Covington, GA — September 25, 2025 - Georgia CTI (Career and Technical Instruction) proudly hosted its annual Emerging Leaders Day (ELD) September 23–25, 2025, at the FFA/FCCLA Camp in Covington, Georgia. Over 350 students from across the state came together during the three-day event to grow as leaders, sharpen their employability skills, and build lasting connections.
Students engaged in workshops and hands-on activities designed to prepare them for success in education, careers, and life. A highlight was the interactive session on food production careers, which opened students’ eyes to the many opportunities available in the industry—from farming and marketing to packaging design and transportation.
Teamwork and resilience were put to the test on the camp’s Mud Course, a five-obstacle challenge where students and advisers worked side by side to push past comfort zones, solve problems, and encourage one another. Even when rainy weather forced changes on the final day, students embraced indoor team-building activities with the same energy and enthusiasm.
Georgia CTI extends deep gratitude to the FFA/FCCLA Camp staff for leading activities, providing delicious meals, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment throughout the event. Special thanks also go to the Georgia Department of Education, GVRA, and Lori Purcell Bledsoe for leading the workshop, and to the dedicated advisers, drivers, volunteers, and administrators whose support makes opportunities like this possible for students across Georgia.
“Emerging Leaders is all about challenging the impossible,” said one Georgia CTI Advisor. “Our students leave this event with stronger skills, greater confidence, and a better understanding of the opportunities available to them.”
For more information on Georgia CTI and upcoming events, visit www.geogiacti.org or follow us on social media.
For further information, please contact:
Mary Davis Donahue
Georgia CTI Executive Director
(P) 678.617.0439 | (F) 706.314.9624
3 Central Plaza, #245, Rome, GA 30161
About Georgia CTI
Our Mission: To provide meaningful transition activities through leadership and employability experiences for students with disabilities in grades 9-12 identified through career, technical, and agricultural education courses in order to increase postsecondary outcomes.
About The Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center
The Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center is an educational camp facility designed with the purpose of providing the youth of Georgia with a site for leadership and career development. Started in 1937 as an FFA Camp for rural youth, it has evolved into a premier camp facility and conference center for the FFA and FCCLA Organizations, as well as many other youth and adult organizations.