Support That Sparks Success: Wilson Memorial FFA
Members of the Wilson Memorial FFA Chapter with Delegate Chris Runion, who regularly attends events, at their Annual Venison Feast.
Most students try to avoid failure. In Wilson Memorial FFA, though, members are taught to expect it — and grow because of it.
In this Fishersville, Va., chapter, learning isn’t about getting everything right the first time. It’s about stepping into unfamiliar situations, taking risks and figuring things out along the way. That mindset shapes everything the chapter does, from meetings and competitions to hands-on agricultural work.
“To fully live out the FFA motto, you have to be willing to put yourself out there and try new experiences; just hearing about something second-hand isn’t enough to fully grasp the content,” says Chapter Reporter Karleigh Howdyshell. “You don’t wait until you feel ready; you learn by stepping in and figuring it out,” adds Chapter Vice President Crew Harris.
That philosophy is more than just an idea; it’s the foundation of the chapter’s culture. Members are encouraged to push themselves while also supporting those around them, creating an environment that is both challenging and inclusive. Members from a mix of suburban and rural backgrounds come together with a shared goal: to grow through agriculture, leadership and service.
The result is a chapter that expects effort and rewards progress. As many chapter officers described it, members are pushed to take risks and work hard, but are never alone in their efforts. That balance has created a strong sense of accountability, where growth is constant, and success is shared.
In Wilson Memorial FFA, that growth is driven by action. Meetings are not just discussions; they are built around participation. Whether that means leading activities, working through team challenges or practicing new skills, members are always interacting, growing and learning. The same hands-on approach extends into the chapter’s agricultural opportunities, where members gain real-world experience that goes far beyond the classroom.
Wilson Memorial Agriculture students mulch and landscape garden areas around the school, a service activity conducted each year to aid in the beautification of the campus.
For member Aida Aleshire, that experience came through working in the school’s barn, where she was involved in raising show pigs from start to finish. “I was able to help every step of the way, from the A.I. process, to farrowing, to processing piglets after birth,” she says. “I even bought a gilt from one of our litters that I’ve continued to raise.”
Hands-on experiential learning opportunities like these give students a level of responsibility and ownership that can’t be replicated through traditional classroom instruction. Instead of simply learning about agriculture, they are actively participating in it. However, the impact of those experiences extends far beyond personal development.
Member Aida Aleshire helps to process the Wilson Memorial FFA piglet litter. Aleshire assisted with cutting tails, notching ears and giving iron injections to the newly born litter. She would then go on to house her own pig, Maggie, at the school barn, in which she would later show.
While individual growth is a major focus, Wilson Memorial FFA also emphasizes the importance of giving back. Members regularly participate in service projects that connect their learning to the larger community. One of the most impactful for many is Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery.
“It’s really humbling to look out at the thousands of graves and honor those who have served our country, and we’re lucky to live within a reasonable distance to Arlington National Cemetery, so every December we join in on the event,” says Howdyshell. Experiences like this remind members that leadership is not just about personal success, but about making a difference.
Members regularly participate in the annual Wreaths Across America event to honor our nation’s veterans.
Despite the high expectations, the chapter remains grounded in a strong sense of support. Members consistently describe it as a family where encouragement and teamwork are just as important as achievement. “Everyone is always trying to support one another and help each other,” says Chapter Secretary Claire Batman.
That environment gives students the confidence to take risks, knowing they have a team behind them. It’s what allows members to push past fear, try new things and continue growing.
At its core, Wilson Memorial FFA is built on a simple idea: real growth doesn’t happen when you stay comfortable. It happens when you’re willing to step up, take the risk and keep going, even when it’s difficult.
In that process, members don’t just gain skills — they discover their potential.
Thank you to the 2025-26 Wilson Memorial FFA Chapter Officer Team and members for contributing to this article. The officer team consists of President Kole Bickling, Vice President Crew Harris, Secretary Claire Batman, Treasurer Kate Batman, Reporter Karleigh Howdyshell, Sentinel Crimora Davis, Historian Layla Brown and Freshman Representative Sophia Talampas. Members include Aida Aleshire, Alexis Davis and Aiyn McGinnis.
