WOODBURY — Last year, if you saw Nate Berry roaming the hallways of Nonnewaug, you’d notice the FFA jacket he wore – but it wasn’t his.
The name stitched on the front read “Chris Hunt.” It became a running joke, as Berry often borrowed the jacket for FFA events before he got his own. It stuck as part of his story, a symbol of his early involvement in the chapter.
“He ended up borrowing the same jacket every time, he never got the other ones,” said Luciano Pedros, Woodbury FFA chapter president.
Even now, Berry still brings that same energy and easygoing personality wherever he goes. However, he’s known for more than his jacket.
As the chapter’s sentinel, he plays a key role in keeping meetings running smoothly and bringing an energetic vibe to everything he does. Leanne Foster, Berry’s advisor, has seen his enthusiasm firsthand.
“He always has a lot of energy, he has an energetic, positive personality. He’s always willing to help others with whatever they need,” Foster shared.
He credits the prize box – one of his additions to the meetings – for some of that energy.
“I think the prize box became a big thing because people have to make motions and participate in meetings anyway, so it gives them a little motivation to get involved, especially for those who might be a little hesitant to speak up but want a chance to win something,” he shared.
Berry’s impact goes far beyond just making meetings more fun. Riley Amaral, another member of the Woodbury FFA, noted the prize box’s role in increasing participation.
“I think the prize box is a big hit with the meeting because it makes the members eager to participate in the meetings and just raises more awareness for the foundation,” Amaral shared.
Becoming a chapter officer was always part of Berry’s plan, but he admits that the encouragement from his friends and a former chapter officer helped push him to apply.
“I had already wanted to apply, but my friends motivated me even more,” he shared.
His responsibilities consist of more than just handing out prizes.
“Our main responsibilities are finding public speakers, setting up ag meetings, organizing all of the chapter events, and just representing the chapter wherever we go, wearing the jacket or not,” Berry said.
Dylan Diezel, another FFA member, appreciates Berry’s constant enthusiasm.
“He is always enthusiastic right before the meeting starts, and even when he’s saying his lines, you can just tell he’s happy to be there,” Diezel said.
Berry’s role models are close to home, with both of his advisors serving as key influences.
“Mr. Birkenberger has been an advisor for a really long time, so he knows what to do at all times,” he shared. “Mrs. Foster was the chapter sentinel when she was in high school, so I can go to her for advice on my specific role.”
As a leader, Berry’s focus isn’t on the title, it’s about helping the chapter grow. Foster emphasized how valuable he is to the team.
“I think every single officer individually plays a key role and the function of how the team operates, or in a way the team functions,” Foster said. “He doesn’t hold a higher importance than anyone else on the team regardless of position, but without him it wouldn’t be the same team.”
“I want to benefit from the chapter,” Berry said. “We already have a great one, but I think we can do more. I want to improve it.”
