Seven Freshmen, One Goal: A State Title Story

The Monterey FFA Conduct of Chapter Meetings Team (left to right): RJ Davis, Noah Phillips, Anna Novak, Laynie Harper, Emma Paige Akin, Kyler Kennedy and Arrow Looper.

The National FFA Organization gives members opportunities to showcase the skills and knowledge they gain in the classroom through career and leadership development events (CDEs and LDEs). These competitions challenge members to demonstrate career readiness in real-world scenarios. Members spend countless hours preparing, all for a chance to earn a state title.

This March, the Monterey FFA Chapter’s Conduct of Chapter Meetings (CCM) team traveled to Gatlinburg, Tenn., to compete at the 98th Annual Tennessee State Convention. In this LDE, teams perform opening ceremonies, debate assigned motions and conduct closing ceremonies while following parliamentary procedure based on Robert’s Rules of Order. Each team includes seven freshman members, making this event the first competition for many FFA students, including Monterey’s team.

This year, Monterey’s CCM team included:

• Laynie Harper, who served as president.
• Anna Novak, who served as secretary.
• Kyler Kennedy, who served as vice president.
• Noah Phillips, who served as treasurer.
• Emma Paige Akin, who served as reporter.
• RJ Davis, who served as sentinel.
• Arrow Looper, who served as advisor.

To reach the state level in Tennessee, teams compete at the district, sectional and regional levels. For the first time in chapter history, Monterey’s CCM team placed first at the state level and earned the opportunity to represent Tennessee at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Ind., later this year.

CCM team members and their advisors, Aaron Walls and Tyler Vester, show off their state-winning plaque.

If you’ve never competed in a CDE or LDE and are curious what it is all about, read on for insight from Monterey FFA CCM team members.

What is some advice you would give to other incoming freshmen who would want to do CCM?

“One big piece of advice I would give to upcoming freshmen is to never doubt yourself on a competition you might not feel that confident in.” Akin says. “I would 100% want them to compete in CCM, as this competition has brought me a great group of friends and amazing memories, while also teaching me real-world parliamentary skills.” 

“The hardest piece of advice that I can give is that if you struggle with something, tell someone before it’s too late,” Looper says. “I made the mistake of not telling anyone that I couldn’t learn off the Kahoots until right before our third competition.” 

For this chapter, practice makes perfect. Members are putting in the work.

What is your favorite memory from CCM?

“The anticipation we all felt waiting for our name to be called on stage during state convention,” Novak says.

“Competing at state because it was one of the best things I’ve done and we had a great time together,” Phillips says. “I didn’t really expect us to win, but when we did, it made me so happy and it’s a memory I’ll never forget.” 

Monterey FFA members find out CCM state competition results at the 98th Annual Tennessee State Convention.

What are some things you have been able to learn or grow yourself in from doing CCM?

“How to work well with others,” Kennedy says. “I also learned to speak publicly, more clearly and intelligently. I was able to grow myself in debating, which can be used for many careers or professions down the road.” 

“I feel like some things I have been able to learn or grow in is just thinking quickly and off the top of my head,” Davis says.

“One of the many things I’ve learned from competing in CCM is that you have to be confident in yourself,” Harper says. “Everyone is learning and trying to be better, so don’t doubt your ability to be great. Being confident in yourself and your ability to succeed is half of the battle!” 

Through teamwork, Monterey FFA members found success.

If you are interested in participating in a CDE or LDE, contact your advisor to find out what opportunities are available in your chapter.