Amanda Chytka grew up south of Hastings on a seven-generation, diversified farm . From soybeans, popcorn and grapes to swine, cattle and horses - she said her family farm covered it all.

Amanda now serves as the Ag instructor and FFA Advisor at Callaway Public Schools. She has been a teacher for seven years, and has been at Callaway since 2016, when she was hired to re-establish the chapter/ag ed program.

"I actually received my bachelor's degree in Rangeland/Livestock Management from Chadron State College, and my intentions were to work with the NRCS, but I was led in a different direction ... I was hired as an ag teacher that following summer," said Amanda. "So, I entered the transition to teaching program through UNL/UNK and took online classes while teaching my first four years. I am now a certified teacher and can not picture myself anywhere else."

She is also very busy outside the classroom, as a wife and mom to a 1-year-old and 3-year-old.

Amanda said she is excited at the growth she has seen in the program since coming to Callaway, and believes there is still potential to offer so much more. "I love seeing the experiences these students get the opportunity to participate in and how much it helps them grow as individuals," Amanda said. "I feel this is my opportunity in life to 'agvocate' the industry that I am passionate about and show youth just how many different directions there are within it!"

There are currently 30 students in FFA at Callaway, and those kids are involved in a number of events, including:

-LDE- Speaking and Parliamentary Pro Competitions

-Creed Speaking

-Jr, High Ag Quiz Bowl

-CDE- Career based and hands-on competitions

-Meats Evaluation

-Ag sales

-Natural Resources

-Food science

-Floriculture

-Welding

-Range judging

-Land Judging

-Livestock Judging

The chapter is also involved in community service projects, such as community/storm clean up and serving at community weddings and banquets.

Heidi Donegan is Vice President of the Callaway FFA Chapter and shared some thoughts about the program and what it means to her.

"I have been in FFA since my school has had FFA. Being in FFA I have learned a lot about myself. With all of the activities we have the opportunity to participate in, I have grown to really enjoy being in a leadership role. FFA has offered me an opportunity to be myself and meet new people. Being involved in FFA has provided me with many memories that I will never forget.

"I had the opportunity to go to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, as well as the State Convention in Lincoln. Being able to experience such events has really helped me express myself and gain confidence in my role as Vice President. With all the events that I have attended, I have listened to many speakers. One of my favorites was Aaron Davis, a former Husker football player. His message really made an impact on me, as he discussed many of the struggles that teenagers have and the negativity that we experience. He stressed the importance of surrounding yourself with good people. People who will be a good influence on you and will support you because in order to be successful you have to take action and know the valuable strengths that you possess.

"Being a senior who has participated in many contests and events, I can say that being involved in FFA has been a positive experience."

Heidi is just one of the 30 exemplary members of the Callaway FFA Chapter, and just one of the reasons why Amanda said she loves what she does.

Contact Ellen Mortensen at ellen@syndicatepub.com