If you had told seventh-grade Sierra she would one day coach FFA teams, win state competitions, represent Maine nationally and help start her own FFA chapter, she never would have believed it. Though I’m a fifth-generation agriculturist, no one in my family had joined FFA. I wanted to change that.
Sierra Hemond posing with her awards at the 2025 Maine FFA State Convention.
Building a First-Year Chapter
I was in seventh grade when I found myself constantly watching videos from the National FFA Convention on my For You Page. Every video showed members building lifelong friendships, competing in career development events and developing leadership skills while proudly wearing the iconic blue corduroy jacket. That’s when it hit me. I could help bring those same opportunities to my own school.
I immediately began researching what it would take to start an FFA chapter. I developed a plan, reached out to people who could help and worked alongside others who shared the same vision. What started as a simple idea soon became a reality. Before long, Poland FFA became an official chapter. Looking back, I never imagined that one decision would change the course of my life.
Success Through Competition
As our chapter grew, so did opportunities. I found a passion for livestock and dairy evaluation. Coaching younger members and watching them succeed became as rewarding as competing myself.
Our hard work paid off. I earned first place in Maine’s dairy evaluation event, and our team qualified for the 2026 National FFA Convention. Our livestock team competed nationally in 2025, earning bronze, and I received a silver rating. These moments reflected hours of teamwork and determination.
Hemond posing with her heifer, “Georgia.”
Beyond the Blue Jacket
FFA has given me much more than competitions. Through conferences, service and chapter activities, I’ve built friendships and skills that will last a lifetime. Every opportunity challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and become a more confident leader.
I plan to become an agriculture educator to inspire the next generation, just as my mentors inspired me. I want students to see that agriculture offers opportunities far beyond the farm, and that FFA can open unexpected doors. When I first dreamed of wearing the blue jacket, I never imagined where it would lead. Helping start Poland FFA was one of my best decisions.
FFA has shaped me, given me lifelong friendships and shown that one student’s dream can have a big impact. My journey is just beginning, and I’m excited to see where the blue jacket takes me next.
Team poses for a photo with their plaque and medals at the 2025 National FFA Convention.