The National FFA Organization chapter at Indian Lake High School is experiencing renewed momentum as Dan Young stepped into the role of advisor this past fall — becoming the third advisor to lead the program in less than five years.
A lifelong resident of Indian Lake, Young is well known throughout the district for his more than 20 years as a physical education teacher at the elementary school.
But agriculture has always been close to his heart.
Raised in the farming community and continuing that lifestyle today, Young said the transition into agricultural education felt like a natural fit.
Adding to that connection, many of his own children have participated in the FFA program.
Young & several chapter members were featured on Sunday morning’s Listen Up! radio show on 98.3 WPKO:
The Indian Lake/OHP Chapter currently serves just under 50 members and is in a rebuilding phase after several years of leadership turnover.
Despite the challenges, student involvement is on the rise, particularly in Career Development Events (CDEs) this spring.
Leading the way is Alex Kinney, whose Supervised Agricultural Experience project has earned statewide recognition.
Kinney has been named a Proficiency Finalist in Fruit and Nut Production at the state level — a significant accomplishment that highlights both her dedication and the program’s growing strength.
On her family farm outside of Lewistown, Kinney manages an impressive operation that includes 710 black raspberry plants, 45 red raspberry plants, and 50 strawberry plants.
The chapter also continues its tradition of high achievement.
Since 1966, 22 Indian Lake FFA members have earned the prestigious American FFA Degree — the highest honor bestowed by the organization.
This fall, the chapter will celebrate another milestone as an additional member earns her American Degree, further cementing Indian Lake’s legacy of excellence.
With new leadership, growing student participation, and continued individual success stories, the Indian Lake FFA chapter is set to make a strong comeback.
Under Young’s guidance, the future of agricultural education in the district looks like it’s ready for the return of a strong program.
