Heather Prochnow (left) shares insights during an FFA Alumni breakout session. She also supported her daughter during her student teaching year by serving as a chaperone for the Blanchester-Great Oaks FFA Chapter.
For Heather Prochnow, “Living to Serve” isn’t just part of the FFA motto — it’s a way of life. From her days as a Wilmington FFA member who earned her American FFA Degree, to founding the Clinton County FFA Alumni and Supporters, Prochnow has dedicated her free time to serving others and helping young people.
Prochnow moved back to Wilmington, Ohio, in 2016 and watched her daughter fall in love with FFA at the same high school she attended. At the same time, she noticed how much the chapter had struggled after years of teacher turnover. Motivated by this challenge, Prochnow chartered the Clinton County FFA Alumni and Supporters in February 2019. The group is a county-wide organization that unites and supports five chapters through advocacy, fundraising and hands-on volunteer service.
“To me, FFA is a program that produces confident, competent leaders, providing a place to belong for kids of all backgrounds,” Prochnow says. “I’m grateful for all the skills I developed while I was in FFA.”
Supporting Students and Educators
Since then, service has been at the heart of everything Prochnow does. She volunteers at banquets, advocates for agriculture teachers, and helps with fundraisers and community projects. Her actions truly reflect what it means to live to serve.
One of her proudest efforts has been helping the East Clinton Great Oaks FFA with its Yellow Freesia fundraiser. This project honors the Timmi Mahanes Memorial Fund. Through this, the alumni chapter has helped fundraise for members to attend the Washington Leadership Conference. According to Prochnow, Timmi loved that experience dearly, and it gives members a chance to grow as leaders and learn the meaning of service.
Encouraging the Next Generation
Every year, Prochnow enjoys watching from the sidelines as FFA members and chapters grow.
“My heart soars every year to watch county members stand on the national convention stage and be recognized,” she says. “And to see tiny little freshmen that have developed into leaders turn into graduating seniors who are ready to tackle the world with confidence and skills.”
A Legacy of Service
Moreover, her daughter’s work as an FFA advisor has deepened Prochnow’s appreciation for educators. She understands the long hours and dedication it takes to guide the students. “It is my personal goal to provide some support and relief to our county educators to ease that burden,” she says. “Even if my help doesn’t even begin to offset their sacrifices.”
Through her constant leadership and selfless dedication to FFA, Prochnow embodies “Living to Serve” every day. Her work reminds us that service doesn’t stop after graduation. Instead, it’s a lifelong way to strengthen our chapters, our communities and the future of FFA.
