Blanchester FFA member Autum Medley has completed the Ohio Youth Capital challenge.

With this challenge, the participant picks a public policy to amend, change or delete, and they must explain why they chose to do things the way they did. This project is not just for agricultural views, but for many others as well.

For Autum’s project, she chose to change the graduation requirements for all Ohio high school students — to where students would take a class that would address adult life and teach about responsibilities that come after graduation. Those responsibilities include paying bills, insurance, student credit card debt, budgeting, and other tasks.

Autum says this class would be counted as a credit toward graduation. The objective is to prepare high school students for the real world and give them a sense for the future ahead.

This is a challenge that focuses on leadership, knowledge, and the responsibility that is earned from participating.

Autum would like everyone to know, “I encourage anyone to go for this. You make so many new relationships with so many new people! I have gained many new experiences from this, and I would highly suggest this project to anyone!”

Autum is also a part of the Ohio State Junior Fair Board.

“Being on the Ohio State Junior Fair board is a dream I never thought would happen,” she said.

Autum decided to apply through the Ohio Youth Capital Challenge and she was accepted to represent the FFA organization and the Blanchester FFA chapter on the board.

Autum recalled the process of applying to be very intimidating but nevertheless worth it.

A message from Autum states “During these times we don’t even know if we will even have a county fair, let alone a state fair. But we must stay positive and plan on the events happening anyway. I hope to see you all at the state fair this year!”

Congratulations Autum, for all of your hard work and dedication!