Cyndi's Two Cents
National FFA Week is a time to remember
National FFA Week is a time many of us reflect back on memories of building picnic tables, soils judging contests, learning to weld, touring a meat locker, and going to State and National FFA Convention with a van full of teen-agers. Many reading this column were active participants in the local FFA Chapter. Some of you may have been active in a collegiate chapter as well.
The theme of 2015 National FFA Week is “Go all out for agriculture.” That is exactly what my high school Ag teacher/FFA advisor did. I’ve written about him in this space before. Not long after he passed away, I put pen to paper to describe him:
He was a friend, a mentor, a counselor and a confidante. He was a cook, an advisor, a bus driver and a photographer. He was a travel agent, a welder, a plumber and a carpenter. He was a librarian, an electrician and a public speaker. He was a peacemaker, a custodian, a comedian, and a career guidance counselor. He was an animal scientist, a plant scientist and a painter. He was a supporter, a promoter, and a parliamentarian. He was a farmer and an Army veteran.
He was my high school agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor. He was always there, by the owl.
He was always there.
Mr. Goetze shared his passion for agriculture and community with us. He taught us by doing, “with a faith born not of words, but of deeds.”
He inspired many students during the years he taught at Bluffs first, then Winchester High School in Illinois and was involved in the communities where he worked and lived. Mr. Goetze treated everyone with respect and fairness. His smile and laughter were contagious.
Mr. G believed in every one of us – even those who didn’t fare so well in the more “traditional” school subjects. He didn’t compare us to our siblings or put labels on us. He allowed us room to succeed and to fail and was always there to pat our backs or lend a hand to help dust us off and pick us up off the ground.
The year I completed my agricultural education studies and my student teaching, Mr. Goetze received the Agriculture Teacher of the Year Award from the State of Illinois.
I was fortunate to have many good teachers during the first 12 years of my education. Seldom do we realize, at the time, the influence these educators have on the persons we are becoming.
Many of you have fond memories of the Ag teacher/FFA advisor who inspired you. Maybe you are farming today because of something you learned from that person. Maybe you are not farming today because of something you learned from that person. I know that I am not alone when I reflect on those days in high school Ag class and FFA with a smile on my face and a happy heart.
Happy National FFA Week.
Tags: commentary, FFA
What a great tribute ! I had the amazing privilege to receive my zag Ed and Life Ed from 3 amazing Educators – Mr Jim Craft, Ms Cyndi Young ( who happens to be the auther of this great article) and Mr Goetze.
These 3 amazing people taught me very differsnt lessons, in their own very special and unique ways. I was the city girl, who fell in love with all that is agriculture. I developed into the person, the woman I am today, because of the path they gave me then.
I am reminded not only during this special week “National FFA Week” but everyday, for the non stop rewards and opportunities that FFA ,and these truly amazing people gave me over 25!