FFA Alumnus Driven
by Student Success
FFA Alumnus Driven
by Student Success
It didn’t take long for Mark Olsen to go from being a student member to making an impact as an adult member with the Denmark FFA in Denmark, Wisconsin.
It was only about 24 hours after he walked across the stage to get his diploma.
“Quite a few of us joined the day after we graduated from high school,” Olsen says. “Our FFA advisor believed in us and we believed in him. Making the next step to join our alumni group wasn’t even a question.”
“The students have always been my motivator,” Olsen says.
“They continue to drive me year after year. You see one group of students come in as freshmen, not sure of what they wat to do, and then by graduation, they’re leaders ready to tackle whatever is in front of them. It’s hard not to be inspired by them.”
Olsen’s effort and contributions throughout his time with the Denmark FFA have not gone unnoticed. He was one of only three recipients of the Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2019 National FFA Convention & Expo.
“The Denmark FFA is considered a family around here and families help each other no matter when or where,” Olsen said. “It can be something as small as working at a concession stand, but you can use those moments to make a connection with a student or someone in the community.”
A Lifelong Dedication to the Community That Invested in Him.
Olsen’s effort and contributions throughout his time with the Denmark FFA have not gone unnoticed. He was one of only three recipients of the Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2019 National FFA Convention & Expo.
“The Denmark FFA is considered a family around here and families help each other no matter when or where,” Olsen said. “It can be something as small as working at a concession stand, but you can use those moments to make a connection with a student or someone in the community.”
A Lifelong Dedication to the Community That Invested in Him.
Serving the community and Denmark FFA members have always been a natural combination. Having an impact on others starts with having a passion, Olsen says. His passion has always been tied to FFA.
“You get to see the direct impact your contributions—whether it’s time or money—has on these kids. FFA is creating tomorrow’s leaders, and I’m grateful to play a small part in that.”
The Beacon of Support Guiding the Promise for a Future.
Alumni Achievement
There are few activities Olsen has not had a hand in since becoming part of the Denmark FFA Alumni and Supporters. After retiring from being a dairy farmer, Olsen had more time to volunteer—from chaperoning students and serving as a judge at a variety of career development events to helping with fundraising. He was also the brainchild behind Powered by Chocolate Milk, a program started at Denmark High School to promote the dairy industry and chocolate milk as an exercise recovery drink.
The Denmark FFA Alumni and Supporters was also named the Outstanding FFA Alumni and Supporter Chapter by the National FFA Organization in 2019 and has more than 600 life members and around 130 associate members.
The Beacon of Support Guiding the Promise for a Future.
There are few activities Olsen has not had a hand in since becoming part of the Denmark FFA Alumni and Supporters. After retiring from being a dairy farmer, Olsen had more time to volunteer—from chaperoning students and serving as a judge at a variety of career development events to helping with fundraising. He was also the brainchild behind Powered by Chocolate Milk, a program started at Denmark High School to promote the dairy industry and chocolate milk as an exercise recovery drink.
The Denmark FFA Alumni and Supporters was also named the Outstanding FFA Alumni and Supporter Chapter by the National FFA Organization in 2019 and has more than 600 life members and around 130 associate members.
“It is because of generous donations like yours that students in blue jackets with dreams are able to accomplish incredible things.”
– Gracie W., FFA Member, Utah