Emily Scott Attends National Washington Leadership Conference
WASHINGTON D.C (June 26, 2026) — Emily Scott, a member of the Lawrence County FFA Chapter, recently attended the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) in Washington, D.C., the premier leadership experience offered by the National FFA Organization.
The Kentucky FFA Foundation was able to make this opportunity available thanks to last year’s historic gift from The Bill Gatton Foundation, which, among other things, provided funding to send 100 FFA members from across Kentucky to participate in this life-changing leadership experience. The investment reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in agriculture.
During the conference, Emily joined hundreds of FFA members from across the nation to develop leadership skills, explore personal growth opportunities, and learn how to create positive change within their community. They engaged in workshops focused on servant leadership, community service, goal setting, and civic engagement, while also visiting many of the nation’s most significant historical landmarks.
“The Washington Leadership Conference is a life changing experience for FFA members, but the barrier of entry has been really high. Mr. Gatton’s generosity has now opened the door and provided a bus for Kentucky FFA members for generations. It’s a true gift,” said Sheldon McKinney, executive director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation. “Experiences like the Washington Leadership Conference help students discover their leadership potential and return home inspired to be bridge builders and leaders in their homes and communities.”
While in Washington, D.C., participants also visited national monuments, memorials, and museums, gaining a deeper understanding of the nation’s history and the importance of engaged citizenship.
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About the Kentucky FFA Foundation
The Kentucky FFA Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to securing resources that support agricultural education and FFA programs across Kentucky. Through partnerships with businesses, foundations, and individual donors, the Foundation helps provide leadership development, career readiness, and experiential learning opportunities for more than 25,000 Kentucky FFA members. For more information about Kentucky FFA and leadership opportunities available to students, visit www.kyffa.org.
