Guided by family and fueled by passion, Marshall FFA President Gage Davis shows that “Living to Serve” is more than a motto — it’s a way of life. Davis has built his life around that simple but powerful phrase, using it as a guide for both his leadership and personal growth.
For this Missouri senior, the inspiration to serve started at home. “My dad was heavily involved in FFA,” Davis says. “He always pushed me and my sister to be involved in everything we could do.”
Watching his parents’ example, Davis learned early on that helping others wasn’t just something to do — it was a way to live. When his chapter volunteered in the community, he was always among the first to sign up. That passion grew even stronger when he joined the FFA officer team, giving him more opportunities to connect with others and make a difference.
The “Little Lunkers” project held by the conservation class in Marshall, Mo.
Over time, “Living to Serve” became more than a saying to Davis — it became his outlook on life. He believes that when you view the world through the lens of service, your choices naturally start to benefit more than just yourself.
“It gives life a purpose that extends beyond living just to satisfy myself,” he says. “I’m living to better the lives of others, too.”
One of Davis’ proudest accomplishments came through an event called “Little Lunkers.” Organized with the Marshall FFA conservation class, the project invited first and second grade students to a field trip at the Blind Pony Lake fishery ponds. There, Davis helped teach the children how to fish and assisted a few with reeling in their very first catch.
“For some of the students, it was their first experience fishing,” he says. “They all left with a catch — and a smile.” The event not only taught kids about nature and conservation, but also created lasting memories for everyone involved.
Davs sells his SAE products at a farmers market.
Of course, balancing service with other responsibilities hasn’t always been easy. Between working for his family business and managing his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project, time is often tight. But Davis has learned to plan ahead and stay organized so he can still give his best at every event.
When asked what impact he hopes to leave, Davis said he wants his actions to inspire younger FFA members. “I hope they see how living with a purpose to serve can make a difference,” he adds. To him, service and leadership go hand in hand — a lesson that has shaped not only his outlook, but his future goals.
His advice to others is simple, but powerful: “Take every opportunity you’re given,” he says. “Whether it’s volunteering, competing or attending a convention, all of it helps you grow as a leader and prepare to serve others better.”
