More Than a Teacher
Brookings FFA advisors Mr. Joshua Johnson and Mrs. Michelle Dykstra pose with their 3-Star Chapter Award at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo.
In a world where success is measured by the degree pinned to your chest and how many plaques hang on your wall, people rarely look behind the person receiving them. They don’t see the countless hours of practice, the determination, the failures or the people who are with you every step of the way: the advisors.
The members of the Brookings FFA Chapter in South Dakota rely on their advisors, Mr. Joshua Johnson and Mrs. Michelle Dykstra, to lead them in every aspect possible. From giving students life advice to tips on memorizing the Creed, Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Dykstra are more than agriculture teachers; they are the pillars of the Brookings FFA Chapter.
With 17 years of teaching between them, these advisors have racked up an impressive repertoire, including over 70 career and leadership development event wins, 15 national-qualifying teams and four state officers.
Former South Dakota State Secretary and Brookings FFA Alumni Raesa Zelinsky shares how both of them helped her achieve success. “My advisors played a huge role in my journey to becoming a state officer,” she says. “They were more than just teachers; they were mentors and friends who truly supported me. They taught me the importance of being adaptable, and helped prepare me for challenges throughout the process.”
While the advisors play a key role in ensuring teams succeed, they also leave a meaningful impact on students every day. Chapter Sentinel Amelie Krogman explained the impact the advisors have left on her. “Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Dykstra have always offered me a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen and a belief in me that I did not have in myself,” she says. “Without their guidance, I would not be the individual that I am today.” Krogman finished with a message for her advisors: “Thank you for being the best coaches for CDEs and advice givers. I will forever continue to follow your guidance and wisdom.”
Although the main goal of the advisors is to grow amazing leaders, teach agriculture and be the best advisors possible, they still know how to have fun and make lasting memories with their students. “I made so many great memories as a member of the Brookings FFA Chapter with Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Dykstra as my advisors,” Zelinsky says. “From everyday moments to special events, each experience helped shape who I am today. My favorite memory was national convention in 2023!”
The Brookings FFA Chapter and its members, both past and present, would not be where they are today without the guidance and support of their advisors.
The Brookings FFA Ag Marketing Team poses for a photo with their advisors after qualifying for nationals.
