National FFA Week: Meet Amelia Marshall

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With encouragement from her classmates, Amelia Marshall became a critical member of the West Salem FFA chapter.

Marshall’s grandparents had a small beef operation, so she was familiar with agriculture, but she jumped into the industry through FFA. Now a senior who has been with the organization for three years, Marshall serves as the chapter’s vice president.

“Everyone is really welcoming,” She said. “I stayed involved with CDEs (Career Development Events). They are competitions that test you and your team. There are different areas like horses and dairy. I’ve completed the outdoor CDE in the last couple of years.”

To recognize National FFA Week, West Salem FFA is inviting all students to participate in dress-up days. On Tuesday, Marshall and her classmates helped clean up apple trees at the elementary school. The celebration presents opportunities to talk with classmates about what the organization is all about.

“You meet a lot of people who you probably wouldn’t normally talk to at your school and around the state in different FFA Chapters,” Marshall said. “I’d say just do it. It is a lot of fun.”

The West Salem FFA Chapter adjusted to COVID-19 with virtual meetings and workshops to start the year. They also completed a drive-thru food donation project to help serve the community in January. Now with students back in the classroom, they are able to meet in person again.

“That’s been really nice,” Marshall said.

After graduation, she plans to attend Western Technical College in La Crosse to study criminal justice and become a corrections officer.

“My mom is a police officer, and that is something I’ve always been interested in,” Marshall said.

Throughout National FFA Week, KQ98 will feature local leaders thanks to Olson Solar Energy.