More Than Corduroy: Leila Harper’s Journey in FFA
Holding my FFA jacket with “President” stitched on it and feeling proud of how far I have come!
When I joined FFA as a freshman in high school, I had no idea how much it would change my life. I am a first-generation FFA member and I joined a chapter that is less than 10 years old. Throughout high school, I was the only person in my graduating class who stayed active in FFA all four years. Because of that, I learned early on that if I wanted more opportunities for myself and future members, I would have to help create them.
One of the biggest parts of my FFA journey has been my Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). My main SAE is called The Giving Garden, where I grow flowers and give them away for free to people in my community. I hand them out at events like our local Memorial Day parade, and seeing people smile over something so simple always reminds me why I love what I do. It showed me that agriculture is not just about growing plants; it is about giving back and making connections with people.
My passion for science and agriculture also led me to compete in events like food science, biotechnology, envirothon and the Agriscience Fair. These competitions pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow as both a student and a leader.
On stage at the 98th Ohio FFA Convention for the Agriscience Fair!
The Agriscience Fair became one of favorite competitions of my FFA experience. Last year, I placed second in the state with a project about how different growing methods affect the growth rate of lettuce. This year, I placed third in the state with a project studying how different natural preservatives affect fresh cut apples. Both projects allowed me to combine science research and agriculture while learning how to solve problems and think critically.
One of the most memorable experiences during my time in National FFA Organization was traveling to the 96th and 98th National FFA Conventions & Expos. Attending convention allowed me to meet members from across the country and see how agriculture connects people from all different backgrounds. At the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, I had the opportunity to tour the National FFA newsroom alongside my fellow FFA in the USA Reporters.
Touring the National FFA Convention Newsroom at the top of Lucas Oil Stadium!
As I became more involved in FFA, I also took on leadership roles within my chapter. During my sophomore year, I served as historian. My junior year, I was vice president, and this year I had the honor of serving as president. Being president gave me the chance to make a real impact on my chapter and help it continue to grow.
One thing I am especially proud of is expanding our chapter to middle school students. I wanted younger students to become excited about agriculture and FFA before they even entered high school. I also helped bring new competition opportunities to our chapter, including environmental and natural resources, where our team placed ninth in the state this year. Watching members discover new passions and gain confidence has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me.
Shaking hands with 2025 -26 Ohio FFA President Carter Boyd while receiving my State FFA Degree at the 98th Ohio FFA Convention!
Another accomplishment I will always be proud of is becoming the very first person in my chapter’s history to earn the State FFA Degree. That achievement means so much to me because it represents years of hard work and dedication through my SAEs and time in FFA. It also showed future members in my chapter that accomplishments like this are possible for them, too.
Looking back, FFA gave me so much more than awards, competitions and titles; it gave me confidence leadership, skills, friendships and experiences that helped shape who I am today. Being part of a small and growing chapter allowed me to help create opportunities that will continue long after I graduate, and that is the legacy I hope to leave behind. FFA has helped shape me into the person I am today, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a member of this amazing organization.
After my chapter banquet where I received my FFA graduation cord and presidential plaque!
