Susanville FFA’s novice parliamentary procedure team celebrates winning first place at regionals, holding their coach, Tucker Bailey.
“Living to Serve,” a key part of the FFA motto, is often quoted by supporters and alumni at conventions, competitions, and conferences. But at Susanville FFA in California, it’s more than a phrase.
It’s a mindset. It’s a mission. And it’s transforming the chapter from the inside out.
Over the past year, Susanville FFA members have taken that motto to heart by stepping up to lead, coach and empower one another. A new era of peer-to-peer mentorship has developed, where student leaders are achieving personal success and helping to shape a stronger, more united chapter that lifts the rest of the community.
A standout example is the novice parliamentary procedure team, which placed sixth in the state of California. This remarkable accomplishment was made possible through the guidance of Tucker Bailey, the 2024-25 chapter vice president, and Abby Vincent, the advanced parliamentary procedure chair. Alongside the advisor, Elizabeth Ammon, Bailey and Vincent dedicated countless hours to teaching, mentoring, and perfecting the team, ultimately guiding them to success at the state level.
Susanville FFA Chapter’s novice and advanced parliamentary procedure team, ready to compete at state finals.
Susanville FFA novice parliamentary procedure team won sixth place at States.
This selfless act of student leadership truly defines what it means to “Live to Serve.” It’s about students giving their time, knowledge, and encouragement to help others grow as individuals. And it works. Not only did the team thrive, but coaches grew as leaders, learning to hone skills like communication, critical thinking, and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback, which pushed them to succeed as well.
The chapter didn’t just stop there, though. In the same year, Kenni Howe earned fourth place in the state for impromptu public speaking, thanks to coaching from Ammon and members Aurea Webb, Julia Bruce and me. That experience confirmed to me that when students learn from both mentors and peers, they gain more than knowledge; they gain confidence, connection, and a deeper understanding of their own potential and their effect on others’ potential.
As Susanville FFA Chapter’s 2025 Secretary, Sam Medvin, one of last year’s novice parliamentary procedure team members, told me, “Tucker was always easy to relate with… I’ve heard it said a sign of a good leader is someone who wouldn’t ask you to do something they weren’t willing to do themselves. Tucker was this kind of leader for us last year and is still that kind of leader today … He is humble and kind, and that is the kind of leader I want to be.”
Sam Medvin and Kenni Howe competing in impromptu public speaking at regional finals.
To recognize this spirit of service, a new award was introduced at our annual banquet: A trophy honoring those who go above and beyond to support others in the chapter and community. Its first recipient? Tucker Bailey, an FFA member who exemplifies what it means to serve with heart, to care about others, and to build them up bit by bit.
This story isn’t just about trophies or rankings. It’s a testament to the power we all have of lifting each other up. It is building community brick by brick. When students serve students, everyone rises. We all grow stronger as individuals and as a community. We learn that success is not about reaching the top — it’s about bringing others up with you.
At Susanville FFA, we don’t just say “Living to Serve.”
We live it. We lead it. We pass it on.
