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Wlaf1450FFA student Olivia Douglas to participate in National Conference
A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.
By Charlotte Underwood
JACSKBORO, TN (WLAF)- Campbell County High School student Olivia Douglas will be traveling to represent the Campbell County Future Farmers of America Chapter at the 2026 National FFA Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) at Washington, D.C. this July. This is an “amazing opportunity” for Douglas, who needs donations to help make the trip happen, according to CCHS Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Nathanial Morton.
Douglas is CCHS’s FFA Chapter Vice President this year and has represented the school twice in FFA Quiz Bowl competitions.
“She has shown a lot of leadership in the community, and we wanted to let her represent us in this leadership opportunity because of her outstanding service and fantastic effort,” Morton said.
Olivia was awarded her state degree in Gatlinburg. It is the highest honor a high school student can earn that includes three years of membership, $1,000 in earnings, hold office, parlay pro experience, 25 hours of community service. “She was one of eight we had earn that degree that night,” said Morton.
Douglas, who is a Junior at CCHS, said she is “excited to go and meet other people from the state of Tennessee and make new friends”, as well as representing Campbell County’s FFA Chapter. She has been in FFA for three years and has been “very active” for the past two years in the program. She plans to continue following an agricultural path with her education and hopes to attend UT’s Herbert College of Agriculture and study to go into Agriculture Education.
Douglas is a “true scholar athlete” and is also active in the track team and the volleyball team at CCHS and has “tons of Cougar Pride.”
This “once in a lifetime experience” is part of a state-wide charter bus trip that brings together FFA members from across the state of Tennessee, “allowing students to learn, connect and grow alongside other young leaders in agriculture,” according to Morton.
The conference is nationwide, with different states scheduled to go at different times.
For Tennessee FFA members, the conference is scheduled for July 6th through the 11th. Students will have the opportunity to explore the Nation’s Capitol, visit historical monuments and “gain a deeper understanding of the values, leadership, and service that have shaped our country,” Morton said.
Douglas said she is most excited about seeing monuments and statues and learning about the history of the country and the government.
“I am hoping to see the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol building, Supreme Court, the White House, the Smithsonian, the World War II Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial. I just think seeing those would be an honor to learn the history behind those,” Douglas said.
While in D.C. Douglas will meet with legislators on Capitol Hill to “advocate for agriculture and the future of FFA.” She will also participate in a service project during the conference, “reinforcing the importance of giving back and making a positive impact,” Morton said.
A major focus of the Washington Leadership Conference is to develop a Living to Serve (LTS) Plan.
“Each student will identify a need within our local community and create a plan to address it, then return home to implement these projects and make a lasting impact,” Morton said.
Douglas said she feels FFA is an important program because it “gives back to the county a lot and promotes great leadership.”
“The people in FFA are such a great community to be around,” Douglas said.
Throughout the conference, students will engage in leadership sessions that challenge them to grow as individuals and develop the skills needed to serve others.
“This experience encourages them to become change makers who lead with purpose and advocate for agriculture,” Morton said.
The cost for each student to attend is approximately $1,350, which includes transportation, lodging, meals and conference materials.
“We are seeking support from local businesses and community partners to help make this possible for our members. Your support is an investment in the future of our community. By helping Olivia attend WLC, you are empowering her to return home prepared to lead, serve and make a meaningful impact. If you would be willing to donate to the cost, it will be so greatly appreciated by all involved. We are so proud of our students and how hard they work in the FFA program. What an honor!” Morton said.
Contact CCHS Agriculture Teacher Rachael Teague for details on how to donate at 423-562-8308 and ask to be connected to Teague’s classroom. Checks can also be made out to Campbell County FFA, with a note on it referencing Olivia Douglas for WLC.
A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.
For bookings, email Olivia Lobertini at ohlobertini03@gmail.com. Check on avails HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-04/20/2026-6AM-PHOTOS SUBMITTED)