Hiland High School FFA prepares students for their future

Hiland High School Future Farmers of America advisor Krista Albright said that the Hiland High School branch of the national agricultural leadership development program is growing in a number of ways. “Many of the kids in our chapter are really progressing,” said Albright, who mentioned that a number of students participated in FFA camp and received state-level recognition for their efforts within the organization. One such student is Hayleigh Scheufler of Winesburg. Scheufler’s parents are Doran and Emily Scheufler. Earlier this year, Scheufler placed first in the area’s district interview competition. In December, she traveled to Columbus to take part in that state level competition, where she took home third place. The competition challenges students to work on the skills that will eventually help them join the workforce, such as undergoing the job interview process, preparing their resumes and talking to an authority figure about what they feel are their best assets. “I definitely feel more prepared for the job market now,” said Scheufler, currently a freshman at Hiland, who said that she hopes to someday work in the agricultural industry, perhaps as a veterinarian. “Before, I wouldn’t have known what to say during an interview, but now I’m not as timid.”Last year the chapter also took part in a number of community-centric events, such as their Thank a Farmer event and their Acts of Kindness events. Diane Yoder, a junior at Hiland and the daughter of Rosanna and Lester Yoder of Mt. Hope, was one of the students who took part in both events. For the Thank a Farmer event, the members of the chapter put together snack bags for local farmers. “It’s important to thank farmers,” said Yoder. As a part of the groups Acts of Kindness community service project, the club raked up leaves for local people who couldn’t do the exhausting chore by themselves. “Acts of Kindness was great because it allowed us as a club to meet a lot of people,” said Yoder. “Also, we were able to spread the name of our chapter around a little.” Hayleigh echoed Yoder’s sentiments. “The project showed that we have a passion for the community as a club,” said Scheufler. “We had a great time, it was a good bonding experience.”Both Yoder and Scheufler expressed that they are grateful for the experience that they have had as a part of the Hiland High School chapter of FFA. “When I started in FFA, I was really a shy little girl,” said Yoder. “FFA really helps you get out of your own comfort zone and do things that you really thought you couldn’t do before.”