District IV President Jessie Frazee facilitates the District IV Kickoff event.
“Living to Serve” is more than a motto in FFA; it is a commitment that defines how members give back to their chapters, schools and communities. In Indiana, that spirit of service is evident through the dedication of district officers.
District office is not just about a title; it is about people. Officers travel to different chapters, host events, listen to members’ stories and work hard to provide growth opportunities for everyone. They help inspire younger members to find their place in FFA while offering guidance to older members as they prepare for their next steps.
For many officers, service is more than just a duty. District IV President Jessie Frazee shared how his time in office has shaped his understanding of what it truly means to live to serve.
“When elected into a leadership position, I believe it is up to that leader to strive to serve each and every person affected by that position,” he says. “In my time as district president, I have worked to fulfill that task and truly embody the idea of ‘Living to Serve.’ I often remind my team that working together toward one effective goal — regardless of our different backgrounds — is what turns a good team into a great one. That one goal is simple: to live to serve.”
Frazee continues, “Whenever I know there is a need within my district, I want to do everything in my power to fulfill it. I am often reminded of the author Romain Rolland, who said, ‘A hero is a man who does what he can.’ I try to carry those words into my FFA career. To me, every chapter officer, every district officer and every member [who is] striving to uphold the values of FFA are the true heroes.
“I believe that those who can, should. If someone has the time, the skill and the capability to fulfill a need in their community, school or district, they undeniably should do so. Some of the most meaningful moments for me have been simple conversations with members, reminding me that listening, encouraging and showing that you care can change more than you realize.”
Frazee sums it up, “‘Living to Serve’ is not just a motto to me. It is my mission and my passion. Each and every member of FFA has the opportunity to change lives, and I hope we all choose to take that opportunity.”
Frazee’s words reflect what so many officers across Indiana feel. Leadership is about lifting others and meeting needs wherever they exist. Whether through workshops, conferences or simple conversations, district officers remind us that “Living to Serve” is more than a motto; it is a way of life for every member.
