I’m Finally DONE with High School! 

...well sort of, I do still have to walk across stage to get that one piece of paper that signifies so much. It has took thirteen  L O N G years to get to this day. And after four years of extreme stress, a little panic, a lot of studying (well, until senioritis kicked in), and some much need prayers...I did it. I conquered the goal I had set for myself when I was in the fifth grade...on Sunday, May 29th at 2 p.m. I will be graduating the valedictorian of the Lynchburg-Clay Senior Class of 2011.  I am so very excited! 

It has been a goal of mine since I was ten..to be just like my grandparents who are my role models, see my grandpa Jack was valedictorian too, and grandma Kay salutatorian. (that’s where  the brains are from) . I had a lot of expectations to live up to if you could imagine that, and I didn’t always like that pressure. I would much rather be at a hog show, at home on the farm or working (aka talking or writing, what I do best) on something that I can do within the agriculture industry. Now that high school is over, I can get a somewhat start on that. I can begin my college life with meeting new people that share the same passion for agriculture as I do. I am looking forward to that without a doubt. As this chapter closes, I am ready to start the next one. I will never forget Allensburg Church of Christ where I attended pre-school, “the greatest days” or Buford days where I attend kindergarten and first grade, and the final transition to the Lynchburg-Clay School District, where I finished from second grade to twelfth grade. I went back to LCHS the day after seniors got out...it already doesn’t feel the same. I am no longer sheltered in high school..I will be starting big girl school (aka COLLEGE) on August 22nd and making the move to Illinois ( 5 hours from home) on the 15th. It is right after I get home from the state fair and right before my county fair, where I will be showing for the last time as a junior swine exhibitor. So, as I look at it...August is the month of major change for me and things around  Fender Farms-- first time for someone to move out of Ohio, leave the home farm, attend college and pursue a college degree. But as I remind them...I am only a short car ride away from home, it will be okay. After all, I am chasing my dreams. 

The education, support and memories made over the past 13 years will never be forgotten... and as we step out into the world outside of high school..may all our dreams and goals come true.

The FFA Chapter at State Convention

The Senior girls in DC

The Senior Ag. Trip to Chicago

Retiring Speech as Madam President

Daisy!! Daisy!! 

Wake up!!

....we leave in 15  and you’re still not awake yet!! That has been a common occurrence over the past four years of my Lynchburg-Clay FFA career...it never fails she is the last one up...every time we leave for a contest, trip or convention. After all she was voted the most likely to sleep in class..but we all know she never sleeps during Ag. class. 

The past four years of my life in FFA have been a blast, and serving as your 2010-2011 Chapter President has been an honor, I am sad to see the days coming to an end. It would not have been the same without Hannah, Lillian and Jake singing to us almost everyday in class. You can always count 

on Ag. Class being interesting everyday that’s for sure. When spring time rolls around, most are anxious to work in the shop. While Zach enjoys building his project on his own, Scott is always there to tell him that it will never work. In the classroom is where I first learned about Career Development Events and Supervised Agriculture Experiences. I didn’t know looking back on freshman year that I would be going to Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois this fall so that I can further pursue my livestock judging career.  It has been my involvement in the general livestock CDE that sparked my interest in judging, something that will carry on with me though out the rest of my life. The most challenging CDE we participate in, is the Parliamentary Procedure Contest, in which practices are held at 6:30a.m in the Ag. room....I am proud to say I have survived three solid years of it. As much as I don’t want to admit it, it has improved my public speaking abilities. 

My Supervised Agriculture Experience, also known as my swine operation, know how to test my patience.  Don’t get me wrong, I do love working on the farm with my pigs...however those FFA books that go along with them, not so much, right Andy? You can always count on seeing Andy’s truck pulling out of the parking lot two minuets after the last bell rings instead of staying after to work on his books.  But we have learned to deal with the frustration of completing our books and proficiency applications and have been fortunate to receive recognition for our work.  

 The benefits of being an FFA member outweigh the the time and effort spent in the classroom, shop and the behind scenes work of all of our activities. National Convention, State Convention, Ag. Reality Day, and the senior trip to Chicago, just to name a few, have made their mark on all of our FFA careers. We leave the meal planning up to Steven and the social networking to Brandon. They seem to always come through for us every time. 

The Lynchburg-Clay FFA Chapter would not be the same without our advisor, Mrs. McKee. She has spent countless hours preparing for all of our events, without her devotion we would not have near the success as what we do. Even if you procrastinate on things sometimes, they always turn out the way they should. After all, all of us have a little procrastination in us. I want to personally thank you for pushing me to fill out my books and applications and giving me pep talks before every contest...it all truly has been worth it.  

I want to sincerely thank my family for always being  relentless supporters of everything I do. Aunt Diane, thank you for being a huge part of my 4-H career over the past 9 years. Aunt Pam and Uncle Bushy, I can’t count the number of times I have called or came over when I need something, and I can count on you being there for me.  Great-Grandma Roush, you have always given me advice and encouragement as I have grown up, which I will never forget. Grandpa and Grandma Fender, the rock of our little family. You have been my inspiration and I look up to you with the most respect. You’ll never know how much you both mean to me. Mom and Daddy-- I have always been daddy’s little girl and that will never change, but Mom you are my #1 Fan..and I know that I will have you both backing me up in whatever path life takes me.  

Daisy, Hannah, Lillian, Jake, Zach, Scott, Andy, Steven and Brandon, my fellow four year FFA members... thank you for all of the memories that will last a lifetime. As we continue on our separate paths, may our lives be all we hope for. 

To all of the Lynchburg-Clay FFA Chapter that I have proudly served this past year as President, never forget to chase your dreams, and remember each and every one you have infinite potential, you can’t let your fears prevent you from fulfilling your passion.