Special to the HT
MEEKER | The 2026-27 Meeker FFA Chapter officer team recently participated in the chapter’s annual Officer Retreat, held June 12-13 at Trappers Lake Lodge.
The officer team consists of President Aurora Stallings, Vice President Elijah Rundberg, Secretary Jayci Chintala, Treasurer Lauryn Shults, Reporter Hailey Cox, Sentinel Tanner Shults, Historian Sienna Rolen, Chaplain Cienna Rogers, Parliamentarian Hattie Brennan, and executive members Braylin Peña, Hoyt Garcia and Teagan Smith.
Trappers Lake Lodge generously donated the cabins and meals for the retreat, helping alleviate financial stress for the chapter. On behalf of the Meeker FFA chapter, thank you to Trappers Lake Lodge for its generosity. The retreat provided officers with an opportunity to strengthen teamwork, develop leadership skills and prepare for the upcoming year and events.
During the retreat, officers participated in a variety of activities designed to build communication skills, problem-solving abilities and collaboration, including icebreakers and team-building games. Officers also discussed chapter goals, events throughout the year and ways to better serve the community. Among their goals are increasing FFA membership, serving the community while upholding FFA’s gold standards, and earning a Gold ranking in the National Chapter Award program.
“Officer retreat holds a special place in my heart,” FFA adviser Denee Dinwiddie said. “It’s the first time I get to see the new team come together, build relationships and form memories that will follow them throughout their lives.”
On June 12, Meeker FFA officers took headshots and team photos, generously donated by photographer Aimee Shults, before beginning planning sessions. Those photos will be posted soon on the Meeker FFA Facebook and Instagram pages.
Planning during the retreat focused on creating opportunities for members to grow through events including the annual No TV Night, FFArm Day, Stockerholders Banquet and several new events that will be announced later in the year. Officers also discussed ways to increase member involvement and make the upcoming year successful and enjoyable for everyone, while sharing stories around a “traffic cone fire,” where a traffic cone was illuminated by a flashlight.
“I am excited for the kind leadership and warmth of this team,” Dinwiddie said. “They have the most inviting personalities, and they will exemplify our chapter motto this year: ‘Today’s Members. Tomorrow’s Leaders.'”
The annual officer retreat serves as the foundation for the chapter’s year, helping the team establish a shared vision and prepare to lead with purpose.
By HAILEY COX