Future looks bright in FFA and life for Elizabeth Wyss

Elizabeth Wyss is a key member of the Russellville FFA chapter.
Elizabeth Wyss is a key member of the Russellville FFA chapter.

RUSSELLVILLE - Even at age 3, Elizabeth Wyss was ready to talk with customers at her family's business - Russellville Locker and Feed Store.

The bright-eyed redhead has a confident presence, one of the many characteristics she attributes to her parents and years working with the community at their store.

The locker was opened in the 1940s by Wyss' grandfather.

"It was a staple of our childhood," she said for her and her siblings, Aaron and Rachel. "Being raised in a family business is very educational.

"It's like getting a little business class every Saturday."

Entering Russellville High School as a freshman, Wyss followed her older siblings into FFA.

"I discovered I liked the chapter and wanted to help build it up," she said. "We've had a lot of good ag teachers, not all who stayed."

Along with other active members, Wyss was leading by helping the new teachers through the transition.

Her class has made an impact on the chapter, helping it grow and improve. At the last state FFA convention, the chapter received the most degrees and the contest teams ranked the highest that Wyss can remember.

"We had a really, really good year," she said.

Wyss was a big part of the chapter's state-level success - placing seventh for her advanced speech, a member of the eighth-place agronomy team and earning her state degree as a junior.

"It was super exciting; there was a lot of jumping up and down," she said of the awards ceremony.

Having her state degree, FFA's highest honor based on leadership and results of the Supervised Agricultural Experience, sets up Wyss to pursue her next goal - to serve as a statewide officer.

This year, Wyss is the Area 8 secretary.

"Her intellect and maturity make her stand out in any group," said librarian Susan Bell. "I admire her ability to handle academics, extra-curriculars, a job and church responsibilities with such dedication and grace.

As Russellville FFA Chapter president, Wyss said she enjoys having a role in helping others learn about agriculture and succeed at what skills they are good at.

After her freshman year successfully competing in Creed Speaking, she attended a speech camp. Beginners sought out her help.

When they did well afterward, Wyss said she thought it would be "awesome" to have that effect across the state.

When she talks about FFA's benefits, Wyss emphasizes the life skills members gain, such as public speaking, interview skills and how to deliver a solid handshake.

"Our background is in agriculture, but that not all it's about," Wyss said. "Agriculture is the most important industry in the world and ties into everything."

Even more important than agriculture to Wyss is her faith.

"I couldn't have done anything in life without my relationship with God," Wyss said. "He's made me who I am, for sure."

Through FFA and the Multicultural Club, as well as the family business, Wyss said she takes the chance to share her beliefs with a "God bless you" or "I'll pray for you."

"(She is) not only engaged but committed to be the best she can in all that she is doing - a true champion and leader," said Principal Heath Waters. "When we look at our school motto, "Expecting Excellence,' Ms. Wyss is a shining example of what that looks like here at Russellville High School."

Through her FFA experience, as well as growing through the school years, Wyss said she has learned "to go ahead and do something regardless of the opinions around you or how scared you are.

"If you can be good at something, do it."

This fall, seven chapter members have signed up for the fall public-speaking contests. Wyss is looking forward to helping them.

"It will be fun to use my experience to help them so they can go places with it as well," she said.