NLCSO Part 1

The National Leadership Conference for State Officers (NLCSO) is held each year as an opportunity for state officers from various states to get together to learn leadership skills and share ideas before going out and serving the members of their respective associations. This year, our NLCSO was held in Daytona, Florida.



Monday morning found the state officers pulling out of Jamie's driveway around 9:20 AM and headed for Florida. The drive was an opportunity to catch up on sleep, jam out to some road trip tunes, and talk about plans for our year of service. Traveling south, our first stop was the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia, where we had reservations at Paula Dean's revered Lady and Sons restaurant. Arriving in Savannah with several hours to kill until our reservation, we wandered the streets of one of the oldest and magnificent cities of the South. We walked streets framed by live oaks covered in Spanish moss and basked in the sultry air only present in the coastal cities of the South.



The hot afternoon was beginning its slow transition into balmy evening as we waited outside of Lady and Sons in anticipation for the meal to come. More like a line for an amusement park than a restaurant, the street filled with people as Paula's restaurant was preparing for its 5:00 opening. We waited patiently in line until finally hearing the matron call out, " Davis, party of 7." Crossing the street quickly, we entered the eatery as a blast of cold air and the savory smell of fat greeted us. Sidling towards the elevator, we rose to the third floor with stomachs eagerly rumbling and ready for an excellent meal. The table was set for seven and we wasted no time in perusing the menu. After several agonizing minutes of deliberation in which I weighed several delicious sounding dishes, I decided upon fried oysters, shrimp, and scallops. It was awesome, enough said.

After stuffing ourselves to the point of gluttony, we said goodbye to the sweet city of Savannah and continued on our way to Daytona.

2010 SLC Week One

I just arrived home fresh off my first week at State Leadership Conference. The week started on Monday around ten o'clock when campers began pouring in to register. I don't remember being as excited as I was when members started arriving. It was like Christmas in June.
The next day the real fun began as members dove into leadership workshops on topics ranging from public relations to time management. Presenting my first was a little daunting, but the FFA members made the experience a memorable one as well as an enjoyable one. Following Tuesday, the week flew by. I really valued the time getting to know my small group the Hot Tamales from North Johnston and South Rowan. We played big booty and ninja and learned to shag in the course of one week, all while discussing focus, kindness, perseverance, and attitude. I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.
Next on the agenda was Wednesday Night Live, where my fellow officers and I acted out some of our favorite Saturday Night Live skits. Justin rocked his guitar, and Alycia and Daniel showed us how rowdy a chess match can get with their Spartan Cheerleader skit. I had so much fun performing Matt Foley motivational speaker. However, I want to say sorry to Jamie for spitting on her during the sketch. Apparently during the heat of acting, I spit like a llama.
Thursday's night dance gave all the campers and staff a chance to boogie down. Whether it was shagging the night away, or doing Mr. Holt's broom dance, everyone seemed to have a great time at the dance.
I was sad to see the conference come to an end today. But, I look forward to seeing FFA members using the leadership skills learned at the conference put to use in their homes, communities, and chapters.