It’s time for Powell-Shoshone FFA to choose its next Chapter Sweetheart. This tradition stems from a time when women were not allowed to be members in their local FFA chapters. 

In each community, a girl was chosen to represent the chapter as a sort of royalty, or female role model. The younger girls looked up to this gal and hoped to, one day, be just like her. 

While a lot has changed over time, and girls have long since been allowed to be members in FFA, Powell-Shoshone FFA still sees it as important to carry on this tradition.

The Chapter Sweetheart is a female leader involved in community outreach, makes time to thank the community and helps coordinate various activities throughout the year. 

This time last year, I was elected as Chapter Sweetheart, and the title carries great importance to me.

As Chapter Sweetheart, I got the opportunity to be a part of many heartwarming events. I became close friends with those in the community, and even grew bonds with various chapter officers. 

Chapter Sweetheart is someone who is always willing to lend a helping hand, someone who is kind at all times, and someone who puts effort into every task.    

One of the events I was responsible for included Baby Animal Day, where I led kindergarten and first grade students through several mind games. Watching younger generations learn about agriculture reminded me just how important having a Chapter Sweetheart is. 

From there I also got to engage with older students by helping with freshman recruitment. 

Wearing a sparkly pink sash, I spoke with many students and encouraged them to join FFA. 

In the Powell-Shoshone FFA Chapter, each year a very dedicated junior girl is granted this title. The title carries a very special meaning within the chapter and is carried with great pride and excitement. 

The application process to become Chapter Sweetheart is a rather detailed process. The previous year’s sweetheart is in charge of arranging applications, interviews, as well as inducting the next year’s sweetheart. 

Just like my mentors, I took the application process very seriously. 

I passed out applications in class and highly encouraged all junior girls to apply. 

From there, the candidates give an interview in front of a panel chosen carefully by myself. 

In the interviews the panel looks for a candidate who is involved in both agriculture and FFA, but mostly chosen based on their character. 

I will announce this year’s Chapter Sweetheart at the FFA Works Auction on Feb. 20. 

My interview panel and I had a very difficult time deciding who will become next year’s sweetheart, but we cannot wait to announce a very deserving candidate.