Be proud of our youths

National champs. Let that sink in.
    I want to formally congratulate the team of Brooklyn Christensen, Alexis Richmond, Courtney Odens, Lindsey Mendenhall, Valerie Herbert and Jozie Schilke on their Parliamentary Procedure win at the 92nd National FFA Convention last week.
    These girls worked their tails off to get to that finals stage in Indianapolis. From studying through lunch or while driving the grain cart, those six girls—coached by Jeremy Vlasin—put in the hours to win the title of national champs.
    Since  there was no school on Monday, Tuesday was the first day the team saw their friends and teachers.
    One elementary teacher asked if they would do a parade, similar to what the graduates do in their caps and gowns, and walk the halls, high-fiving kids.
    So Tuesday morning, the halls of Chase County Schools were lined with kids waiting to congratulate and welcome home the champions.
    In anticipation of the girls coming down the hall, elementary students started chanting “national champs,” and eventually, when the girls were on their way back to the high school side, “we are proud.”
    I’ll admit that one brought tears to my eyes.
    As a former member of the Imperial FFA Chapter, and a former parli pro competitor, I am beyond proud of these girls.
    You should be, too.