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For the past fifty three years, FFA members from across the country converge on Washington, D.C., in the summer to evaluate their personal skills and interests, develop leadership talent and create service plans that will make a difference in their communities.

This year is no different. Created in 1969 and held annually, the conference began on June 6 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. More than 2,300 students are registered for the 2021 Washington Leadership Conference, the second-largest student experience that the National FFA Organization hosts each year.

Two Bainbridge FFA Members attended the conference this year during the week of June 13-19. These FFA members are: Kathryn Cohen and Macy Goodman. They spent the week under the guidance of professionals, counselors and FFA staff. In workshops, seminars and small groups, these members focused on identifying and developing their personal strengths and goals while undergoing comprehensive leadership training that will help them guide their local FFA chapters.

The capstone of the event was a civic engagement activity where participants apply what they have learned to a hands-on activity.

Kathryn and Macy also analyzed the needs of their communities, developed wide-ranging and high-impact community service initiatives and will implement their plans with the help of their FFA chapters upon return home.

They also experienced the history of the nation’s capital and toured landmarks including the Washington Monument, the National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Capitol, among others. In addition, they had the opportunity to participate in congressional visits during the week.

The 2022 Washington Leadership Conference is sponsored by title sponsors CSX and Farm Credit and weekly sponsors Bayer, Syngenta, General Mills, Merck Animal Health, Growth Energy and Nutrien. For more information, visit FFA.org/WLC.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to more than 700,000 student members who belong to one of the more than 8,600 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by more than 8 million alumni and supporters throughout the U.S.