Five Missoula students represented their community organizations on a youth panel organized by Tim Furey on May 13. The students attend various local middle and high schools and are active in a variety of clubs. They each represented one organization to which they belong, including Girl Scouts, Scouts of America, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H.

The impressive student leaders were articulate, confident and passionate about their organizations. Some indicated they belonged to one of the other clubs represented, as well. The panel shared information about their respective organizations and how they have enhanced their leadership skills through their membership.

Representatives of 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Scouts of America and Girl Scouts will talk about their experiences in their organizations.

Future Farmers of America

Joselyn England and Joel Standley, both juniors at Big Sky High School, are members of FFA. Joselyn serves as 2nd vice-president and Joel as secretary of Big Sky FFA. They shared about the club's monthly meetings on Thursdays and named service projects undertaken, such as helping to pack food at the Food Bank, raking leaves for the elderly, making dog leashes for the animal shelter, and picking up trash in public parks and schools. They also relayed their experiences teaching and learning. They learned how to fly fish and then worked with younger children from the YMCA to teach them farm fishing. Joselyn said that by teaching middle school students, it gives them a chance to talk more about FFA with them. Joel said that FFA has offered him many experiences traveling throughout the US and abroad. FFA students compete each year and attend conferences, he explained. 

“I've learned how to be a leader,” said Joselyn. “I've learned what family is outside of your regular family. And now I have my own herd. FFA teaches you so many life skills.”

Tim Furey added that consumers can purchase FFA-member plants and meat (pork, lamb, beef) raised by FFA members. In addition, for Rotarians who may have too much fruit dropping from trees in their yards, FFA will accept the donated fruit for their animals.

Scouting America

Steven Noreus, with Troop 1911 in Missoula, has reached the rank of Star Scout in the Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) and is working on his Life and Eagle Scout awards. An 8th grader at Washington Middle School in Missoula, Steven has been a Scout since he joined in kindergarten. He said there are 65 scout packs in Montana with over 70 troops, representing 147 units and 2,400 scouts. Scouts advance through the ranks from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. Scouts camp in Montana and other states. He spoke about a camping trip in Utah where the scouts learned about a Native American tribe. Steven explained how he rose through the ranks and became a guide. He was then eligible for the Order of the Arrow (OA), which requires an election by 50 percent of the Scouts. Once elected, there is a special ceremony where a scout receives dates for their ordeal, which includes a 24-hour period working on service above yourself, he said. 

“Scouts teaches leadership and community service,” Steven said. “I'm participating in the Eagle Scout path. I will try to run as a senior patrol leader to get my life rank which leads to Eagle Scout.”

Girl Scouts

Taylor Cook, a senior at Sentinel High School, discussed her experiences as a Girl Scout. An ambassador for Troop 3954 in Missoula, Taylor said that Montana and Wyoming are in th same division with 5,000 scouts. Girl Scouts was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 for girls. The organization's motto is “Do a Good Turn Daily.” Girl Scouts are in kindergarten through 12th grade. Taylor explained that they begin as Brownie Scouts, progress to Juniors, Cadets, and then Ambassadors. She said that Scouts also promotes the buddy plan to “Be a sister to every Girl Scout.”

“I have gained a lot of leadership skills and have been camp counselor teaching the younger girld what it means to be a Girl Scout,” Taylor said. “We learned to pack in and pack out when camping. We made birthday boxes for the Food Bank and special hearts for the NICU babies at the hospital. We made blankets and dog shirts for animals at the shelter.”

Tayor said Scouts earn bronze, silver and gold awards in addition to their patches worn on a Girl Scout vest. She said she plans to attend Montana State University next year and work toward a degree in engineering. “It's mostly what I learned from Scouts,” she said. 

4-H Club

Stella Truzzolino, a sophomore at Missoula's Big Sky High School, represented the Blue Mountain Chapter of the 4-H Club. Stella is a Missoula County 4-H Ambassador and spoke a year ago at the Montanans for 4-H Legislative Breakfast. She serves as the Youth Representative for the Montana 4-H Foundation for 2025-26. Stella said that she compared her goals from five years ago with her more recent goals and noted how much they have changed, thanks to 4-H. 

“Five years ago, I didn't care about my future,” Stella admitted. “With my experience in 4-H, the future is now important to me. Our motto – my club, my community, my world – has made a real difference to me. 4-H is the most impactful and largest youth organization in the world. I now know how to speak to groups like this.”

Stella discussed all the many workshops students may participate in – baking, cooking, farming, and more. “We compete in county fairs.” SHe said that one workshop was entitled “Thank you for Leading.” “We wrote thoughtful thank-you cards, and gave cards to the senior home residents. When I thought about myself five years ago, and now I am club president. 4-H has given me the opportunities, skills and confidence to do so.”

Thanks to Tim Furey for hosting the speaker panel.