My name is Madison O'Brien, and I am from Jefferson County, West Virginia. Recently, I made a public comment in front of a crowded room full of strangers and a panel of county officials. For anyone who knows me, this is a huge personal accomplishment. For one, I gave a very personal speech over a loud microphone, and I also participated in protecting my home. Growing up I was the quiet kid. I never really used my voice growing up because I was afraid. So as mothers do, she made me join FFA in middle school; and I'm glad she did. I fell in love with it and ran for an officer position. However, I had to overcome speaking to participate in opening ceremonies and hold conversations with fellow officers and members. So, I developed the skill of conversation and making members feel welcome. Moving on to high school, I ran for the treasurer's office again in the Washington High FFA chapter as well. I held this office for another two terms followed by Student Advisor. There I learned how to speak truly. High school chapters are much more involved, with trips across the country, speaking contests, and participation in public activities. I wanted to do everything, but there was one thing holding me back: cancer. My dad was diagnosed my freshman year and has had surgeries and fluctuations in his health since then, four years later. Learning to live with a sick parent makes you work 10x harder. I buried myself in what I loved most, which was FFA. I took opportunities and developed into a decorated member. I have placed in State Equine Judging and earned bronze status Nationally along with my team, I have spoken to government officials in the Capitol in Charleston, and have made countless connections with the community along with so much more. In all of these events, speaking either personally or in large groups of judges or officials is always included. The fear of speaking has always been there too, but I have learned to adapt, to change the conversation to be more interesting, and most importantly to have fun while also providing leadership. These skills came into use when my home was forced to action to protect itself. A company bought land with the concept plant of a water bottling distributor. It was discovered it would draw 1.7 million gallons of water per day from our water system. We are in an area where agriculture is vital, and this threatened the constituency of it. To add, the surrounding homes are all on wells, mine included. The water source they drew from actually bordered the farm I currently work for. If the company overdraws our system, I would be homeless, and unemployed. With so many others. The issue was presented to our county planning commission and 150 residents of Middleway gave public comment including mine. The meeting started at 7 pm and ended at 3:30 am! I spoke at 2:30 am, in front of 200 people, members of the commission, and the owners of the company. My comment was reported as memorable and was mentioned on the radio station WRNR by Seve Pearson. The plan was denied. I dared to speak because I had developed the necessary skills through FFA. I officially overcame my fear of speaking and use my skills every day.

My previous volunteer experiences include volunteering with our FFA chapter to serve meals to the homeless in our area, making toys for the local dog shelter, and making anonymous Christmas gifts for underprivileged children through our school's NTHS chapter. Currently, I serve as our FFA chapter's student advisor. In the past, I have held the office of treasurer for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Being an FFA officer and or member, you are expected to serve the community in any way. In our motto, it is even evident that the value of service is core for members by saying "Living to Earn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve". One way we give back to our community is by preparing and serving cooked meals to the homeless population in our town. A local church is gracious enough to allow our members and advisors to use their utilities including a full kitchen and serving room. There, the meals are made and then distributed by members with the help of advisors and church officials. I have attended several of the distributions over three years and are one of my favorite activities to do within FFA. I have learned that it does not take much to simply help someone whether it is a meal or by cleaning cookware for someone else to use. The experiences have shaped my perspective of how people care and can be compassionate to those who may have just been having a rough time in life. The simple act of our meals eased the minds of the folks and gave them some hope that there is people who are willing to help them. Through pursuing my education to become an agriculture educator I hope that I help host activities as impactful as this one. Another activity that our FFA chapter does is making dog toys and blankets that are donated to various animal rescues in the area. This is commonly done during monthly chapter meetings. FFA chapter meetings are held once a month, and traditionally, we try to do something engaging with the members, such as games and guest speakers. Every year, we try to make at least one meeting community service related. Commonly, we make dog toys and tie blankets out of purchased fabric. Members enjoy the activity as it is easy and fun to make with friends. At the end of the meetings, we will get a group picture with all the toys and blankets. The items are then donated to the Jefferson County Humane Society, where the cats and dogs are given items and blankets. This activity has made me realize that being part of something can always be made fun while also helping those in need. I am also part of my school's NTHS (National Technical Honors Society) chapter. The group is centered around the academic success of students and also is deeply involved in community affairs. Monthly chapter meetings are designed to plan and participate in community service and outreach. In our last meeting for December, we made gift boxes for a church to give to families for their kids. We spent the whole-time wrapping boxes with toys and school supplies while also having fun with our club. FFA and NTHS community service have made me realize the needs within my community. By pursuing a higher education, I hope that I can make similar changes. I plan to pursue a degree in Agriculture Education with hopes of becoming an agricultural teacher. By volunteering within these activities, I hope to influence my goals as a teacher and influence students to do the same.

"Country Roads" by John Denver is one of the most recognizable songs ever. I even witnessed via video it being sung on the streets of York, England, during a family trip. Growing up in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, just about two hours from D.C., I have had the privilege of experiencing a diverse community. Living near the Virginia-Maryland borders, I've observed how our state differs from others. Yet, whenever I see the big blue sign that reads "Welcome to West Virginia, Wild and Wonderful," I feel at home. I know I’ll find good food in local diners, meet decent people, and hit a famous West Virginia pothole, all while enjoying breathtaking mountainous views. I’ve had the opportunity to explore parts of this state that not many do. I’ve stood atop Maryland Heights in Harpers Ferry, visited an active coal mine in Beckley, crossed the New River Gorge, and currently live on grounds belonging to Civil War history. My hometown is a historic village located about ten minutes from Charles Town. The village consists of several homes and buildings dating back to the late 1700s. Residents here know one another well. There’s Pete, a retired sheriff who can fix any car; my neighbor who helps with plumbing; the elderly lady down the road whose lawn I tend; and the Grantham family, who have supported me while my father battles cancer in the last few years. Recently, our small, quiet village has faced a problem. A company from California has been approved to build a water bottling factory on an abandoned property in the center of our town. This is a major concern for several reasons, including the potential for our wells to run dry, the weakness of our homes and roads to accommodate daily semi-truck traffic and heavy equipment, and the threat to the historic preservation of Middleway. Given the size and projected output of the factory, many historic homes along the main road are likely to suffer significant damage. Thus, leading to the potential of many residents moving. This also severely impacts local farmers as the water supply that the company is using feeds irrigation routes to livestock and crops. In the last few months, Middleway has gone from being relatively unknown to making headlines and attracting the attention of experts across the country to support our cause. We’ve come together to host monthly meetings, attend county and public affairs events, and make our voices heard. Growing up in West Virginia has taught me not to underestimate anyone based on where they come from, as this company has done, along with many others before them. Living here has instilled in me the importance of fighting for what we believe in, just as the soldiers did at Harpers Ferry, and working as hard as the miners do in Beckley. Therefore, it is safe to say it is a West Virginia attitude. Being a West Virginian means I will always have a home here. It has taught me how to be the best person I can be, even when it requires hard work. I have been a witness to history and stood in it also. A family in West Virginia is more than blood, it is your neighbor, friend, teacher, or traveling newcomer. In my seventeen years, I’ve seen wild views, sung "Country Roads" countless times, and experienced wonderful things. There is nowhere else I would rather be than on the other side of that big blue sign.