For more than a century, Pennsylvanians have gathered to celebrate local agriculture at the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. During the event, students from FFA clubs throughout the state participate in the organization's annual Midwinter Convention, which was held on Jan. 8 this year. Thousands of students, including members of the Garden Spot FFA, attended the convention with their parents and club advisers to connect with the statewide agricultural community.

Throughout the day, guests heard from guest speakers such as Pennsylvania's secretary of agriculture, secretary of education and FFA adviser, who discussed the value of engaging with the community in a meaningful way.

Many students received awards and scholarships during the convention, including nearly 1,000 FFA members who donned their own official jackets for the first time. The recipients of the FFA Alumni Jacket Scholarship included Garden Spot FFA members Madeline Baker, John Deckman, Morgan Dombach, Avery Planck, Maddie Knudsen, Maya Coon, Katie Pope, Niko Charlton, Lexi Swayne, and Leah Altobello. Every year, students answer a series of prompts and submit an application to be considered for the scholarship. According to Sarah Firestone, vice president of the Garden Spot FFA and junior at Lampeter-Strasburg High School, no member forgets the first time putting on his or her jacket. "It's an experience unlike any other," added Firestone. "Watching a new set of students put on their jackets every year gives you butterflies; it's the start of a memorable journey for so many kids."

During the convention, multiple Garden Spot FFA members also received the FFA Keystone Degree, which is the highest obtainable degree at the state level. To qualify for the prestigious award, recipients were required to have several hours of community service and participation in the club. This year, more than 500 students received the FFA Keystone Degree, including Lampeter-Strasburg High School seniors Sydney Albright, Sarah Blount, Kayla Frey, Jon Conrad, Jaclyn Martin, and Devin Miller-Baum. Frey also received the Eastern Regional Star Keystone Degree in agricultural production.

In addition to serving as her chapter's vice president, Firestone represented the Garden Spot FFA as a member of the 2024 Jr. Farm Show Committee. As a member of the committee, Firestone helped run the farm show in Harrisburg from Jan. 5 to 13. Firestone became an FFA member in sixth grade, and she received her jacket two years ago as a freshman. She also serves as junior vice president of the Lancaster County FFA Association. After graduation, Firestone hopes to pursue a degree in agriculture education.

"Being in FFA has been a blast. I've had so many opportunities, and I'm so grateful for all of them," Firestone said. "I plan to give back to the program and help the next generation of students, just like I was helped."