OSTELIC – Otselic Valley Students on Wednesday received life lessons from state and national officers of the Future Farmers of America, giving them and the organization a chance to network and grow.

Students gathered for an assembly Wednesday morning to hear FFA National Secretary Mitch Baker, joined by the six-member team of FFA state officers, speak a little about the organization, its purpose, and its value to teaching more than just agricultural practices.

The stop at Otselic Valley was only one on a 1,100-plus mile trek the team has made throughout the state since Monday, said Juleah Tolosky, Executive Secretary for the New York State chapter of the FFA. The group made additional stops Wednesday in Steuben and Cayuga counties, and attended a conference Wednesday evening in Western New York.

“It’s been a varied tour this year,” said Tolosky. “We do one tour each year, and every year is different. FFA officers will go back to these schools later this year and work with students in a more focused way through workshops, goal setting, and promoting active teamwork.”