02/25/2026
Thank you to all who attended the Alumni and Supporter Appreciation Luncheon yesterday! Several alumni and those supportive of FFA attended! Throughout the day we had the opportunity to ask three alumni, Jaycee Case, Madison Pottenger, and Lisa Taylor, how FFA had benefitted them. Here is what they had to say!
Jaycee Case
Looking back now as a graduate, serving as the President of FFA was one of the most meaningful experiences of my high school career. Being part of the Salmon River FFA Chapter has helped me grow into a stronger, more confident leader and person. Being president pushed me to step up, make decisions, support my team, and represent the chapter with pride. It taught me responsibility, communication, and how to lead not just with authority, but with heart. Through meetings, events, competitions, and serving our members, I learned how important it is to lead by example and always give my best effort.
Beyond leadership skills, FFA gave me a family and some of my favorite high school memories. My favorite moments were honestly every meeting we had and going to FFA State with my team and advisor. Those experiences brought us closer together and showed me what true teamwork looks like. My advisor was so welcoming to everyone and always created an environment where people felt comfortable and valued. He trusted my word and believed in me as President, which made me feel capable and confident in my role. That support meant more to me than I can explain. Being part of the Salmon River FFA Chapter has shaped my character, strengthened my work ethic, and prepared me for whatever comes next. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to lead and for the people who made this journey so special. As I look back on my time with the Salmon River FFA Chapter, I realize it’s more than just an organization it’s a part of who I am. The lessons I’ve learned, the leadership I’ve developed, and the relationships I’ve built will stay with me for a long time. FFA has shown me the power of hard work, service, and believing in something bigger than yourself. 💙💛
Madison Pottenger
My name is Madison Pottenger, and I am an alumni of Salmon River High School. I never imagined that our school would have an agriculture program, but when it was introduced, it changed everything for me. I had the honor of serving as the first FFA President after our chapter was reestablished, and that experience shaped me in ways I never expected.
Being involved in the National FFA Organization taught me invaluable skills. I learned how to evaluate livestock, developed strong public speaking abilities, and built a solid work ethic. More importantly, I learned leadership, responsibility, and confidence. Although FFA is rooted in agriculture, the hands-on experiences and leadership skills I gained directly translated into my success in emergency medical services, which is now the career path I am pursuing.
The friendships I built through FFA were incredibly meaningful and remain important to me today. FFA and agriculture classes reflected what life is like after high school — learning how to care for something greater than yourself, overcoming challenges, and stepping into new opportunities with confidence, even when they feel intimidating.
I am beyond grateful for the time I spent in FFA and in my agriculture classes. The lessons I learned continue to guide me today. I strongly encourage all students to get involved in FFA, as the program offers countless benefits that extend far beyond high school.
Lisa Taylor
Being involved in the National FFA Organization all four years of high school had a lasting impact on my life. Serving in multiple officer positions and competing in speech contests pushed me outside of my comfort zone and strengthened my leadership and public speaking skills. I continued my involvement through college, and the experiences and connections I gained helped me secure a job right out of college with E. & J. Gallo Winery in Southern California. Today, as a teacher, I am confident speaking in front of large groups and navigating a variety of situations with professionalism and composure. I truly believe that foundation was built through FFA, and it continues to influence who I am both personally and professionally.
