opportunities,” she said. “They can meet new people and help narrow down their career path. Just getting the experience of talking in front of people can be very helpful to anyone.”

Looking ahead, Adams is eager to continue her FFA journey on a high note. “I’m looking forward to hopefully qualifying for state this year,” she said. “We also have Ag Days coming up at the end of March. We bring out animals and teach the little kids in the school district about agriculture.”

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