Moravia High School seniors Megan Marsh and Gabi Heim recently took their passion for agriculture, leadership, and community to the heart of New York State politics as they participated in a special FFA event at the New York State Capitol.

Marsh and Heim represented the local FFA (Future Farmers of America) Chapter at the annual State Leader’s Experience for New York FFA. During the event, students from across the state met with legislators, senators, and even the governor, to discuss the positive impact of FFA.

“When we met with the senators and governor, it really just made it even more special for us,” Heim said.

Marsh said she enjoyed meeting other FFA students from around the state to learn more about how they operate.

“Just becoming friends with them and learning more about the government together. It just showed how important it is for small communities to stress certain issues to the people in government who can help make a difference,” she said.

For Heim, who has been an FFA member since the third grade, the organization is so important because it provides students with the opportunity to experience so many wonderful experiences.

“Yes, FFA is centered around agriculture. But I think it’s so much more than that. In our chapter alone, you see how multiple generations continue to have an impact on our community because of FFA,” Heim said.

Marsh echoed those thoughts.

“I think it’s important to highlight that FFA is much more than farming or agriculture. It’s also about community and leadership. It’s about building connections with people and finding who you are while being a good leader. I think that’s really important,” she said.

Agriculture Teacher and Moravia FFA Chapter Advisor KristiAnn Frank said she is proud of both Heim and Marsh for representing Moravia, and the region, in Albany.

“Honestly, bringing them to the state capitol was such a culminating event. Only two students from each chapter get to have that experience. They’re the students who have been dedicated to FFA and are there to speak about their experiences in FFA to state legislation. To see them at the state capitol with such poise and elegance... I’m just so glad that these two were able to have that experience.”