Athens FFA president profile: Jarrett Daul
Reporter Casey Krautkramer asked the same set of questions to each local high school FFA chapter president about themselves, and they gave him their answers.
Athens FFA president Jarrett Daul is featured first below: 1. What are your parent’s names and did you grow up on a dairy or hobby farm, and if so in what township?
“My parents are Richard and Lori Daul. I grew up on our family owned beef farm in the town of Rietbrock. A few years ago we downsized to a hobby farm, now we raise goats and chickens. I have two older brothers: Johnathon who is 22 years old, and James who is 19. I am 17 years old, and my birthday is July 14.”
2. How many years have you been a member of the Athens FFA? Why did you decide to join the Athens FFA and what is attractive about being a member of the FFA? Is this your first year as your FFA chapter’s president, and what are your duties as president? What types of Athens FFA, state or national FFA events have you participated in over the years and how have they helped you mature as a student and person?
“I joined FFA on the first day of freshman year, and I have been a member since. I wanted to join FFA back when I was in middle school. After watching the high school students drive their tractors to school for a special event, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Since I joined I have learned there is so much more to FFA than farming. Being in FFA means that you are a member of your community, It’s more than just learning about agriculture, it’s about being a leader, and serving your community. This is my second year as president of the Athens FFA chapter. My duties as president are to lead meetings, show active leadership amongst the chapter, be an active member of the community, and to serve others. Over the years I have attended state and national conventions, competed in skill based competitions, and participated in local events hosted by our chapter. Participating in these events have strengthened my ability to speak, be a leader, and other skills that are essential for my future.”
3. What’s this past year been like as an FFA member during COVID-19? How has your Athens FFA chapter adapted to doing things or holding your normal community events during COVID-19? What are some ways your Athens FFA chapter has needed to be more creative during COVID-19 to still get things done, compared to how things were normally done in the past?
“Last spring our school was shut down due to COVID-19. We held meetings virtually to stay connected and informed. We were forced to cancel our June Dairy Breakfast because of the pandemic, but we managed to donate milk, cheese and butter to members of
the community for those who were in need. Early in June the annual Wisconsin FFA Convention was cancelled. Instead, it was carried out online from July 6-10 for us to view from home. National convention, which is normally held in November, was instead available online in a similar fashion. Our chapter has learned how to adapt to the challenges the pandemic has placed in our way. It was hard to get used to not getting involved in the usual events that happen during the school year. The biggest difficulty we are currently facing is fundraisers. In the past we would sell fruit or other goods to raise funds for our chapter. Unfortunately it is difficult to carry out sales like these while following our COVID restrictions. On the other hand, we recently hosted a ‘drive-up canned food drive’ for the Athens Circle of Joy to collect food for the community in these difficult times.”
4. Are your parents members of the Athens FFA Alumni, and do you plan to join the Athens FFA Alumni after graduating from high school this spring? If so, what’s the benefit to continuing to be involved in the FFA beyond high school: What are your education plans after high school? What future job profession would you like to hold?
“My parents are not members of the Athens FFA Alumni, but after I graduate I plan on joining. It would be an amazing experience because it allows me to be involved with my chapter, and my community after high school. After I graduate high school, I plan to go to college at UW-Stevens Point for a degree in business or agriculture.”
