Concordia High School students flourish as members of FFA
The Future Famers of America (FFA) have a creed. Part of it states: “I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure...”
Bricen Benyshek and Russell Alexander embody that creed.
Benyshek is a senior at Concordia High School (CHS) and president of the local FFA chapter. Alexander is a junior at CHS and the chapter's sentinel.
“I've been in FFA since the seventh grade,” Benyshek said. “It's allowed me to meet people from all over the nation with different backgrounds. The best part of being a part of FFA is being able to meet members and interact with them.”
Benyshek relishes his leadership role in FFA. As president, part of his responsibilities includes setting new goals for the chapter and implementing new ideas and events. “The fundamental part of being a leader is how we face the challenges each day. I want my chapter to trust and believe in me as a leader, and I have dedicated myself to providing the best kind of support I can for all our members.”
One of the newer programs in FFA is the Chapter Buddies program, an effort to enhance camaraderie and support within a local FFA chapter. This program keeps members connected and engaged with the latest happenings in FFA, while also providing them with a mentorship opportunity.
Under this system, each FFA officer is assigned three to five members whom they regularly communicate with regarding upcoming events and activities organized by the chapter. The buddy system ensures that all members have a point of contact within the chapter to talk to.
To kickstart the new school year, the local FFA chapter recently organized an event called "Donut Miss Out, Get the Scoop” social. At the beginning of the academic year, members were treated to donuts for breakfast and later, in the afternoon, an ice cream social was held, providing an opportunity for anyone interested in FFA to mingle and learn more about the organization.
Alexander is a junior at CHS, but he didn't join FFA until his freshman year. “I had relatives who were involved in FFA, but I really had no ag background. I tried other school activities – I'm kind of a shy person so I was hesitant to join things. And I'm not involved in sports. So I tried FFA and found that I really liked it.”
As a sentinel, Alexander assists the president and helps preside over meetings. “I welcome everyone to the meetings, make sure they're comfortable and have everything they need. I enjoy taking on a leadership role, and always try to do my best.”
Benyshek is also standing out in FFA with his musical talent. He plays the euphonium. “It's like a small tuba,” he said with a smile. “If you see it you know it. But the name always gets another question.”
Webster's describes a euphonium as a brass wind instrument with valves, pitched in C or B an octave below the trumpet. Invented in 1843, it is the leading instrument in the tenor-bass range in military bands.
Benyshek has been chosen to play in the FFA's national band. “It's quite an honor,” he said. “Less than .01% of FFA membership gets to play in the band.”
Benyshek isn't directly pursuing a career in agriculture when he finishes at CHS. He plans to attend either K-State or Baylor and study engineering. “I really like K-State, but Baylor has an awesome engineering program. I still haven't made up my mind yet.”
Alexander, who has worked part-time on a farm, plans to attend either Manhattan Tech or Beloit Tech after he graduates from CHS and study to become an electrician. “I don't know how involved I would be in farming,” he said, “but I do want to raise cattle. I'd like to live in the country and I'll probably stay in the local area, but I don't know. I've even thought about somewhere like Oregon. The scenery there is really beautiful.”