Nearly 200 chapter officers representing twenty-three FFA chapters from across Georgia attended the 2007 Chapter Officer Leadership Training conference. In attendance were Appling County, Bleckley County, Bonaire Middle, Coffee County, Cross Creek High, East Laurens, Effingham County, Emanuel County Institute, Fannin County, Franklin County Middle, Gordon Lee, Habersham Central, Hephzibah, Houston County, Jeff Davis Middle, Johnson County, LaFayette, Pepperell, Perry Middle, Portal High, Treutlen, Wilcox County, and Winder-Barrow FFA chapters.  

The 2007 COLT conference was held on July 24-26, at the Georgia FFA/FCCLA Center near Covington.  This year’s COLT theme was “Right On Target.” Chapter officers were challenged to understand their role as leaders in their chapters and communities. Each officer team attended workshops in community service, fundraising, recruitment, and parliamentary procedure; to help create their Program of Activities for the coming year. 

Chapters also had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in the opening ceremony contest.  Jeff Davis Middle won in the middle school division, and Houston County took home the victory in the high school division of the opening ceremony contest.  The individual with the highest scores in their respective officer position is awarded the honor of conducting opening ceremonies for the banquet.  Presiding as president was Colton Farrow of the Wilcox County FFA chapter; Vice President, Beth Parks- Wilcox County; Secretary; Buck Ray- Houston County; Treasurer, Samantha Grinstead- Treutlen County; Reporter, Jenna Kennedy- Wilcox County; and Sentinel, Abbie Stuart- Houston County. The coveted Spirit Award presented to the team that demonstrates a hard working, winning attitude was bestowed upon the Fannin County FFA chapter.  The Bonaire Middle FFA Chapter captured the first ever Most Balanced POA award.

One of the best aspects of COLT is getting to meet new people and make new friends.  Officers are able to plan the year ahead while simultaneously capturing ideas from fellow FFA members from other chapters.  There is plenty of fun to be had at COLT, officers completed the challenge course, enjoyed the recreation of the camp, and socialized at the dances.  You do not miss out on next year’s COLT!