UPDATE: The six-member Asotin FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team has secured a remarkable second place at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, just last week. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the team and their mentor, Glen Landrus, who has dedicated 29 years to coaching FFA students.
In an emotional assembly held on October 16, 2023, at Asotin High School, team member Berklie Sheppard, a 17-year-old senior, expressed disbelief at their accomplishment. “It’s sort of surreal, honestly. We weren’t expecting to make the final round,” she stated, highlighting the unexpected nature of their success.
The Asotin FFA team, composed of seniors Stone Ausman, Spencer Conklin, Cody Ells, Noah Saltz, and Tegan Isley, along with Sheppard, demonstrated exceptional skills in conducting meetings based on Robert’s Rules of Order. Their second-place finish is particularly impressive given their competition with a team from California, which draws members from a significantly larger population.
During the assembly, Landrus praised the team’s dedication and hard work. “Winning in FFA is hard… To be excellent, you need to seize opportunity,” he asserted, underscoring the rigorous standards of competitive events like FFA.
Adding to the celebration, junior violinist Kambree Palmer showcased her talent at the same convention. Selected from 400 submissions for her impressive audition tape, Palmer performed at multiple venues throughout the week and had the honor of singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before a crowd of over 10,000 people at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Although she didn’t make the top ten cut in her category, Palmer’s achievements exemplify the spirit of excellence that Landrus encourages in his students. “Doing what’s required will not make you great,” Landrus advised. “It’s what you do above and beyond that.”
The sense of pride and accomplishment felt by both the FFA team and Palmer has resonated throughout the Asotin community. Their success not only highlights individual talent but also the collective effort and support from mentors like Landrus who inspire students to achieve greatness.
As the Asotin FFA team and Palmer prepare for future competitions and performances, the community eagerly anticipates what these rising stars will accomplish next. The latest developments from the National FFA Convention serve as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through dedication and teamwork.
