Graham Gardemeyer attends the Grass Valley City Council meeting to make a public comment about the importance of anti-vape and anti-nitrous oxide ordinances.
When Nevada Union FFA senior Graham Gardemeyer talks about service, he does it with a kind of quiet conviction that makes you believe in the good that still exists in the world. For Gardemeyer, “Living to Serve” isn’t just a line in the FFA motto — it’s a way of life.
“It’s a dedication to service, to helping others,” he says. “It’s a commitment to understanding that no matter what you do in life — especially working in agriculture — you’re going to be working for other people and helping your community.”
Gardemeyer joined FFA as a sophomore, after discovering the opportunities the organization had to offer. “I wasn’t aware of the program at my old school,” he says. “But when I moved districts, I learned about it and joined because public speaking fascinated me. It was really fun.”
Gardemeyer participated in a Superior Region FFA meeting.
Inspired by the leadership he saw in older members, Gardemeyer decided to run for office himself, and was elected as the Sierra Buttes sectional treasurer. His dedication to serving others doesn’t stop at FFA, though.
Gardemeyer has taken part in several community-focused initiatives, including major anti-tobacco legislation projects through Friday Night Live (FNL). He helped advocate for policies banning nitrous oxide (a dangerous inhalant), and later helped strengthen restrictions on flavored vapes, making this legislation the first of its kind in the state of California.
“It was a big deal,” he says, noting that the impact of those efforts motivates him to stay involved. “It feels more like I have a real investment in what I do.”
Balancing school, FFA and his community commitments might seem overwhelming, but for Gardemeyer, everything connects.
“They all tie together in a lot of ways,” he says. “I make sure the work I do is a big part of my personal life. My classes are agriculture classes. It’s all ingrained in my life.” On top of all his incredible work, he “still find[s] time to scroll through Instagram reels.”
Gardemeyer received the “Nevada County Intern of the Year” award for all of his hard work and dedication.
On rough days, Gardemeyer says to, “remind yourself of the who, the what and the why. It’s not about you when you’re serving other people. It’s often bigger than yourself.”
His passion for policy and public service stems from growing up on his family’s farm in Colfax, Calif., and from his deep appreciation for leadership in action.
“I’ve read a lot of history,” he says. “Even though people can be selfish, good leaders, in the end, accomplish something. I might not be a great historical figure, but if I can make a difference in Grass Valley, Nevada City or Dutch Flat, any impact is an impact. Actions have consequences, and they can be good.”
Gardemeyer puts in hard work on the farm.
Looking ahead, Gardemeyer hopes to attend college and one day open his own farm, as well as run for local or state office to continue his work in policy. He is expanding opportunities for students in agriculture and Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. “I just love it here,” he added.
When asked what advice he’d give to others about living to serve, his answer was simple, but powerful.
“If you want to live to serve, simply take part in your community,” he says. “Regardless of where you live, there’s always something that can be changed. Take a look at the things around you and see what can be done about them. Partake in projects to fix them — that’s the most valuable way to go about accomplishing ‘Living to Serve.’”
Gardemeyer by the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Through his leadership, policy work and endless dedication to his community, Gardemeyer truly lives out the FFA motto — demonstrating that service isn’t about recognition, but about the difference you make in the lives of others.
