Connor Graham delivers his chapter banquet speech, expressing gratitude for the skills and confidence FFA has given him.
“Three years ago, I had no clue what FFA was,” says Connor Graham. “I had never heard of it!”
Today, the Galatia High School sophomore and FFA member from California knows it inside and out. He serves as his chapter’s treasurer, has competed in more than a dozen career and leadership development events (CDEs and LDEs), and proudly calls the organization his home.
“I wasn’t brought up in an agricultural background,” Graham says. “But thanks to FFA, I can have an agricultural future.”
A Spark Ignited in Eighth Grade
Graham’s journey began in the second semester of eighth grade, when a required agriculture class introduced him to his first LDE: conduct of chapter meetings.
“Calling the roll, making main motions, having discussions on topics — it was my jam,” he says. “That’s when I knew FFA was something I wanted to be more involved with.”
From that moment on, Graham tried events ranging from the parliamentary procedure and job interview to agricultural sales and soil judging.
Graham (front center, wearing Galatia FFA merch) fills to‑go dessert orders at his chapter’s annual fish fry, meticulously counting pieces of cake, boxing them by size and labeling each for delivery.
Practice Makes Perfect
Preparation for these competitions, though, is never a quick study session.
“For CDEs, I spend many hours studying, practicing and focusing,” Graham says. “Before Agronomy, I was in the agriculture room every day, identifying seeds, weeds and insects from both physical specimens and photos.”
He applies this intensity to every challenge, whether role‑playing a customer pitch for agricultural sales or searching for topics for extemporaneous public speaking.
Service in Action
Graham’s commitment extends beyond the competition floor into hands‑on community service. At the Section 25 Golf Scramble event, he grills hot dogs for players and volunteers.
“The Golf Scramble brings in money for our section events,” he says. “I wanted to volunteer to help our section thrive.”
On a chapter fundraiser day, he and fellow members “picked up and delivered straw bales” — simple work that “made a big impact” on their chapter’s funding.
Graham (wearing a dark blue T-shirt and glasses) evaluates horses at the Illinois Section 25 Horse Judging CDE, one of his favorite competitions.
Perseverance Pays Off
Of all the events he’s tackled, extemporaneous public speaking has taught Graham the most about grit.
“I’ve never been naturally good at extemporaneous speaking,” he says. “But after three years and four tries, I finally won first place at sectionals this year. Practice does make perfect, and that victory proved it.”
That breakthrough also changed how he handles setbacks.
“I used to beat myself up over little losses; they’d overpower my wins,” he says. “Now, I focus on progress. Each competition, even the ones I don’t win, teaches me something I can use next time.”
Graham (second from left) and chapter members pick up straw bales for a fundraising drive, ultimately turning hard work into essential chapter funds and community service.
Mentors, Milestones and Mindset
Graham credits his advisors, Mr. Richey and Mr. Arnold, for guiding him “through blood, sweat, and a whole lot of tears.” According to Graham, their support in coaching, teaching and offering a listening ear has “shaped who I am today.”
His proudest FFA achievements include:
- Serving as his chapter’s treasurer, which “taught [him] that ‘[he] can,’ and that rewards come from hard work.”
- Taking his agricultural communications Supervised Agricultural Experience to the state level.
- Competing in the state Greenhand Quiz Bowl, a learning experience even in defeat.
Through it all, Graham honed real‑world skills, such as public speaking, leadership, teamwork, problem‑solving and interview readiness, which extend far beyond FFA competitions.
Graham (second from right) and chapter members grill hot dogs at the Section 25 Golf Scramble, helping fuel players, volunteers and his passion for service. This event helped bring funds back to his FFA section.
Advice and Aspirations
For younger members, Graham’s message is simple and enthusiastic: “Just go for it,” he says. “Be eager to learn and to grow. You never know what will happen until you try.”
He aims to reach the state level in more competitions and pursue an agriculture‑related career. However, his greatest goal remains helping others find the sense of belonging he’s found in FFA.
“Being part of the FFA community has been my home,” he says. “It’s a place where I belong, and I want more people to find that same feeling.”
With passion and a purpose for service, Graham showcases the power of persistence for himself and the next generation of FFA leaders.
