Barnesville FFA freshmen Caleb Bush, Chloe Gordon and Aiden Starr proudly display one of their new FFA jackets after completing the FFA Creed challenge.
The package had arrived; three blue jackets, three stitched names and three brand-new beginnings.
For Barnesville FFA freshmen Chloe Gordon, Aiden Starr and Caleb Bush, these jackets represented more than just fabric and embroidery. They were the result of weeks of practice, determination and nerves that come with reciting the FFA Creed from memory.
Each year, the Barnesville FFA Chapter in Ohio votes to purchase official jackets for freshmen who complete this challenge. The tradition means more than memorization. It recognizes dedication, perseverance and the first major step in a member’s FFA journey. This fall, three freshmen rose to the challenge and earned the chance to wear the blue corduroy — just as many have worn before them.
When the jackets arrived at Barnesville High School, the Barnesville FFA Chapter was miles away at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo. “I was mad,” Starr mentioned with a laugh, knowing he, along with Gordon and Bush, would have to wait to try on their new jackets. Though impatient, the wait was worth it. When they finally slipped them on, they all agreed: “It was stiff.” But, just like a pair of new boots, you learn to break them in.
As their interviews for this story continued, these members were excited about the new opportunities ahead. They began expressing interest in several competitions, including parliamentary procedure, and setting goals to obtain their state degrees. Their FFA jackets gave them confidence — confidence that they could achieve whatever they set their minds to.
Gordon grew up around farm life; her sister, Samantha, a past Barnesville FFA officer, encouraged her to join FFA as a freshman. Starr shared a similar background, and was encouraged to join after watching his brother, Mason, succeed in the program. Bush, already active in 4-H, wanted to understand more about livestock and agriculture. Although each of them had different experiences, they all joined with curiosity and a shared love for the world of agriculture.
Memorizing the FFA Creed also taught them what it means to be an FFA member and what FFA stands for. Each freshman found different parts of the FFA Creed that resonated or challenged them. Gordon’s favorite line, “with such knowledge and skill as I can secure,” reminds us that pride comes from hard work. Bush struggled to memorize the fourth paragraph on his first attempt at the challenge, but with time, practice and a second attempt, he completed the challenge. These few lines, along with the rest of the FFA Creed, will be rooted in each and every one of their hearts throughout their high school career, and will guide their growth as an FFA member and individual.
Looking forward, these talented freshmen encourage anyone to make memorizing the FFA Creed a goal and “to learn as they learn best,” giving examples like listening to an audio recording, asking Amazon’s Alexa to play it back to you, singing the lines or practicing with someone who can give you feedback.
Their best advice for all FFA members? Break your jacket in.
