THE KENTUCKY CONTINGENT of the Woodford County FFA Chapter that attended the national Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C, had a group photo taken at the U.S. Capitol. Cooper Probst is pictured in the very top row of three, on the far right. (Photo from Kentucky FFA)
Special to the Woodford Sun
Cooper Probst, a member of the Woodford County FFA Chapter and a rising junior at Woodford County High School, recently attended the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) in Washington, D.C., the premier leadership experience offered by the National FFA Organization.
“FFA” is the new name of the “Future Farmers of America.”
The Kentucky FFA Foundation was able to make this opportunity available thanks to last year’s historic gift from The Bill Gatton Foundation, which, among other things, provided funding to send 100 FFA members from across Kentucky to participate in this life-changing leadership experience, according to a press release. The investment reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in agriculture.
“The Washington Leadership Conference is a life-changing experience for FFA members, but the barrier of entry has been really high. Mr. Gatton’s generosity has now opened the door and provided a bus for Kentucky FFA members for generations. It’s a true gift,” McKinney, executive director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation, said in the release. “Experiences like the Washington Leadership Conference help students discover their leadership potential and return home inspired to be bridge builders and leaders in their homes and communities.”
During the conference, Cooper joined hundreds of FFA members from across the nation to develop leadership skills, explore personal growth opportunities and learn how to create positive change within their community. They engaged in workshops focused on servant leadership, community service, goal setting and civic engagement, while also visiting many of the nation’s most significant historical landmarks.
Cooper was also honored by the Woodford County Fiscal Court at its July 14 meeting for this accomplishment.