Hi, my name is Brooke Earling, and I am a junior at Mariposa County High School. Since my freshman year, I have been involved in the FFA, and this will be my second year as an officer for the Mariposa FFA Chapter. Before I joined the FFA organization, I never realized how much there is to gain from the program. I only became a member so I could show an animal at the fair. My freshman year I joined the parliamentary procedure team where I learned the correct procedures for conducting a meeting and had the opportunities to practice public speaking. I also attended every conference the FFA organization offers, such as the Greenhand Conference, Made for Excellence, and State Conference.

Before I became involved with FFA, I could barely even stand in front of a crowd, let alone speak to one. But now my public speaking has improved, and I am able to speak with confidence in front of large crowds. I am very active within the FFA and compete in many of the contests offered as well as raise animals for the fair. This year will be my third year raising a steer, and I look forward to showing it at the fair.

On behalf of the FFA and 4-H members, I would encourage you to attend the Junior Livestock Auction on Sunday, Sept. 5 at 3 p.m. in the Strathearn Pavilion in order to support these organizations. By supporting the members of these programs, you are supporting the development of leadership as well as responsibility among elementary and high school students. There are no other organziations that offer the wide range of learning opportunities and personal growth among today’s youth. Thank you for your support.

Brooke Earling