Joey Nowotony: From Food to FFA Inspiration

Noah Dixon and Joey Nowotony.

In Delaware, students can start FFA as early as sixth grade, but 2025-26 National FFA Eastern Region Vice President Joey Nowotony had no prior exposure to agriculture. Having recently moved from New York, it was completely new to him. One day, during morning announcements, he heard there would be free pizza at the first FFA meeting. Naturally, he showed up. What began as a simple choice for pizza would end up changing the course of his life.

Freshman Year

Freshman year marked Nowotony’s full commitment to agriculture. He chose the agricultural pathway and started an aquaponics Supervised Agricultural Experience, which included growing vegetables that were later used in the Culinary Arts classroom.

That same year, his friend Cade graduated, and Cade’s family invited Joey to take over their poultry operation. Without realizing the scale, Nowotony accepted. The operation included 11 chicken houses, each 750 feet long and housing 50,000 birds every 52 days. His daily routine became early mornings at the chicken houses, school, soccer practice and then back to the chicken houses. Though exhausting, this experience shaped his work ethic and taught him what true responsibility looks like.

Sophomore Year

Nowotony’s sophomore year was the COVID year. School transitioned online, leaving him disconnected and, admittedly, spending far too much time playing Fortnite. While it was not his most productive year, it highlighted the importance of structure and engagement in meaningful activities, and reminded him how much he missed being hands-on in agriculture and involved in FFA.

Junior Year

During his junior year, Nowotony served as his FFA chapter’s secretary. Soccer remained an important part of his life, but he realized that his struggles were not caused by external challenges — it was him who had lost confidence in himself. That year brought illness after illness, including COVID, Mono and appendicitis, with time spent in and out of the hospital.

At his lowest points, it was not his soccer team that lifted him — it was his FFA chapter, his officer team and his advisor. They reminded him that his worth is not measured by performance and that he is made perfectly in God’s image. They showed him that no matter what happens, there is always a place in FFA and a home in the blue jacket.

Senior Year

In his senior year, Nowotony served as chapter vice president and competed in the marketing plan career development event. His team worked with a real business, redesigned it and presented their plan at both the state and national levels. Through this experience, Nowotony realized that FFA is not about trophies or stage time — it is about people, friendships, growth and the sense of belonging that comes from serving something greater than oneself.

State Officer Journey

Nowotony will never forget the moment his name was announced as the Delaware FFA Association’s state sentinel. He had no idea what to expect or the responsibilities the jacket would carry. He quickly realized that state office was not about fun or enjoying the spotlight — it was about leading with intention and serving something larger than himself. He became a light for members who looked to the officer team for guidance.

After his first year, Nowotony chose to run again and was elected sentinel for a second term. That year was equally meaningful. Nowotony connected with members who inspired him, supported students through their own journeys and witnessed countless students gain confidence and grow as leaders. Serving as a state officer became one of the greatest honors of his life.

National Officer Journey

Running for a national FFA office was one of the most intense experiences of Nowotony’s life. He often questioned whether he was ready. Each morning began at 4 a.m. with mentor-led training, which covered leadership questions, agricultural topics, interviews and more. Despite preparation, he sometimes felt unprepared because he had limited experience with one-on-one interviews prior to this.

When he arrived in Indianapolis, Nowotony placed his trust in God and His plan. This grounded him, allowing him to remain steady, honest and true to himself throughout the process. It became a time of reflection, understanding who he used to be and seeing how far he had grown.

Competitions to Conquer

Nowotony has always gravitated toward business-based events, fueled by his aquaponics business and interest in entrepreneurship. While he competed in marketing plan, he reflects that if he could do it over, he would try extemporaneous speaking. He recommends it to every member because it teaches skills needed in real-life situations, such as speaking confidently with no preparation. Extemporaneous, in his opinion, is one of the most valuable FFA competitions.

Piece of Advice

If Nowotony could speak to sixth-grade Joey — the kid who came for the free pizza — he would say this: there is a place for you, even on days you feel out of place. You are made perfectly and on purpose. You are here to learn, grow and build a home not just for yourself, but for everyone around you.

People often say “be yourself,” but to truly be yourself, you must look back to move forward. Reflect on every experience and challenge, and use them to grow into the leader you were always meant to become.

Nowotony may have come for the free pizza, but he stayed for the people who shaped him into who he is today.