Inspired, in part, by the FFA motto of “Living to Serve,” James Ankenbrand from Illinois has a long history of serving others. From reaching out with grant money to donating items and spending time with the Country Roads FFA Chapter, Ankenbrand does it all.
Four years ago, Country Roads FFA, a new chapter in Section 23 specifically designed for homeschooled students, was created. Starting from the ground up, the chapter’s advisors needed to find some helping hands and a heart of gold. Luckily for them, a local man well-known in surrounding counties had volunteered to help.
Ankenbrand, who works for Wabash Valley FS, had just come across some grant money. Without hesitation, he offered the new chapter money and volunteered his time and effort to build it up. Years later, Ankenbrand is still actively serving and helping the chapter.
Although Ankenbrand was never in FFA, many people in his community and workplace inspired him to share his love of serving. His main motivation is to reach out to the youth in hopes of mentoring them.
“I love investing in our future,” he says. “People spent time with me when I was young, and that has always stuck with me. I’m willing to help others, as long as they’re willing to put in the effort.”
Ankenbrand presents grant money to the 2024 agricultural leadership class.
Ankenbrand shows what it truly means to live out the FFA motto “Living to Serve.” Through his actions, he has helped others and inspired those around them to make a difference. His lasting impact demonstrates that service is more than a motto; it’s a way of life.
