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Doster Harper – Keep Running


Lesson Plans & Curriculum
High School
45 minutes

This lesson plan, “Keep Running,” centers on the 2020-21 National FFA President Doster Harper’s retiring address from the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo, in which he discusses perseverance and the “unforgiving minute” as keys to finding success. Students watch the video, complete a worksheet, and create an inspirational poster depicting a quote from the speech.

At a glance

Learning objectives
  • Define perseverance.
  • Describe the "unforgiving minute."
  • Develop a poster that depicts the meaning of a quote.
Time required
45 minutes (*Time requirements may vary based upon student understanding and class schedule.)
Grade level
Grades 9 and 10
Materials
  • A copy of the "Keep Running" worksheet for each student
  • Internet access to play the video in real time or embed it in a PowerPoint ahead of time
Vocabulary
Perseverance; Success; Unforgiving
Cross-Curricular Connections
English/Language Arts — Develop a poster that depicts the meaning of a quote from a speech.
Resources/References
Video: "Doster Harper Retiring Address," https://vimeo.com/640835467
Related Resources
Retiring Addresses and Keynotes, FFA.org/ffa-video-center/convention-keynotes-and-retiring-addresses/
Virtual Instruction Ideas
Have students download and watch the video on a device of their choice and complete the worksheet.

Download Video

“Keep Running” | Doster Harper 2021 Retiring Address

In his retiring address as National FFA President, Doster Harper uses the metaphor of the unforgiving minute to explore perseverance, drawing on stories from his high school track team, Army ROTC ruck marches at the University of Georgia, and virtual FFA chapter visits during the pandemic. He argues that perseverance requires leaning on a support system and finding what makes the struggle worth it, encouraging FFA members to keep running through life’s hardest moments while helping others get back up. The address opens with a member introduction and closes with a heartfelt farewell from his officer teammates.

Downloads & Links

Lesson plan

Worksheet

Other

Aligned Standards

AFNR Career Ready Practices

  • CRP.02Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. Career-ready individuals readily access and use the knowledge and skills acquired through experience and education to be more productive.
  • CRP.04Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason. Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas and action plans with clarity, whether using written, verbal and/or visual methods.
  • CRP.06Demonstrate creativity and innovation.
  • CRP.08Utilize critical thinking to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. Career-ready individuals readily recognize problems in the workplace, understand the nature of the problem, and devise effective plans to solve the problem.

Common Core – Writing

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4Produce clear and coherent writing the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

FFA Precept

  • FFA.PG-J.Mental GrowthEmbrace cognitive and intellectual development relative to reasoning, thinking and coping.
  • FFA.PL-A.ActionAssume responsibility and take the necessary steps to achieve the desired results, no matter what the goal or task at hand.
  • FFA.PL-C.VisionVisualize the future and how to get there.
  • FFA.PL-E.AwarenessUnderstand personal vision, mission and goals.

FFA Precepts

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