Stubbs: Lessons Learned From FFA Valuable Locally, Nationally

Lauren Stubbs is the 2020-2021 Washington FFA Vice President. But the accolades don’t end there for the recent Lacrosse High School grad. Earlier this year, she was one of five FFA members, nationwide, to receive the Presidential Scholars Award. Stubbs said the honor was unreal and will allow her many opportunities for growth and networking in the farming sector, adding the Award highlights that regardless of background or hometown, you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it.

“In a small school, where the teachers really do care about the student’s successes, and invest a lot of time into making those successes and goals and dreams a reality for their students.  Really, what it does, it shows the dedication of my teachers, my FFA advisor for one.”

Stubbs started FFA in 7^th grade, and noted those two extra years were of big benefit. She added one of the most valuable lessons she learned from FFA revolves around leadership, whether that’s on the farm or in the classroom.

“Being a role model in my school for younger students who are in 4-H, or even just in our school.  Really, having a high schooler they can look up to is really important.  For me, growing up, I had my older siblings to look up to, but that might not be the case for some younger students here in our school district.  So, really, stepping in to fill that role through FFA, through those leadership positions was a goal of mine from the beginning for sure.”

After her year as a Washington FFA leader, Stubbs plans on attending Washington State University where she will work to become an Ag teacher and FFA advisor, so she can "can give back" to the farm community.

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