2011 Proceedings - National FFA Organization

2011 

Proceedings

Table of ConTenTs 

2011 National Officers .......................................................................... 94 

Agricultural Proficiency Winners ............................................................ 16 

Agri-Entreprenuers Winners ................................................................... 2 

Agriscience Fair Awards ......................................................................... 9 

Agriscience Student of the Year .............................................................. 7 

Agriscience Teacher of the Year .............................................................. 8 

American Degree Recipients ................................................................ 70 

Band, Chorus and Talent Participants ................................................... 87 

Career Development Event Winners ..................................................... 10 

Career Show ........................................................................................ 59 

Collegiate............................................................................................. 55 

Committee Issues ................................................................................ 88 

Concert ............................................................................................... 53 

Convention by the Numbers ................................................................... 1 

Convention Candids ............................................................................. 95 

Delegates ............................................................................................ 91 

Distinguished Service Citation .............................................................. 86 

Honorary American Degree Recipients ................................................. 82 

Keynote Speaker: Dave Roever ............................................................ 50 

Keynote Speaker: Vernice Armour ........................................................ 51 

Model of Innovations Winners .............................................................. 83 

National Days of Service ...................................................................... 56 

National FFA Alumni ............................................................................. 63 

National Officers Nominating Committee and Candidates ..................... 93 

Native Americans ................................................................................. 61 

Retiring Address:James Flatt ................................................................ 47 

Retiring Address: Landan Schaffert ...................................................... 32 

Retiring Address: Riley Pagett .............................................................. 28 

Retiring Address: Shannon Norris ......................................................... 44 

Retiring Address: Tiffany Rogers .......................................................... 36 

Retiring Address: Wyatt Dejong ............................................................ 41 

Stars Over America Winners ................................................................ 26 

VIP Citation .......................................................................................... 84 

Believe Proceedings 2011

The 84th national ffa Convention was held in Indianapolis, 

Ind., oct. 19-22, 2011. Members attended general 

educational sessions complete with elaborate sets, lights 

and music. Throughout the week, there was a myriad of 

activities for members to participate in – from competing in 

career development events to participating in the national 

Days of service to attending the national ffa agricultural 

Career show or browsing the shopping mall. 

Here’s a look at the numbers of the 2011 national 

ffa Convention. 

53,358 

1,020 

3,239 

56 

174 

9,700 

200,000 

140 

$ 40 

million 

number of 

people in attendance 

number of FFA members who 

participated in the national days 

of service. 

number of FFA members who were 

awarded the American FFA degree. 

number of Honorary American 

degree – Teacher awards bestowed. 

number of Honorary American 

degree – other awards bestowed. 

number of FFA members who 

attended student workshops. 

number of square feet occupied by 

the career show. 

The number of hotels used during 

the week of the national FFA 

convention. 

The economic impact that national 

FFA convention had on the city of 

indianapolis. 

1 Believe Proceedings 2011

agrI-enTrepreneurs HonoreD 

The Agri-Entrepreneurship Awards honor FFA members who recognize market opportunities and develop solid business plans, which 

capitalize on them. Awards are available at the chapter, state and national levels. All Agri-Entrepreneurship Award applicants received 

a rating of bronze, silver, gold or national winner. Ten National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award winners are selected annually. Each winner 

receives a $1,000 award and is recognized onstage during the national FFA convention. The winners’ projects are also featured in a 

booth at the National FFA Agricultural Career Show. The winners’ FFA chapters also receive a $500 grant to help them promote entrepreneurship 

in their agriculture programs. The Agri-Entrepreneurship Program is sponsored by USDA Rural Development as a special 

project of the National FFA Foundation. 

Jason’s Free range Poultry 

name: Jason Mendes 

Age: 17 

chapter: Modesto ffa 

Parents: John and Heidi Mendes 

Advisor: scott layne 

When Jason Mendes watched Food Inc. 

in his history class during his sophomore 

year, it made him stop and think. Seeing 

the need for more organically produced 

agriculture products, he asked his advisor 

what it would take to launch a free-range 

poultry project. After spending much time 

researching regulations and meeting with 

the Modesto Junior College poultry instructor, 

Mendes realized it would be possible 

and very popular, as many people were 

interested in all-natural, free-range birds. 

Finding a new passion, he began his 

new career in earnest. He worked with 

the local feed and supply store 

to get the feeders, waters, bedding 

and feed. He then worked 

with his father on building an 

adequate pen and house that fit 

his standards. With everything in 

place, he bought his first batch of 

chicks. 

“I knew I had a path to pursue 

and something I enjoyed doing 

with a passion that drove me to reach 

nothing less than success,” Mendes said. 

Mendes raises his birds on his parents’ 

property. They’re raised without any antibiotics 

and fed a ration that contains no 

unnatural additives. 

Along with raising poultry, Mendes 

takes a key interest in marketing. He 

has targeted those who have an interest 

in buying local produces and works 

old Homestead soaps & lotions 

name: ashley siferd 

Age: 19 

“I realized this could be a 

chapter: Cory-rawson ffa 

unique way to expand my goat 

Parents: Jamie and Teresa siferd 

business, and I liked the idea 

Advisor: lindsey regula 

that it could help people,” she 

said. 

When Ashley Siferd of Bluffton, Ohio, began After making a few batches 

raising goats, she soon discovered that she of soaps and lotions, Siferd went 

had extra goat’s milk that didn’t have a use. to the local farmers market. She 

Not wanting to waste anything, she began didn’t sell much product at first 

to research what options might be available but after handing out samples 

to her to maximize this product. 

and creating a website, her cus- 

She soon discovered that the milk was tomer base began to grow. 

a perfect fit for natural soaps and lotions. “When someone calls me at home 

After some research, Siferd learned that and says they have heard about my prod- 

people used goat milk soap for health uct from someone else, I know that Old 

benefits, such as treating psoriasis. 

Homestead Soaps and Lotions has had 

It was with this discovery that her busi- an impact on the community,” Siferd said. 

ness, Old Homestead Soaps and Lotions, “I have repeat customers and they tell me 

was created. 

that my soaps or lotions have healed a 

2 Believe Proceedings 2011 

diligently in marketing his product in such 

a way that the public understands the 

advantages of his product. He is currently 

working on creating a label that can be 

put on his poultry. 

Currently a senior at Modesto High 

School, Mendes plans to attend Modesto 

Junior College and major in agriculture 

business. He plans to continue his business 

and expand. 

minor skin problem for them. I feel that I 

have made an impact on the community 

when I heard these comments from my 

satisfied customers.” 

Siferd plans to obtain a business 

degree from the University of Northwestern 

and continue to expand her 

business.

Agri-EntrEprEnEurs HonorEd continuEd 

shane’s Produce 

name: shane greenwell 

Age: 16 

chapter: spencer County ffa 

Parents: Dwight and angie greenwell 

Advisor: Darryl Matherly 

Shane Greenwell of Taylorsville, Ky., knew 

he wanted a supervised agricultural experience 

that involved fruits and vegetables 

but he also knew he wanted to do something 

that was unique and different. 

Accompanying his parents to the local 

grocery store, he realized that tomatoes, 

cucumbers and other standard garden 

crops were plentiful. Trying to find his 

niche, he continued to research and soon 

came upon his idea – canary melons. 

With a unique taste, this melon is a cross 

between a honeydew and cantaloupe 

that one doesn’t often see in the store. It 

held just the right appeal for Greenwell. 

In the summer of 2010, Greenwell 

decided to see how he would do growing 

Turkey creek Poultry Farm 

name: Wesley Davis 

Age: 17 

chapter: Mason County Vocational ffa 

Parents: sonya and Danny Davis 

Advisor: samuel nibert 

Wesley Davis of Point Pleasant, Va., has 

always loved animals. In fact, for a few 

years, he and his family showed market 

lambs and rabbits. But when that ended, 

he found he missed raising animals – until 

he visited his local county fair. He bought 

a small, black chicken to raise. That 

single chicken soon led to the creation of 

Turkey Creek Poultry Farm, a successful 

business venture for Davis. 

Davis attained nine more chickens 

and found himself dealing with a surplus 

of eggs which he began selling in his 

community. Demand for his eggs grew 

quickly. 

the canary melon along 

with two other popular 

varieties of melons. It was 

soon a success. He looked 

at the market within Spencer 

County and found a 

need that needed to be 

filled. 

Shane’s Produce fit this 

need. 

“I think being smart 

about how to sell my produce 

really drove my business in the right 

direction.” Greenwell said. “I have learned 

that you have to get your name out in 

the community and the way to do that is 

through the most-populated place.” 

Greenwell is able to market at the only 

local grocery store in Spencer County 

and also is available to advertise in his 

front yard, located along one of the main 

roads in Taylorsville. The county he lives 

in was one of the most rapid growing 

“It was then that I began 

to view my chickens from 

a different perspective,” 

Davis said, “a perspective 

that allowed me to see the 

viability, sustainability and 

profitability of supplying 

consumers in my community 

with fresh, locally produced 

eggs.” 

Davis took his business 

to the next level by developing 

and advancing in 

such a way that promoted 

larger quantities of fresh eggs. Turkey 

Creek Poultry Farm is primarily a supplier 

of fresh, local brown eggs produced 

in a free-range manner. In 2011, Davis 

plans to expand the composting section 

of the operation to further diversify the 

business and capture the opportunity to 


counties in the state of Kentucky during 

the 2000s and he has been able to capitalize 

on this growth. 

Currently a sophomore at Spencer 

County High School, Greenwell is an 

active member of the soccer team, high 

school band and a volunteer at his First 

Baptist Church. He plans to graduate in 

2013 and then attend college in Kentucky 

where he will study business with a possible 

interest in sales and marketing. 

sell compost to residential complexes for 

gardening and landscaping. 

Davis, a senior at Point Pleasant 

Jr.-Sr. High School, hopes to obtain a 

degree in animal and nutritional sciences. 

He would like to be employed to manage 

and direct poultry production operations.


Brent’s Farm Fresh Produce 

name: brent sexton 

Age: 19 

chapter: rockwell City lytton ffa 

Parents: Keith and barb sexton 

Advisor: brian lantz 

When Brent Sexton of Rockwell City, 

Iowa, joined FFA as a freshman, he 

decided to undertake a vegetable 

production supervised agricultural experience. 

The project soon flourished and he 

discovered that in the aging rural community, 

there was a definite longing and 

need for fresh vegetables. Sexton created 

Brent’s Farm Fresh Produce. 

He first began selling produce at the 

local farmers market but he also contacted 

a local grocery story to see if they 

would be interested in his products. They 

agreed to sell his sweet corn, pumpkins 

and gourds. 

“The ‘buy local’ campaign is 

becoming very popular,” Sexton said. 

“Consumers like to purchase not just 

locally grown produced but produce 

that is clean and high in quality. I have a 

Brannon Agri-energy 

name: Caleb Jay brannon 

Age: 15 

chapter: Calloway County ffa 

Parents: Dr. Tony l. brannon and Ms. 

lisa brannon 

Advisors: Jacob falwell and bill 

sampson 

Caleb Jay Brannon of Puryear, Tenn., 

has a family history steeped in farming 

and the entrepreneurial spirit. So it’s no 

surprise that the Calloway County FFA 

freshman created a business that is on 

the cutting-edge of technology utilizing 

agriculture. 

With gas and electricity prices continuing 

to rise and society continually 

talking about green initiatives, Brannon 

thought it was an ideal time for him 

to export agricultural-related energy 

reputation for clean, fresh, 

high-quality produce.” 

Brent’s Farm Fresh Produce 

offers a wide variety 

of produce, depending on 

the growing conditions, 

including asparagus, beets, 

broccoli, cabbage, carrots, 

cucumbers, eggplant, 

garlic, green beans, kohlrabi, 

leek, lettuce, melons, 

okra, onions, parsnips, 

peas, peppers, pumpkins, 

radishes, rhubarb, spinach, sweet corn, 

tomatoes, turnips and summer and winter 

squash. The major crops associated 

with his business are asparagus, sweet 

corn, pumpkins and squash. 

Sexton also worked with the Rockwell 

City Lytton school district and Stewart 

Memorial Hospital food service departments 

to sell some seasonal produce, 

such as tomatoes, cucumbers and 

peppers. 

His consumer base also consists of 

an older, agricultural-based population 

enterprises. He formed Brannon 

Agri-Energy, an emerging technology, 

farm-related business 

that grows and markets switchgrass 

for bio mass and future 

cellulosic ethanol production. 

“I have always been interested 

in the green agri-energy 

movement,” Brannon said. “I 

would eventually like to use my 

switchgrass to develop and 

attract a cellulosic ethanol or 

other large bio-based industry in 

our area.” 

Brannon established 15 acres of 

Alamo switchgrass in a grant opportunity 

through Genera-Agri-Energy and 

for four years, the company bought 

switchgrass at the end of the production 

year. He cooperated with Memphis 


that enjoys fresh vegetables but doesn’t 

have the time, energy and finances to 

produce their own. With this in mind, 

Sexton attended a three-hour training 

session at the Iowa Department of Agriculture 

and Land Stewardship that would 

allow him to accept WIC and Senior 

Nutrition Farmer Market coupons. 

Sexton is currently a freshman at Iowa 

State University, studying animal science 

with a pre-veterinarian option, and continues 

as owner and operator of Brent’s 

Farm Fresh Produce. 

BioWorks to grow three acres of energy 

beets and small plots of sweet sorghum 

and energy sorghum. The beets can be 

used for cattle feed and production of 

sugar-based ethanol and the sweet sorghum 

and energy sorghum crops have


a potential to develop as a major annual 

crop to support sugar-based ethanol 

production and biomass production. 

He currently markets his switchgrass 

in small square bales through James 

Sanders Nursery in Paducah, Ky. 

Located in close proximity to both 

sT Farms dairy 

name: Chris Heiser 

Age: 17 

chapter: lamar ffa 

Parents: Marie and greg Heiser 

Advisor: larry bacchus 

When Chris Heiser of Lamar, Ark., 

received a youth loan from Farm Credit 

Services of Western Arkansas, he 

knew what he wanted to do. He always 

dreamed of owning cattle so he bought 

Dexter cattle and embarked on a milk 

production business. 

He started milking by hand and then 

began producing butter by utilizing a 

homemade device that would churn the 

butter. The device, which utilizes a mixer 

and a jar, was designed and constructed 

by Heiser. 

“Through my animal science classes, I 

learned a lot about how to work with and 

Bass 4-U Fish Farm 

name: Dillon ochsner 

Age: 17 

chapter: sutton ffa 

Parents: Jeff and sheila ochsner 

Advisor: Kurt Heideman 

When Dillon Ochsner of Sutton, Neb., 

worked at a local fish hatchery and his 

brother’s trout farm, he developed a love 

for aquaculture. Deciding to venture into 

aquaculture, he started raising freshwater 

shrimp. Due to the short growing season 

in Nebraska and some additional issues 

with the shrimp, this venture was unsuccessful 

but it led Ochsner to do some 

additional research on aquaculture. 

the Kentucky and Tennessee border, 

Brannon points out this has been advantageous. 

“I have the unique location to 

take advantage of production and marketing 

on both sides of the state line,” 

Brannon said. 

Brannon says his goal is for his 

manage cattle,” he said. 

“This really got me interested 

because I enjoyed 

learning and being around 

them.” 

Soon, members of his 

community began to ask 

when he was going to start 

the dairy because they 

wanted to buy fresh dairy 

products. With his parents 

owning a restaurant, he 

also knew that he’d be 

able to market his products through that 

avenue. 

In the next two years, Heiser plans to 

expand his Dexter herd from two cows 

to a minimum of 10. He also wants to 

further develop his flavored butter line. 

Heiser currently is making cinnamon 

butter but would like to offer a minimum 

After touring fish 

hatcheries and attending 

an aquaculture workship, 

he decided to try another 

project and began to raise 

largemouth bass. 

When he learned that 

there is a good demand 

for pond stocking, he 

soon created Bass 4-U 

Fish Farm. 

“My love for animals and strong FFA 

examples of entrepreneurial success led 

me to recognize the opportunity to begin 

my business,” Ochsner said. 

The fish farm is located on his 


entrepreneurship business to serve as 

a spark to get the fire going in the new 

era of agriculture that includes biofuels, 

biomass and biobased products. Upon 

graduation, he plans to attend college 

and obtain a degree in agricultural 

emerging technology. 

of five flavors. He would also like to 

develop a line of cheese products and 

offer at least two cheese products to his 

customers. 

The high school senior plans to major 

in agricultural business and hopes to 

either manage a ranch or large farming 

operation after college. 

grandfather’s farm only four miles from his 

home. 

Raising bass requires careful pond 

management and daily feeding. Ochsner 

raises the bass throughout the summer


and in the fall, bass are then ready for their 

new homes. They are put in buckets of 

water and hauled into a holding pit indoors 

where they wait to be sold for pond 

Minerdale Farm Farrow to Finish 

name: raymond James 

Age: 18 

chapter: Walton ffa 

Parents: Mark James and Tina 

Miner-James 

Advisor: Tina Miner-James and penney 

Tweedie 

Raymond James of Afton, N.Y., has 

always been active in the local 4-H program. 

But over the past few years, he 

noticed that it was difficult to find quality 

market hogs for show and sale. As the 

years progressed, he saw the cost for 

piglets continue to increase and difficult 

to afford. To help alleviate the issue of 

finding a quality piglet in February, he 

decided to farrow piglets on his family 

farm and Minerdale Farm Farrow to Finish 

doane’s design 

name: Christopher Doane 

Age: 16 

chapter: letchworth ffa 

Parents: Marie and Jonathan Doane 

Advisor: Marie Doan and lorrie Dennis 

Christopher Doane of Gainesville, N.Y., 

has allergies that makes outdoor manual 

labor difficult. But having a love of agriculture, 

Doane was looking for a way to give 

back to that industry. 

He has worked technological jobs in 

the past but realized agricultural producers 

in his area either didn’t have websites 

or had ones that didn’t work well for their 

business. Through the help and advice 

stocking. Once sold, the bass are released 

by Ochsner’s clients into their ponds. 

Currently a junior at Sutton High 

School, Ochsner plans to attend college 

was created. 

“The farrow-to-finish operation 

is a learning experience for 

us all,” James said. “We continually 

assess our situation and 

look to bettering the operation.” 

James has continued to 

educate himself on the process 

of the business, attending 

discussion on housing, health, 

nutrition and reproduction of 

swine. Since the enterprise 

began two years ago, they have 

sold more than 30 pigs, which include 

piglets and market hogs. 

“I am not only selling to the community, 

I’m providing educational 

opportunities for those wanting more 

information on the swine industry,” he 

of his parents, Doane’s 

Design was created. 

“Creating Doane’s 

Design has helped me 

gain a source of income 

and lower the effect of 

allergies on my day-today 

life,” Doane said. 

Doane’s Design offers 

a range of services, from 

web design to DVD conversion 

services, graphic 

design, search engine optimization and 

other multimedia services. Doane hopes 

to continue to grow in his client base and 

add up to six new clients a year. 


and obtain a degree in the field of agriculture 

and hopes to be either self employed 

or take a job in the agriculture industry to 

work with livestock. 

said. James has taken piglets to schools 

and facilities discussions with students 

interested in becoming farmers. 

Currently a junior at Walton Central 

School, James plans to have a career in 

the field of wildlife biology. 

The high school junior plans to attend 

college and major in aerospace and computer 

engineering. “I am passionate about 

computers, technology and business,” he

agrIsCIenCe aWarDs 

Mary steves named agriscience student of the Year 

Mary Steves of Escalon, Calif., a senior 

at Escalon High School in Escalon and 

member of the Escalon FFA Chapter, 

conducted research comparing the 

immune responses of Barbados Blackbelly 

hair sheep and Suffolk crossbred 

sheep to gastrointestinal nematodes. Her 

study concluded that hair sheep produce 

a greater immune response. Now this 

research has also won her top honors. 

Steves was named Agriscience 

Student of the Year on Oct. 21 at the 

84th National FFA Convention during an 

onstage ceremony and was presented 

with a scholarship. 

“Knowing there is a difference in 

resistance, future studies may include 

performing the same research on offspring 

from a cross of hair sheep with 

typical wool-type sheep breeds European 

in origin, such as the Suffolk, 

which would hopefully generate data 

that might be useful for sheep producers 

looking to increase parasite resistance 

and decrease losses from parasite 

infections by a more practical and more 

economical means through crossbreeding,” 

she said. 

Steves is currently serving as the 

2011-12 California Association FFA state 

secretary and after high school plans 

to attend California State University at 

Chico and major in animal science. She 

is the daughter of Lisa and Rob Steves, 

and her FFA advisors are Jennifer Terpstra, 

Stacy Ingalls and Bruce Campbell. 

The National FFA Agriscience Student 

of the Year program recognizes 

high school students who, through 

scientific research and reasoning, find 

creative solutions to challenges within 

the field of agriculture. Eight national 

finalists are selected for the student of 

the year award. Those competing to win 

the honor develop hypotheses, conduct 

research and develop theories pertaining 

to an agricultural issue and report findings 

to a panel of judges with a detailed 

application, written report, display, presentation 

and an interview. 

To qualify for the honor, FFA members 

must be a junior or senior in high 

school or a freshman in college majoring 

in an agriculture-related field and heir 

research must have been initiated while 

in high school. 

The National FFA Agriscience 

Student of the year is sponsored by 

Monsanto as a special project of the 

National FFA Foundation. 


Agriscience Finalists 

Jake Carlson, Elk Grove FFA, Calif. 

Mary steves, Escalon FFA, Calif. 

Trevor Correia, Franklin County FFA, 

Ga. 

Marshall bennett, Lowndes FFA, 

Ga. 

ami adams, Cape May Tech FFA, 

N.J. 

sarah Cox, Zane Trace FFA, Ohio

AgrisciEncE AwArds continuEd 

Ami Adams named 

agriscience student 

runner-up 

Parts of the east coast once had large 

populations of terrapins, particularly in 

areas such as Maryland and New Jersey. 

But because terrapins were considered a 

delicacy, they were aggressively hunted 

and at one point faced extinction. With 

the help of Ami Adams and other conservationists, 

terrapin populations could see 

significant growth in the coming years. 

This research has now won her national 

honors. 

Adams was named Agriscience 

Student of the Year Runner Up at the 

84th National FFA Convention during 

an onstage ceremony. She is a member 

of the Cape May Tech FFA Chapter in 

Cape May Court House, N.J. Her chapter 

advisors are JoAnn Sopchak and Hans 

Soft. She is the daughter of Violanda and 

Michael Adams. 

Adams conducted experiments on 

diamondback terrapins, which are the 

only sea turtles common to southern 

New Jersey. Her goal was to determine 

what feed ration resulted in the best rates 

of gain in young terrapins. Adams has 

shared her findings with a local wetlands 

institute with the goals of improving both 

terrapin health and population. Currently 

attending Franklin and Marshall College 

in Lancaster, Pa., she is studying environmental 

studies with a minor in physics. 

Her long-term goal is to become an environmental 

lawyer. 

NAAE names the 2011 National 

Agriscience Teacher of the Year 

In Atwater High School in California, agriculture students are 

asking questions. They follow up these questions with hypotheses, experiments, 

data collection and conclusions. These students are learning the scientific method in 

elizabeth Knapp’s agriculture courses. Since combining agriculture and science courses 

five years ago, Atwater’s program has expanded from three sections of agricultural 

biology to 16 sections of agricultural biology, agricultural life science, agricultural earth 

science, and agricultural environmental science. Student enrollment soared from 344 to 

824 individual students. 

The program’s success is thanks to Knapp’s firm belief that agriculture courses 

should be hands-on with student-led discoveries based in the scientific method. By 

collaborating weekly with science teachers, Knapp has created an environment where 

students apply concepts they have learned in the classroom to their own agricultural 

activities. Because of her success, Knapp was selected as the 2011 National Agriscience 

Teacher of the Year. 

The National Agriscience Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers who have 

inspired and enlightened their students through engaging and interactive lessons in the 

science of agriculture. 

Each year, one National Agriscience Teacher of the Year is selected from a group 

of four finalists at the National FFA Convention. Along with Knapp, this year’s finalists 

were Michelle Sutton, Sara Clark and Matt Eddy. Each finalist receives a plaque, a $500 

award, and a $1,500 grant to purchase agriscience equipment for their school. They also 

receive round-trip airfare, registration and lodging for the National Association of Agricultural 

Educators convention. 

As the National Agriscience Teacher of the Year award winner, Knapp receives a 

school plaque, an individual plaque, an additional $2,000 award and a $1,500 grant to 

purchase agriscience equipment for her school. 


agriscience fair awards 

The 2011 Agriscience Fair awards were presented 

onstage during the seventh general session at the 

84th National FFA Convention. The winners are 

listed below by event: 

Biochemistry/Microbiology/Food science 

division one: William fletcher, Judson FFA, Texas 

division Two: alex Keeler, South Sumter Sr FFA, Florida 

division Three: lakshmi lyengar and Michelle Zhao, 

Biotechnology FFA, New Jersey 

division Four: Julia Vanzelli and panki Kothari, Biotechnology 

FFA, New Jersey 

baily brashears and blake Conners, Frenship FFA, Texas 

Botany 

division one: Junelyn gamao, Madison FFA, Texas 

division Two: samantha giffen, Biotechnology FFA, New 

Jersey 

division Three: ashley rigby and alexa swain, Lehi FFA, 

Utah 

division Four: Kenna faulkenberry and scotta faulkenberry, 

Stephenville FFA, Texas 

engineering 

division one: Tryston brandon, Bethel FFA, Oklahoma 

division Two: anna reding, Alpena FFA, Arkansas 

division Three: David pintens and grandon scheil, Barron 

FFA, Wisconsin 

division Four: Danny greenberg and gianna Tempera, 


environmental science 

division one: lynnmarie Jarratt, Los Lunas FFA, New Mexico 

division Two: Joseph Meyer, Tillamook FFA, Oregon 

division Three: alex brynes and steven petrides, 


division Four: Kevin Trigani and ananya sureshkumar, 


Zoology 

division one: Chrysta beck, Pettisville FFA, Ohio 

division Two: Maryanna McClure, Dyersburg FFA, Tennessee 

division Three: Marlen Diaz and Carina partida, Ceres- 

Central Valley FFA, California 

division Four: lacey peterson and lilly Webb, Millennium 

FFA, Arizona 


Career DeVelopMenT eVenTs 

Since 1928, the national FFA 

Organization has worked 

to create career development 

events (CDEs) that 

demonstrate the meaningful 

connections between classroom 

instruction and real-life 

scenarios. CDEs are designed to help 

prepare students for careers in agriculture 

and build upon what students learn in 

agricultural classes and FFA. CDEs test 

the abilities of individuals and teams in 

23 major areas of agricultural instruction. 

More than 3,000 youth travel from 

across the country to participate in these 

different national CDEs. Through intense 

hands-on activities, students are asked 

to perform specific career skills. Individuals 

and teams used classroom instruction 

and skills to compete in career development 

events at the national level. CDEs 

help FFA members develop technical 

knowledge and decision-making, reasoning 

and other skills, that will prepare them 

for challenging careers. Years of study, 


training and practice paid off for this 

year’s participants of the national career 

development events. The results of each 

event were announced at sponsor-hosted 

award banquets at the end of the week. 

During the ninth session of the national 

FFA convention, the high team and 

individuals were recognized on stage. 

Industry professionals act as judges, so 

the participants receive a real understanding 

of how they would perform in 

real careers in agriculture. Winning teams 

and high individuals receive scholarships.

cdE winnErs continuEd 

Agricultural 

communications 

Sponsored by the National FFA 

Foundation 

The National FFA Agricultural Communications 

CDE is a competitive activity 

that tests students’ skills in all areas of 

the agricultural communications field 

and evaluates how well they can apply 

classroom knowledge to real-life situations. 

Participants attend a simulated 

news conference and use the information 

gathered to complete individual practicums 

in news story writing, press release 

writing, radio broadcasting, web design 

and graphic design. Prior to the event, 

students compile communication project 

proposals related to innovative agricultural 

practices, management techniques 

and marketing tools. Each team then creates 

a 15-minute presentation based on 

their proposal. Members also compete in 

an editing exercise and a general communications 

quiz. 

Winning Team: Halley ogan, 

Tyler swenson, aly James, natalie 

Wheeler, and Kendra Cranston, all of 

Montezuma FFA, Iowa 

Top Placing individual: Halley ogan 

of Montezuma FFA, Iowa 

Agricultural issues Forum 

Sponsored by Elanco and the National 

FFA Foundation 

The National FFA Agricultural Issues Forum 

CDE is a competitive activity that tests 

students’ knowledge of agricultural issues 

and evaluates how well they can apply 


To qualify for the National Agricultural 

Issues Forum CDE, teams must design a 

presentation that addresses multiple viewpoints 

of a contemporary agricultural issue 

and present it to a number of audiences 

in their community. For the national event, 

they present a portfolio based on their local 

audiences’ feedback and deliver their presentation 

to a panel of judges. 

Winning Team: sara barrientez, 

Megan akins, rebecca Decker, 

Kelsey erwin, Jaycie sorrells, and 

Kalee spitzer, all of Stamford FFA, 

Texas 


Agricultural Mechanics 

The National FFA Agricultural Mechanics 

CDE is a competitive activity that allows 

students to apply classroom knowledge 

to real-life situations. Activities included 

in the event are a written exam, a team 

activity, demonstration of problemsolving 

skills and hands-on performance 

activities. Areas of emphasis include 

environmental and natural resource 

systems; machinery and equipment systems; 

structural and energy systems; and 

industry and marketing systems. Each 

team in the event has competed with 

other chapters in their state for the privilege 

of participating in the national event. 

Winning Team: brian brown; Josh 

labogin; Cody Willis; austin Williams 

of Golden West FFA, Calif. 

Top individual: Cody Willis of 

Golden West FFA, Calif. 

Agricultural sales 

The National FFA Agricultural Sales CDE is 

a competitive activity that allows students 

to apply classroom knowledge to reallife 

situations. The event includes actual 

sales presentations, a written exam, a 

team sales situation, an individual practical 

situation focusing on customer relations, 

customer service, or prospecting for customers. 

Each team competed at local and 

state levels for the privilege of representing 

their state at the national FFA convention. 

Winning Team: ellie forness; Cody 

putman; Kaitlyn brewer; elaine 

roberts of Dayton FFA, Ore. 

Top individual: bridget o’brien of 

Smithson Valley FFA, Texas 

Agronomy 

Sponsored by Bayer CropScience as 

a special project of the National FFA 

Foundation 

The National FFA Agronomy CDE is a competitive 

activity that allows students to apply 


Participants’ knowledge of agronomic


sciences was tested through several levels 

of competition including developing 

solutions for problematic scenarios; identification 

of seeds, insects, soil and crops; 

and other management practices 

Winning Team: Megan Jones, 

Zachary aldrich, Maddie garren, and 

Jared ball, all of Neosho R-V FFA, 

Mo. 

Top Placing individual: Zachary 

aldrich of Neosho R-V FFA, Mo. 

creed speaking 

Sponsored by CHS and the National FFA 

Foundation 

The National FFA Creed Speaking CDE 

is designed to recognize outstanding 

FFA members for their ability to present 

the National FFA Creed in a competitive 

setting. Members deliver the Creed from 

memory and respond to three questions. 

The event gives FFA members the 

opportunity to develop their ability to 

communicate in a powerful, organized 

and professional manner. 

Top Placing individual: Heath 

snider of Sweet Springs FFA, Mo. 

dairy cattle evaluation 

Sponsored by Dean Foods Company and 

the National FFA Foundation 

The National FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation 

CDE is a competitive activity that tests the 

student’s ability to select and manage quality 

dairy cattle. Event components include 

six classes of dairy cattle, linear classification 

of five Holstein cows, a sire selection 

and dairy management exercise and placing 

of four dairy animal pedigrees. Each 

team competed at local and state levels 

to earn the privilege of representing their 

home state at the national FFA convention. 

Winning Team: austin Jaggers, 

susan Mann, Tevin shouse, and 

Joseph snider, all of Spencer County 

FFA, Ky. 

Top individual: shanna slagel of 

Prairie Central FFA, Ill. 

dairy Foods 



The National Dairy Foods CDE is a competitive 

activity that allows students to 

prove their knowledge about the recognition, 

selection and management 

necessary for quality dairy foods. Participants 

must complete a written exam on 

milk production and marketing, evaluate 

milk samples for flavor and quality, identify 

cheeses, evaluate milk sediment pads 

and milker parts for defects and distinguish 

dairy and non-dairy products. Each 

team competed at local and state levels 

to earn the privilege to represent their 

state at the national FFA convention. 

Winning Team: Zoie Walker, 

Joe Holland, payton porter, and 

Katherine goode, all of Cross Plains 

FFA, Texas 

Top individual: Katherine goode of 

Cross Plains FFA, Texas 

dairy Handlers 



Top individual: Cole beaty of Walker 

Valley HS, Tenn. 


environmental and natural 

resources 

Sponsored by Smithfield Foods and the 

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation 

Services of Wash., D.C. 

The National FFA Environmental/Natural 

Resources CDE is a competitive activity 

that allows students to apply classroom 

knowledge to real-life situations. This 

event focuses on testing students’ problem 

solving and decision-making skills 

in environmental and natural resources. 

These areas concentrate on soil profiles, 

water and air quality, waste management, 

environmental analysis and use of global 

positioning units 

Winning Team: Hayden boll, Keren 

bankhead, robert Vowell, and 

Kaycee royer, all of Cambridge FFA, 

Idaho 

Top individual: Katie beekman of 

Oley Valley FFA, Pennsylvania


extemporaneous Public 

speaking 

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau 

The National FFA Extemporaneous Public 

Speaking CDE is designed to recognize 

outstanding FFA members for their ability 

to prepare and present a factual speech 

on a specific agricultural issue in a well 

thought out and logical manner. Members 

select one topic from a choice of 

categories, have 30 minutes to prepare 

a four-to-six-minute speech and respond 

to five minutes of questions following 

delivery. 

Top individual: Kyle Hilbert of 

Depew FFA, Okla. 

Farm Business 

Management 

Sponsored by John Deere as a special 

project of the National FFA Foundation 

The National FFA Farm Business Management 

CDE is designed to test the 

ability of students to apply economic 

principles and concepts in analyzing 

farm and ranch business management 

decisions. Participants respond to questions 

concerning economic principles 

in farm business management as well 

as a problem-solving analysis section. 

Each team in the event has competed 

with other chapters in their state for the 

privilege of participating in the national 

event. 

Winning Team: Jeni Hagler, Joshua 

Winger, Zachary reynolds, and Mark 

nebeker, all of Kuna FFA, Idaho 

Top individual: Joshua Winger of 

Kuna FFA, Idaho 

Floriculture 

Sponsored by Ball Horticultural Company 

and the National FFA Foundation 

In the National FFA Floriculture CDE, 

FFA members test their knowledge and 

skills in the production and retailing of 

flowers, plants and foliage. Participants 

must complete a general knowledge 

exam on the floriculture industry, identify 

plant materials and demonstrate problem 

solving and decision-making skills, 

employment and customer service skills, 

technical floral skills and the ability to 

work as a team. Teams competed at the 

local and state levels to earn the privilege 

of representing their home state at the 

national FFA convention 

Winning Team: John bartee, Jordan 

brady, Taylor Craig, and amber 

fields, all of Chatham Central FFA, 

N.C. 

Top individual: Jordan brady of 

Chatham Central FFA, N.C. 

Food science and 

Technology 

Sponsored by Kraft Foods as a special 


The National FFA Food Science and 

Technology CDE is designed to test a 

student’s basic knowledge of food science 

as well as the student’s ability to 

apply this knowledge to practical situations. 

Each team participates in a timed 

team product development project and 

each individual participates in practicums 

involving food sensory evaluation and 

food safety and sanitation as well as a 

written exam. 

Winning Team: Katie Hirsch, sarah 

Marketon, ariel Kocher, and Kyla 

Mauk, all of Howard Lake-Waverly- 

Winsted FFA, Minn. 

Top individual: Whitney bowman of 

Stonewall Jackson FFA, Va. 

Forestry 

Sponsored by Husqvarna and John 

Deere as a special project of the National 

FFA Foundation 

The National FFA Forestry CDE is a competitive 

activity that tests students’ skills 

and knowledge in the area of forest management. 

Event components include a 

general forest knowledge exam, tree and 


equipment identification, tree/forest disorders 

identification, a chainsaw practicum, 

forestry issues interview and a team activity. 

Each team competed at local and state 

levels for the privilege of representing their 

state at the national FFA convention. 

Winning Team: garrett Jester, 

shane gumm, rhen garner, and 

landon steele, all of Miller FFA, Mo. 

Top individual: Zachary Horton of 

Carroll County FFA, Va. 

Horse evaluation 

Sponsored by RAM Trucks, Tractor 

Supply Company and Wahl Clipper 

Corporation as a special project of the 

National FFA Foundation 

The National FFA Horse Evaluation CDE 

is a competitive activity that tests the 

student’s ability to select and evaluate 

horses. Event components include eight 

selection classes that consisted of four 

halter classes and four performance 

classes. Students also give four sets of 

oral reasons with two sets coming from 

each evaluation class. 

Winning Team: Heather burroughs, 

erin lagone, rebecca ness, and 

grace saeba, all of Muscatine FFA, 

Iowa 

Top individual: Heather burroughs 

of Muscatine FFA, Iowa 

Job interview 

The Job Interview CDE is a competitive 

activity that tests student’s ability to perform 

effectively throughout the entire job 

application process. The participants prepare 

a resume, cover letter and complete 

a written application. They also participate 

in phone, one-on-one and panel job 

interviews as part of the competition. 

Top individual: amika osumi of 

Arroyo Grande FFA, Calif.


livestock evaluation 

Sponsored by Bayer Animal Health, Boizyme, 

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica 

and Kent Nutritional Group as a special 


The National FFA Livestock CDE is a 

competitive activity that tests the student’s 

ability to select and evaluate 

livestock. Event components include 

eight evaluation classes of beef, sheep, 

swine and goats; oral placement reasons 

on four classes; and a written 

exam on livestock production. A team 

event, based on production performance 

records, demonstrates the team’s breeding 

livestock selection ability. Each team 

in the event competed at local and 

state levels for the privilege of representing 

their state at the national FFA 

convention. 

Winning Team: Jacob Mueller, Kale 

Hensley, breanna lawyer and sarah 

Mueller, all of Eastern Hancock FFA, 

Ind. 

Top individual: sarah Mueller, of 

Eastern Hancock FFA, Ind. 

Marketing Plan 

Sponsored by Bunge North America, 

DeBruce Grain, Kerry Ingredients and 

Flavours and USDA Rural Development 

as a special project of the National FFA 

Foundation 

The National FFA Marketing Plan CDE 

helps students practice and sharpen 

skills in marketing through the development 

and presentation of a marketing 

plan. The plan may focus on the introduction 

of a new agricultural product, 

supply or service or on improving marketing 

of an existing product, supply, or 

service. Each team competed against 

teams in their state for the privilege of 

participating in the national event. 

Winning Team: anthony Toledo, 

Dillon szyper, and Corinne 

Madison, all of Galt FFA, Calif. 

Meats evaluation and 

Technology 

Sponsored by Cargill Meat Solutions, 

Hormel Foods Corporation, Kraft Foods- 

Oscar Mayer and Tyson Foods, Inc., 

as a special project of the National FFA 

Foundation 

The National FFA Meats Technology 

and Evaluation CDE is a competitive 

activity that tests students’ skills and 

competencies in evaluating and identifying 

meat carcasses and products. 

Event components include a general 

knowledge exam; beef carcass evaluation; 

identification of wholesale and retail 


cuts of beef, lamb and pork; quality and 

yield grading of beef carcasses; a team 

meat merchandising activity; and solving 

of a meat formulation problem. Each 

team has competed on the local and 

state levels to earn the privilege of representing 

their state at the national FFA 

convention. 

Winning Team: Tate leatherwood, 

Tyler Thompson, Kristi branton, and 

David Holland, all of Florence FFA, 

Texas 

Top individual: Hallie barnes of 

Porter Consol Jr Sr FFA, Okla.

nursery landscape 

Sponsored by Arysta LifeScience of 

North America, Kubota Tractor Corporation, 

and STIHL as a special project of 


The National FFA Nursery Landscape 

CDE is a competitive activity in which FFA 

members test their knowledge and 

skills in nursery practices and landscaping. 

Contestants must complete a 

general knowledge exam testing horticultural 

principles including plant anatomy, 

production, marketing, turf, landscape 

design and maintenance. Each participant 

must also complete practicums 

involving a landscape drawing, landscape 

estimating, plant propagation or potting, 

identification of plants, disorders and 

equipment. Each team competed on 

local and state levels to earn the privilege 

of representing their state at the national 

FFA convention. 

Winning Team: shawn beavers, 

Craig Dunn, Kevin foushee, and 

ethan Mason, all of Chatham Central 

FFA, N.C. 

Top individual: Tyler Claxton of 

Perry FFA, Ga. 

Parliamentary Procedure 

Sponsored by TransCanada and the 

National FFA Foundation 

The National FFA Parliamentary Procedure 

CDE tests students’ ability to 

effectively communicate ideas during a 

meeting. Components included a general 

knowledge exam of parliamentary law, a 

10-minute demonstration of parliamentary 

procedure, oral questions and written 

minutes of the demonstration. Each team 

competed against chapters from across 

the nation. 

Winning Team: Maddison easley, 

shelby McClelland, Caitlin paulus, 

natalie Johnson, Kaycee granholm, 

and samantha fisher, all of Nev. 

Union FFA, Calif. 


Poultry evaluation 

Sponsored by Newly Weds Foods, Inc., 

Tyson Foods, Inc., the U.S. Poultry & 

Egg Association and the National FFA 

Foundation 

The National Poultry Evaluation CDE is a 

competitive activity that tests the participant’s 

ability to select top quality poultry 

and poultry products needed for successful 

production and marketing. Event 

participants must complete a written 

exam on poultry management, evaluate 

classes of live birds for eggs and meat 

production, evaluate quality of eggs and 

evaluate and identify parts and products. 

Each team competed at local and state 

levels for the privilege of representing 

their state at the national FFA convention. 

Winning Team: brian Clay, rebecca 

pease, bailey Miller, and Krysten 

Mcfaddin, all of Sandra Day 

O’Connor FFA, Texas 

Top individual: Holly loncarich of 

East Newton FFA, Mo.

naTIonal agrICulTural profICIenCY 

WInners announCeD 

Winners in the National Agricultural Proficiency Awards Pageant were announced on 

Friday, Oct. 21, at the national FFA convention. Awards were give in 47 categories. 

Agricultural communications — 

entrepreneurship/Placement 

Chelsea Keiser—Ohio 

Chelsea Keiser’ supervised agricultural experience (SAE) project 

included experiences in public speaking and informing audiences 

about important agricultural issues. She developed skills collecting 

facts, writing and reporting on agriculture topics. One of 

Chelsea’s accomplishments was serving as afternoon farm news 

broadcaster at a local radio station. She is a member of the Versailles 

FFA Chapter, and her advisor is Dena Wuebker. This award 

is sponsored by BI, The Business Improvement Company and 

Keystone Steel & Wire Company – Red Brand. 

Finalists 

Julia rose Cucarola 

Sterling FFA – Colo. 

adam Michael ludvik 

Belle Plaine FFA – Minn. 

Morgan Kay Honeycutt 

West Johnston FFA – N.C. 

Agricultural education—entrepreneurship/ 

Placement 

Camilla “Cayce” Kaytlin McDonald—Tennessee 

For Camilla “Cayce” Kaytlin McDonald, teaching youth about 

agriculture has always been an important part of her life. She 

has created interactive lesson plans and activities for elementary, 

middle school and high school students. Cayce has planned 

community events like petting zoos and agriculture days. She 

is a member of the Beech FFA Chapter, and her FFA advisor is 

Dale McDonald. This award is sponsored by James F. Lincoln Arc 

Welding Foundation and Tulsa Welding School. 

Finalists 

Hannah leigh Johnson 

Arlington FFA – S.D. 

brittany Kaye blum 

Howe FFA – Texas 

Kimberly nicole Mercer 

Lehi FFA – Utah 


16

AgriculturAl proficiEncy winnErs continuEd 


Agricultural Mechanics design and 

Fabrication—entrepreneurship/ 

Placement 

garrett Michael south—Georgia 

Garrett Michael South’s family operates a trailer manufacturing 

company for cattle, horses and flat-bed trailers. 

Garrett works hard to be a valuable part of the business. 

He has developed skills in iron work, forklift operation and 

working with the band saw and shear. He is a member 

of the Franklin County FFA Chapter, and his FFA advisors 

are Gary Minyard, Cale Watkins and Owen Thomason. 

This award is sponsored by Carry-On Trailer Corporation 

and RAM Trucks. 

Finalists 

Dominic agresti assali 

Turlock FFA – Calif. 

Cody Johnathon Hansen 

McCook Central FFA – S.D. 

Cruz Cooper niblett 

Decatur FFA – Texas 

Agricultural Mechanics energy 

systems—entrepreneurship/ 

Placement 

James porter—Georgia 

James Porter learned agricultural mechanics skills working 

for his family’s business. He gained experience 

learning to perform routine maintenance on the machinery. 

James developed higher level skills and is now a 

welder for the operation and fills customer orders. James 

is a member of the Echols County FFA Chapter. His FFA 

advisor is Hank Majeski. This award is sponsored by The 

Lincoln Electric Company and New Holland. 

Finalists: 

patricia Kay Justison 

Hillsboro FFA – Ill. 

austin Dylan potter 

Savannah FFA – Mo. 

Cody frankli pollard 

Decatur FFA – Texas 

Agricultural Mechanics repair and 

Maintenance—entrepreneurship 

austin potthast—Illinois 

Austin Potthast joined the Farm Heritage Museum and 

developed an interest in tractor restoration. He worked 

for the president of the museum and learned the restoration 

process. Today he owns Little Acres Tractor 

Restoration and has restored and painted 12 tractors. 

Austin is a member of the Greenville FFA Chapter. His


FFA advisor is Stephen Zimmerman. This award is sponsored by 

Briggs and Stratton Corporation Foundation Inc. 

Finalists: 

stuart Vincent Wakeman 

Lawrence Free State FFA – Kan. 

nick edward Mueller 

Garretson FFA – S.D. 

Cody D. Mueller 

Valders FFA – Wis. 

Agricultural Mechanics repair and 

Maintenance—Placement 

Dalton lamar black—Kansas 

Dalton Lamar Black began his SAE installing lawn irrigation. After 

a few years, he started working for a hydraulics company. Dalton 

can repair a complete hydraulic system by himself, run diagnostic 

tests and troubleshoot the repairs. He works with a mechanic 

every day and continues to develop and increase his skills. Dalton 

is a member of the Buhler FFA Chapter, and his FFA advisors 

are John Clark and Justin Seuser. This award is sponsored by 

Hobart Welding Products and Tractor Supply Company. 

Finalists: 

andrew Dan largen 

Creighton FFA – Neb. 

Chad louis Hoersten 

Delphos Jefferson FFA – Ohio 

raymond Joseph beck 

Mulhall-Orlando FFA – Okla. 

Agricultural Processing—entrepreneurship/ 

Placement 

William brewster—California 

William Brewster of the Hanford FFA Chapter works with his 

father in a cheese processing company. The plant produces 

traditional style and specialty Portuguese cheese, as well as fruit 

baskets, jellies and snacks. William has been involved in mixing, 

cutting curds, pasteurizing, and molding cheeses. His FFA advisors 

are Sam Rodriguez, Brian Combes, Dennis Fuller, Jared 

Castle, Lilly Pimentel and Susan Moran. This award is sponsored 

by Archer Daniels Midland Company and CHS. 

Finalists: 

ely Vance Walker 

Altoona-Midway FFA – Kan. 

lillie Katelan shartzer 

Portland FFA – Tenn. 

brandon g. fay 

Waupaca FFA – Wis. 


Agricultural sales—entrepreneurship 

Dustin eugene stanton—Missouri 

As the owner of “Stanton Brothers”, Dustin Eugene Stanton raises 

7,000 laying hens. Dustin provides eggs to three local bakers, three 

nursing homes, restaurants, the University of Missouri dining halls 

and many other clients. Dustin has learned to budget and look for 

new ways to expand the business. He is a member of the Centralia 

FFA Chapter, and his FFA advisors are Scott Stone and Lori Lewis. 

This award is sponsored by Crop Production and Monsanto. 

Finalists: 

Melissa Marie Maultsby 

Fallbrook FFA – Calif. 

ashlea nicole smith 

Cushing FFA – Okla. 

Katie swenson 

Payson FFA – Utah 

Agricultural sales—Placement 

anders lee olson—Nebraska 

For nearly half a century, Anders Lee Olson’s family has owned 

a farm machinery auction house. Each year, the business holds 

two consignment auctions and several estate sales. Anders has 

added his talents to the operation. He writes sale bills, clerks 

sales and creates web and radio advertising opportunities. 

Anders is a member of the Tekamah-Herman FFA Chapter, and 

his FFA advisor is Don Wallace. This award is sponsored by Fastenal 

and Vigortone Ag Products. 

Finalists: 

alex ramirez 

Arroyo Grande FFA – Calif. 

Thad b. robinson 

Lanier County FFA – Ga. 

emily ann ries 

Lomira FFA – Wis.


Agricultural services— 

entrepreneurship/ 

Placement 

Cory benjamin osting—Ohio 

Cory Benjamin Osting of the Delphos 

FFA Chapter works with two local agribusinesses 

in forest management. Cory 

takes fully grown trees and processes 

them into grindlings, firewood and lumber. 

He also works to provide custom 

orders to his clients. Cory set the goal for 

earning zero safety violations and always 

demonstrates correct safety techniques. 

Cory’s FFA advisors are Scott Elwer and 

Mike Miller. This award is sponsored 

by Agricredit Acceptance LLC and 

TransCanada. 

Finalists: 

bradley rummel 

Willard FFA – Mo. 

ross Wesley Houston 

Sweetwater FFA – Tenn. 

elizabeth ann schwalbach 

Freedom FFA – Wis. 

Beef Production— 

entrepreneurship 

Tyler John Walter—Colorado 

Tyler John Walter started with two Angus 

cows and expanded to 70 head. He 

has diversified to improve genetics in 

his herd. Ty gained skills in vaccinations, 

fixing fence and serving as night watchman 

during calving season. Ty makes 

decisions that will produce a high-quality, 

profitable herd. He is a member of the 

Platte Valley FFA Chapter, and his FFA 

advisors are Desirae Weber and John 

Stahley. This award is sponsored by 

Bayer Animal Health and Nasco Divison- 

Nasco International, Inc. 

Finalists: 

Kristin Jordan McCurdy 

Gordon Central FFA – Ga. 

Tyler scott Vathauer 

Blue Valley FFA – Kan. 

bethany breanne nolan 

Gilmer FFA – Texas 


Beef Production— 

Placement 

James Matthew Jeffiers—Kentucky 

James Matthew Jeffiers works for an 

Angus beef operation. He gained experience 

in genetics and cattle breeding 

through artificial insemination and embryo 

transfer. Matthew also learned to become 

stronger at disease detection and giving 

vaccinations to the cattle. He is a 

member of the Spencer County FFA 

Chapter. Matthew’s FFA advisors are Darryl 

Matherly and Bland Baird. This award 

is Cattlco and Midwest PMS. 

Finalists: 

adam Joseph Cope 

Marion-Florence FFA – Kan. 

britt larson 

Pilot Point FFA – Texas 

luke slagowski 

Manila FFA – Utah 

dairy Production— 


Crocket Hoy bruce—Tennessee 

Crocket Hoy Bruce started his dairy 

enterprise by following in his father and 

grandfather’s footsteps. He has worked 

to increase milk production through better 

nutrition for Holstein cows. Crocket 

better understands animal performance 

records and works to improve the genetics 

of the herd. He is a member of the 

Jo Byrns FFA Chapter. Crocket’s FFA 

advisor is Garry Gibson. This award is 

sponsored by DeLaval, Inc. and New 

Holland. 

Finalists: 

amanda Kathleen Moretti 

Tomales FFA – Calif. 

luke Joel Zeisler 

West Boyd FFA – Neb. 

Taylor Diann german 

Cushing FFA – Okla.


dairy Production— 

Placement 

brad laack—Wisconsin 

Brad Laack is employed at two local 

dairies as a night herdsman and as a 

weekend milker. His responsibilities 

include artificial insemination, health 

care, selecting sires, breeding and milking. 

He learned artificial insemination so 

he could also breed his own cows and 

slowly build his herd. Brad is a member 

of the Plymouth FFA Chapter, and his FFA 

advisors are Don Mier, Marilyn Hahn and 

Walter Taylor. This award is sponsored by 

GEA Farm Technologies and Kuhn North 

America. 

Finalists: 

Matthew erik Vanderpoel 

Tulare FFA – Calif. 

Weston arne frank ohlde 

Linn FFA – Kan. 

Tyler John Warren 

Litchfield FFA – Minn. 

diversified Agricultural 

Production— 


Placement 

Cody Clark Thompson—Tennessee 

Cody Thompson began his SAE by 

raking hay on his family’s farm operation. 

Today, he produces his own crops, 

manages his own beef cattle and raises 

Burley tobacco. He continues to develop 

his management and decision-making 

skills to improve his enterprises. Cody 

is a member of the Cumberland Gap 

FFA Chapter, and his advisors are Dan 

Pearman, Wade Breeding and Robert 

Pearman. This award is sponsored by CF 

Industries and J.R. Simplot Company. 

Finalists: 

Joseph snider 

Spencer County FFA – Ky. 

austin Taylor Mann 

Crofton FFA – Neb. 

Mark francis Huls 


diversified crop 

Production— 


greg owen Harris—Kansas 

Greg Owen Harris began his experience 

in crop production working with 

his family. He began his own enterprises 

of wheat, milo and soybeans. Greg 

accomplished his goals by learning about 

fertilizer ratios, seeding rates and the risk 

that goes along with a growing diversified 

operation. Today, he operates 250 

acres of his own. Greg is a member of 

the Chapman FFA Chapter, and his advisors 

are Walter Pitts and Trent Horn. This 

award is sponsored by CHS. 

Finalists: 

Vance Carter Zacharias 

Enderlin FFA – N.D. 

Kayla Mae finton 

Ridgewood FFA – Ohio 

Travis Mitchell 

Ponder FFA – Texas 

diversified crop 

Production—Placement 

Kurt parsons—California 

Kurt Parsons works for an operation 

that harvests nearly 15,000 acres of field 

crops each year. He has learned about 

the farming enterprises including tractor 

and harvester operation, planting and hay 

work. Kurt has also focused his efforts 

on marketing, customer acquisition and 

equipment design and fabrication. He is 

a member of the Porterville FFA Chapter. 

Kurt’s FFA advisors are Isaac Robles, 

Gabriel Ponce and Todd Coons. This 

award is sponsored by Crop Production 

Services and National Crop Insurance 

Services. 

Finalists: 

Justin stewart 

Oelwein FFA – Iowa 

erik alan anderson 


sam Wiersma 

Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA – Wis. 


diversified Horticulture— 


Placement 

Joshua Joe Conaway—Oklahoma 

Joshua Joe Conaway started his lawn 

care business to save money for college. 

Through his experiences and what 

he learned in his agriculture classes, 

lawn care has developed into a passion. 

Joshua has expanded his business 

beyond mowing lawns and trimming 

hedges to include raising water pond 

plants, ground cover and pond goldfish. 

He is a member of the Ringwood FFA 

Chapter, and his advisor is Will Bunt. This 

award is sponsored by Nationwide Insurance 

Foundation. 

Finalists: 

shaun Michael ledesma 

Oelwein FFA – Iowa 

Dustin M. Dylla 

United South Central FFA – Minn. 

spencer a. Deal 

Ponder FFA – Texas 

diversified livestock 

Production— 


ashley Ceinwen Jones—Kentucky 

Ashley Ceinwen Jones of the Bell County 

FFA Chapter raises lambs and horses. 

She owns one of the largest flocks of 

purebred Border Leicester sheep in the 

country. In addition, Ashley has four 

horses. She has learned about management, 

equipment and show ring 

etiquette. Ashley’s FFA advisors are Brian 

Prewitt and Tamara Miller. This award is 

sponsored by Tractor Supply Company 

and Wahl Clipper Corporation. 

Finalists: 

regina frances pozzi 

Petaluma FFA – Calif. 

Wyatt Colte potter 

Manila FFA – Utah 

Morgan lundy 

Fort Atkinson FFA – Wis.


diversified livestock 

Production—Placement 

Morgan ann stover—Texas 

Morgan Ann Stover grew up shadowing 

her father when he went to livestock 

shows and sales. That interest led her 

to employment in the family operation, 

working with the cattle and horse 

industries. Morgan has developed an 

understanding of management practices 

and herd health programs. She is a member 

of the Ponder FFA Chapter. Her FFA 

advisors are Bart Stover and Brent Lankford. 

This award is sponsored by Behlen 

Manufacturing Company and Tractor 

Supply Company. 

Finalists: 

Kyle James brem 

Strathmore FFA – Calif. 

Montana sky smith 

Early County FFA – Ga. 

eric Daniel Wuebker 

St. Henry FFA – Ohio 

emerging Agricultural 

Technology— 


Placement 

Jacob Harrison schindler—Georgia 

Jacob Harrison Schindler may have just 

saved the forestry industry $15.5 billion. 

Using the scientific method and knowledge 

he gained from his agriscience 

classes, he developed a technology that 

uses helium to control the pest kudzu. 

Treating test fields, he practiced his methods 

in four phases before concluding 

his research. Jacob is a member of the 

Lowndes FFA Chapter, and his advisors 

are James Corbett, Quinton Hadsock and 

Spence Taylor. This award is sponsored 

by Ag Leader Technology and BASF. 

Finalists: 

Jake robert Carlson 

Elk Grove FFA – Calif. 

Jason andrew Michel 

Delphos FFA – Ohio 

shannon Marie Chesbro 

DeForest FFA – Wis. 

environmental science 

and natural resources— 


Placement 

alexandra Marie Macedo—California 

Alexandra Marie Macedo works with her 

mother as a lab technician. She began 

collecting environmental samples and 

taking photos. Alexandra learned to be 

a steward of the environment and study 

rules and regulations that pertain to agriculture. 

She has gained many insights 

that she will use as she pursues a career 

as an agricultural engineer. Alexandra is 

a member of the Tulare FFA Chapter, and 

her FFA advisors are Michael Maderos, 

Dave Caetano, Kevin Koelewyn, Jennifer 

Sousa and Chris McKenna. This award is 

sponsored by Triscuit. 

Finalists: 

Kayleigh sue Warner 

DeKalb FFA – Ind. 

oscar abel guzman 

Santiam FFA – Ore. 

sarah Dawn Miller 

Mineral County FFA – W.V. 


equine science— 


ryan Carl smith—Texas 

Ryan Carl Smith met his goal of raising 

a foal and training it for calf roping. His 

SAE is breeding, raising, training and 

showing registered American Quarter 

Horses in tie-down calf roping. Ryan’s 

grandfather gave him the foal that he 

bred and worked with. He is a member of 

the Era FFA Chapter. His FFA advisor is 

Kevin Smith. This award is sponsored by 

Keystone Steel & Wire Company – Red 

Brand and Land O’Lakes Purina Mills. 

Finalists: 

brenna brawner 

Edmond FFA – Okla. 

Jessica lynn faris 

Harrisburg FFA – S.D. 

Charly Jean Cortese 

Lehi FFA – Utah


equine science—Placement 

brittani alexandra green—California 

Brittani Alexandra Green of the Chino 

FFA Chapter works at horse barns for 

her SAE. She began by exercising horses 

and her duties grew to include training, 

riding, showing, clipping, body shaping 

and other requests made by trainers. 

Brittani looks forward to more opportunities 

in the equine industry. Brittani’s FFA 

advisor is Laurie McCormick. This award 

is sponsored by Nutrena and Tractor 

Supply Company. 

Finalists: 

Wacey lane Harrell 

Mulhall-Orlando FFA – Okla. 

sarah Jean bond 

Pleasant Grove FFA – Utah 

Holly brianna sutcliffe 

Wisconsin Heights FFA – Wis. 

Fiber and/or oil 

crop Production— 


Placement 

Taylor sheldon osterberg—South 

Dakota 

Taylor Sheldon Osterberg grew up on 

a thousand acre farm of corn and soybeans. 

He rents 38 acres for soybeans 

each year. Taylor learned how to haul 

grain, apply fertilizer, prepare and maintain 

the fields and harvest. He hopes to 

take over the operation when his father 

retires. Taylor is a member of the McCook 

Central FFA Chapter, and his advisor is 

Terry Rieckman. This award is sponsored 

by Bunge North America. 

Finalists: 

Cole Duncan summerlin 

Colquitt County FFA – Ga. 

Cody gail adams 

Fayetteville FFA – Ohio 

Jacob Holland 

Shullsburg FFA – Wis. 

Floriculture— 


Placement 

Kaitlyn grizzle—Georgia 

Kaitlyn Grizzle grew her SAE by helping at 

her mother’s floral shop. Kaitlyn strives to 

become more proficient in floral design. 

She developed skills in material identification, 

processing flowers and bow 

construction. Kaitlyn also takes customer 

orders, keeps records for the business 

and plans events. She is a member of the 

Franklin County FFA Chapter. Her FFA 

advisors are Gary Minyard, Cale Watkins 

and Owen Thomason. This award 

is sponsored by Bayer Environmental 

Science. 

Finalists: 

emily loren Hoover 

Chino FFA – Calif. 

ally goldstein 


savannah lee angell 

Centralia FFA – Mo. 

Food science 

and Technology— 


Placement 

alexis brianna raybon—Illinois 

Alexis Brianna Raybon of the Chicago Ag 

Sciences FFA Chapter focuses her SAE 

on science and research. Working with 

the University of Illinois, she developed 

an interest in nutrition labeling and food 

techniques. Alexis was motivated to 

explore soy and its benefits on a diabetic 

diet. She also looked for new ways to 

encapsulate flavor. Alexis’s FFA advisor 

is Sheila Fowler. This award is sponsored 

by CHS and Kraft Foods. 

Finalists: 

David alan glass II 

Zane Trace FFA – Ohio 

Taylor Kade runyan 

Atoka FFA – Okla. 

emily Hanlon griswold 

Greenwood FFA – Penn. 


Forage Production— 


Placement 

alyssa Carlyle fee—Tennessee 

Alyssa Carlyle Fee of the Liberty FFA 

Chapter produces hybrid Bermuda hay 

for her SAE. She set out to learn which 

varieties are available and what proper 

fertilization methods she should use. 

Alyssa learned which hay fields and pastures 

should be irrigated and how much 

irrigation was needed. Her FFA advisors 

are Chuck Flowers and Teresa Crouse. 

This award is sponsored by Animal 

Health International, Inc. and Claas of 

America, Inc. 

Finalists: 

Joel Timothy McDonald 

Seneca FFA – Ill. 

Colton D. ebel 

South O’Brien FFA – Iowa 

Thomas Wayne glascock 

Pilot Point FFA – Texas 

Forest Management 

and Products— 


Placement 

Tyler Matthew Meister—Wisconsin 

Tyler Matthew Meister is the fourth generation 

to work in the family’s sawmills. 

He has done every job possible, from 

stacking lumber and running the saws 

to operating wheel loaders and calculating 

output. Tyler hopes to become a 

commercial driver so he can drive the 

operation’s log trucks and semis. He is a 

member of the Reedsburg FFA Chapter, 

and his FFA advisors are Nick Casey and 

Todd Cherney. This award is sponsored 

by John Deere and RAM Trucks. 

Finalists: 

Cohen edward Crosby 

Atkinson County FFA – Ga. 

sean T. bohannan 

Flathead FFA – Mont. 

ethan Clyde Morris 

Atoka FFA – Okla.


Fruit Production— 


Placement 

Trenton Michael bemis —Wisconsin 

Trenton Michael Bemis is the fourth 

generation of his family to be involved in 

cranberry production. He works at one 

of five facilities in the state that packages 

fresh cranberries. He helps produce two 

percent of Ocean Spray’s fresh cranberries. 

Trenton has been instrumental in 

identifying the need for growth in the 

marsh and for more efficient equipment. 

He is a member of the Lincoln A. C. H. 

M. FFA Chapter, and his advisor is Rich 

Larson. This award is sponsored by 

DuPont Company. 

Finalists: 

ryan andrew garcia 

Hughson FFA – Calif. 

Cameron Heath Vaughn 

West Laurens FFA – Ga. 

Diana lynn stacy 

Old Fort FFA – Ohio 

grain Production— 


Mark James famuliner —Missouri 

Mark James Famuliner comes from a 

hundred-year legacy of crop production. 

He started his SAE with 23 acres 

of corn and 57 acres of beans that he 

share-cropped for his grandmother. Mark 

eventually decided to add wheat to his 

grain production operation. Mark is a 

member of the Carrollton ACC FFA Chapter, 

and his advisor is Brooke Swindler. 

This award is sponsored by Pioneer Hi- 

Bred, A DuPont Business. 

Finalists: 

austin Miles Durst 

Washington County FFA – Kan. 

eric Dean Miller 

Lyons-Decatur Northeast FFA – Neb. 

Matthew David eichacker 


grain Production— 

Placement 

Jake J. Knutson —Minnesota 

Jake J. Knutson’s interest in grain production 

came from helping his dad and 

grandfather who both farm. In the spring, 

Jake works to deliver corn and fertilizer 

for the planter and complete spring tillage. 

In the fall, he operates the grain cart, 

combine and grain facilities. Jake is a 

member of the United South Central FFA 

Chapter, and his FFA advisor is Dan Dylla. 

This award is sponsored by Pioneer Hi- 

Bred, A DuPont Business. 

Finalists: 

Cody Thomas Milburn 


Clayton Dennis Wobig 


erik J. Kok 

Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA – Wis. 

Home and/or community 

development— 


Placement 

Dulton Maquade Moore —Ohio 

Dulton Maquade Moore worked in both 

his home and the community. He has 

focused on improvements to the unfinished 

basement, garage and yard in his 

home. In the community, Dulton has 

volunteered extensively with his church 

and community thrift shop. Dulton is a 

member of the Delphos FFA Chapter. 

His FFA advisors are Scott Elwer and 

Mike Miller. This award is sponsored by 

Carhartt, Inc. 

Finalists: 

Trevor Harrison 

Branford FFA – Fla. 

elizabeth ann Johnson 

Sleepy Eye FFA – Minn. 

grandon John scheil 

Barron FFA – Wis. 


landscape Management— 


Placement 

William James Maltbie—Oklahoma 

William James Maltbie began his own 

landscaping business. He learned about 

flowers and grasses and the art of landscape 

design. William started with eight 

landscape projects and expanded to 

25 landscapes. He is working toward 

becoming an agricultural engineer. William 

is a member of the Burlington FFA 

Chapter, and his FFA advisor is Travis 

Bradshaw. This award is sponsored 

by John Deere and Tractor Supply 

Company. 

Finalists: 

Jorge rodriguez 

Las Plumas FFA – Calif. 

Charles Wisenbaker 

Lowndes FFA – Ga. 

ashley Morgan smith 

Catoctin FFA – Md. 

nursery operations— 


Placement 

Kimberlee laurel gerardy—Illinois 

Kimberlee Laurel Gerardy started as the 

“water girl” at her local nursery. After onthe-job 

experience, she took on more 

responsibilities. Kimberlee became familiar 

with popular plants, pests and pest 

remedies. She cared for and sold the 

plants she raised. Kimberlee hopes to 

take on more managerial responsibilities 

at the nursery. Kimberlee is a member 

of the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter, and 

her advisors are Jay Williams and Tracey 

Sanderson. This award is sponsored by 

RAM Trucks. 

Finalists: 

ryan Mark Daddio 

Woodbury FFA – Conn. 

andrew louis Helming 

Forest Park FFA – Ind. 

lindsey M. Koppin 

Anna FFA – Ohio


outdoor recreation— 


Placement 

Colton barnes—Iowa 

Colton Barnes is a part of the legendary 

Barnes PRCA Rodeo, started by his 

grandfather. He works in breeding stock 

and manages 300 bucking and 50 saddle 

horses. Colton also manages 150 bucking 

bulls and 38 cows. He enjoys the 

challenges and loves developing new 

skills. Colton is a member of the South 

O’Brien FFA Chapter, and his advisor is 

Eric Kumm. This award is sponsored by 

Cabela’s and Yamaha Motor Corporation 

USA. 

Finalists: 

Kaitlyn May beach 

King City FFA – Calif. 

William grant Zimmerman 

Girard FFA – Kan. 

bethanie shae Wood 

Lexington FFA – Tenn. 

Poultry Production— 


Placement 

Jared Taylor schlosnagle—Kentucky 

Jared Taylor Schlosnagle started his 

SAE when his parents bought 15 laying 

hens for him and his sister to raise. Jared 

started a successful business of producing 

eggs laid by free-range hens. He has 

worked to market his eggs, traveling to 

farmers markets and preparing omelets 

to show off his product. Jared is a member 

of the Shelby County FFA Chapter, 

and his FFA advisor is Kerwin Ewing. This 

award is sponsored by Tractor Supply 

Company and Tyson Foods, Inc. 

Finalists: 

alan Carlden eck 

Queen Anne’s County FFA – Md. 

libby a. bender 

River Valley FFA – Ohio 

Carly b. smith 

Lexington FFA – Okla. 

sheep Production— 


Placement 

nolan robert Hildebrand—California 

Nolan Robert Hildebrand started his 

sheep enterprise with one ewe and 

expanded to 35 wether ewes and two 

wether sires. He produces market lambs 

to show and sell to other FFA and 4-H 

members across the state. Nolan has 

also had success at fairs and jackpot 

shows. He is a member of the Templeton 

FFA Chapter, and his FFA advisors are 

Chris Hildebrand, Robin Schroeder and 

Erin Thompson. This award is sponsored 

by Bimeda Inc. and New Holland. 

Finalists: 

brandon rick andresen 

Benton Community FFA – Iowa 

alyssa spruill 

Stephenville FFA – Texas 

Joshua D. Huber 

Adams-Friendship FFA – Wis. 

small Animal 

Production and care— 


Placement 

Tanner ray Miller—Oklahoma 

Tanner Ray Miller knew he wanted to 

raise a small breed of dog. He decided 

on the Pembroke Welsh Corgi because of 

their low-maintenance, overall demeanor 

and popularity. Tanner created facilities 

that allowed him to breed throughout the 

entire year and also learned veterinary 

skills to save expenses. He is a member 

of the Mulhall-Orlando FFA Chapter, and 

his advisor is Allen Miller. This award is 

sponsored by Merial. 

Finalists: 

Desiree Mari nihart 

Poway FFA – Calif. 

Thomas serafin 

Paola FFA – Kan. 

Chris Mullins 

McNairy Central FFA – Tenn. 


specialty Animal 

Production— 


Placement 

Damon e. pombo—California 

Damon E. Pombo raises a herd of Boer 

goats. He has 150 breeding does and 

three bucks. Originally, Damon sold his 

goats for purebred breeding stock, market 

show goats and ethnic niche meat. 

He expanded his enterprise to also market 

his goats as weed control. Damon 

is a member of the Tracy FFA Chapter. 

His FFA advisors are Nikki Maddux, Pat 

Rooney, Laura Kellery and Jason Gentry. 

This award is sponsored by Land 

O’Lakes Purina Feed and Tractor Supply 

Company. 

Finalists: 

Kacey K. reinholtz 

Mattabeset FFA – Conn. 

Donald ethan edge 

Treutlen FFA – Ga. 

Jakke K. batten 

Waupaca FFA – Wis. 

specialty crop Production— 


Placement 

garrett Hightower—Oregon 

Garrett Hightower works at Strome Fisher 

Farms and produces seeds. He assists in 

seed production for sugar beets, hybrid 

radishes, coriander and cabbage. Garrett 

also produces several varieties of grass 

seeds. He has achieved his goal of better 

understanding what it means to be a producer 

with both successes and setbacks. 

Garrett is a member of the Junction City 

FFA Chapter, and his FFA advisor is Kathy 

Smith. This award is sponsored by the 


Finalists: 

Tyler allen Dickinson 

Santa Maria-Pioneer Valley FFA – Calif. 

Cody M. blunier 

Midland FFA – Ill. 

garret James Kaltenberg 

DeForest FFA – Wis.


swine Production— 


bridget rae achterberg—Wisconsin 

Bridget Rae Achterberg started her 

swine operation purchasing her first 10 

pigs from her grandparents. She started 

breeding show pigs, learning to artificially 

inseminate the gilts. Bridget also mastered 

the skills of vaccinating, clipping 

teeth, dipping navels, castrating and herd 

health. She is a member of the Abbotsford 

FFA Chapter. Her FFA advisor is 

John Slipek. This award is sponsored by 

La,-Colo. Markal and Tyson Foods, Inc. 

Finalists: 

Clayton l. goodnight 

Clinton Prairie FFA – Ind. 

barrett powell 

Ringwood FFA – Okla. 

Cassidy lynn Key 

Jourdanton FFA – Texas 

swine Production— 

Placement 

nicholas ryan shealy—Georgia 

Nicholas Ryan Shealy began his SAE at a 

2,400-head swine production facility. He 

developed proper swine care skills such 

as moving, breeding and processing the 

pigs. Nicholas also gained experience in 

working within a budget and communicating 

with co-workers. He is a member 

of the Oglethorpe County FFA Chapter, 

and his FFA advisors are Rob Jackson 

and Travis Sertich. This award is sponsored 

by Kemin and Sunglo Feeds/Akey. 

Finalists: 

nathan lee Doss 

Washington County FFA – Kan. 

Kyle Tanner renbarger 

Lexington FFA – Okla. 

Kristen aleesa Knight 

Shallowater FFA – Texas 

Turf grass Management— 


Placement 

Clayton Daniel Miller—Ohio 

Clayton Daniel Miller started his SAE 

mowing his parent’s yard and caring for 

shrubs and trimming. He now works for 

a business that cares for more than 500 

residential and corporate lawns. Clayton 

began with the tasks of push mowing 

and trimming. Now he serves as crew 

chief and operator of a Dixie Chopper 

mower. Clayton is a member of the Elida 

FFA Chapter, and his FFA advisor is Dennis 

Pohlman. This award is sponsored by 

John Deere. 

Finalists: 

brock Joseph Dunaway 

Shelbyville FFA – Ill. 

ben Ice 

Eastbrook FFA – Ind. 

Marshall spaans 


vegetable Production— 


Placement 

Mallory McDevitt—Ohio 

Mallory McDevitt had a neighboring 

farmer as a mentor and decided to grow 

her own produce. Using the five acres 

where she lives, Mallory began her operation 

with the goal of giving her customers 

the perfect vegetable. She has developed 

skills in all aspects of vegetable 

production. Mallory is a member of the 

Wapakoneta FFA Chapter, and her FFA 

advisors are Ron Brown and Chris Turner. 

This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply 

Company and Wilbur-Ellis Company. 

Finalists: 

reighly lou blakley 

Oologah FFA – Okla. 

Jarrett andrew beckhusen 

Cameron Yoe FFA – Texas 

bryan Mathew Wendt 

Stoughton FFA – Wis. 


veterinary Medicine— 


Placement 

nicole asheley price—Texas 

Nicole Asheley Price works at a veterinary 

clinic. She has taken several 

veterinary classes at her school. Nicole is 

knowledgeable in common terminology, 

anatomy and physiology; hospital procedures 

and parasitology. Nicole plans on 

pursuing a career as a veterinarian. She is 

a member of the Plano East FFA Chapter. 

Her FFA advisors are John Graf, Karen 

Kier and Sam Harrison. This award is 

sponsored by American Veterinary Medical 

Association. 

Finalists: 

lindsey rae pease 

Chetopa FFA – Kan. 

elle Hope Tornberg 

Harrisburg FFA – S.D. 

richard austin Cohea 

Wilson Central FFA – Tenn. 

Wildlife Production 

and Management— 


Placement 

Devon a. feldt—Wisconsin 

Devon A. Feldt has worked with biologists 

and mentors to develop skills in his 

SAE. He joined the American Wilderness 

Leadership School in Wyoming and studied 

porcupines. Devon learned how to 

trap, scan and process the animals. He 

developed skills that helped gain information 

on their movements, actions and 

interactions with the environment. Devon 

is a member of the Waupaca FFA Chapter. 

His FFA advisors are Jennifer Erb and 

Rene’ Lehman. This award is sponsored 

by Land O’Lakes Purina Feed. 

Finalist: 

Jared Corbett 

Echols County FFA – Ga. 

Jennifer renee swart 

Drummond FFA – Okla. 

Cody smith 

Covington FFA – Tenn.

sTars oVer aMerICa pageanT 

Honors THe brIgHTesT In ffa 

Four outstanding FFA members 

who represent success 

in agricultural education were 

awarded the most prestigious 

honor that the National FFA 

Organization awards. The 

American Star Farmer, American Star 

in Agriscience, American Star in Agricultural 

Placement and the American 

Star in Agribusiness were awarded 

to FFA members who have received 

the American Degree, established 

profitable agricultural enterprises or 

programs focusing on an agricultural 

field, demonstrated outstanding active 

involvement in both FFA and their communities 

and have met other rigorous 

agricultural education and leadership 

requirements. During the 84th 

National FFA Convention, each finalist 

participated in interviews by a panel of 

judges who ultimately named the top 

candidate in each area. Winners were 

announced in an onstage ceremony 

where they received a plaque and an 

award of $4,000. 

The American FFA Degree recognition 

programs are co-sponsored by 

Case IH of Racine, Wis.; Farm Credit 

Systems of Washington, D.C.; Pioneer 

Hi-Bred of Des Moines, Iowa; DTN – 

The Progressive Farmer of Omaha, 

Neb.; and Syngenta of Greensboro, 

N.C., as a special project of the 


American star Farmer 

What began as a two-acre onion crop in 2005 has since expanded to 

a 640-acre diversified crop farm for Cole Vculek, who is from Crete, 

N.D. It could be just the beginning, as he hopes to farm up to 5,000 

acres by the time he turns 30. 

For his first few years, Vculek rented land from neighbors. His first 

crop consisted of two acres of red onions. He quickly added more 

land and began growing potatoes. In 2009 he added more than 200 

acres for a corn and soybean rotation, and he has also added navy beans to his operation. 

Recently Vculek purchased a 640-acre farm from a neighbor. He hopes to continue adding 

more cropland and also wants to add sugar beets as another part of his business. 

Vculek is a fifth generation farmer and currently operates on the land his great great 

grandfather homesteaded. He says the guidance his family has given him has been very beneficial 

in his success, and he also credits his involvement in FFA. 

“The experience I have gained through FFA has allowed me to be more confident, set 

goals and be willing to try new things,” Vculek said. “I have seen the importance of being 

involved and giving back to my community and organizations.” 

Vculek was a member of Oakes/Sargent Central FFA in Oakes, N.D. Vculek is a graduate 

of North Dakota State College of Science with a degree in Farm Management. His parents 

are Brian and Julie Vculek, and his chapter advisor was Daniel Spellerberg. 

American star in Agriscience 

As a freshman in high school, Keith bollinger, from Buffalo City, 

Wis., enrolled in a natural resources class. It was a prudent decision, 

as Bollinger today is a wildlife ecology major at the University of 

Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He also volunteers and is employed with two 

government services helping to restore Wisconsin prairies and control 

invasive plants. 

Bollinger, a member of the Cochrane-Fountain High School FFA 

Chapter, was hooked on natural resource management after a project required him to count 

Sandhill Cranes in his county during that freshman natural resources class. In his SAE, Bollinger 

has monitored the water quality of two local streams, raised and released 80,000 

Galerucella Beetles to help control and eradicate the invasive plant purple loosestrife and 

restored bluff prairies to encourage repopulation of native species. Many of those efforts 

came when he volunteered with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and with 

the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Bollinger has developed a positive rapport with numerous 

natural resource management professionals in the area, and was hired as a biological technician 

for the USFWS where he gained experience by surveying bald eagles and heron rookery, 

sampled aquatic vegetation and gained training in silviculture. He has also been a part of the 

Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) with the USFWS to gain experience. Bollinger 

plans to continue his education with a master’s degree in a natural resources field and 

hopes to become a natural resource biologist. 

Bollinger’s FFA chapter advisors are Christine Jumback and Chris Ritscher. His parents 

are Allen and Dorothy Bollinger. 


stArs continuEd 

American star in Agricultural 

Placement 

While working with his father on his commercial 

cow and crop production operation, alex goeckel 

of Washington, Kan., became interested in the livestock 

industry. 

Goeckel is a graduate of Washington High 

School in Washington and a member of the Washington 

FFA Chapter. He grew up on a swine farm. In high school, he 

worked for two large swine production operations and his experiences 

helped him as a student at Kansas State University land a position with 

the university’s Swine Research Unit. 

“I’ve been working at the Swine Research Unit since I was a freshman 

and have had many responsibilities, including record keeping, feeding, 

vaccinating, artificial insemination and disinfecting the facility,” he said. 

“I’ve been trusted with the training of all new student workers and am 

the person left in charge of managing weekend operations and part-time 

employees.” 

Today, as he continues pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in feed science, 

he is serving an internship at Suther Feeds as a sales agent. 

Goeckel is the son of Douglas and Teryl Goeckel. He is studying grain 

science at Kansas State University. His FFA advisor is John Kern. 

American star in Agribusiness 

Farming has always played a role in alexander 

Meredith’s life. A resident of Glendale, Ky., his 

interest in horticulture began at an early age, and 

as a young entrepreneur he began delving into 

horticulture sales. 

Meredith is a graduate of Central Hardin High 

School in Cecilia, Ky., and member of the Central 

Hardin FFA Chapter. 

“Growing up on a farm, I’m well aware of the rewards and struggles 

that are common in production agriculture,” he said. “My dad has always 

had a strong interest in horticulture, and we built our first greenhouse 

when I was four years old. “ 

In 2004, Meredith bought an abandoned stretch of land in Elizabethtown, 

Ky., built a small greenhouse and grew annuals, perennials and 

hanging baskets for sale. With steadily increasing sales through the years, 

in 2009 Meredith bought 10 acres and today operates Meredith Agriculture, 

a retail business offering plants, materials and plant accessories for sale. 

“Learning to communicate, present information and keep records 

throughout my FFA experience has allowed me as a young man to leverage 

opportunities, secure capital and build a business that I am confident 

will succeed,” Meredith said. “At this stage in my life, I am blessed to have 

had leadership opportunities in FFA, the support of a fantastic school agriculture 

program and the mentoring of my agricultural teacher.” 

Meridith is the son of Steve Meredith and Wendy Dykes. He is studying 

engineering at University of Louisville. 


star Farmer Finalists 

brian Hills of the Tri-Point FFA – Ill. 

Tyler rose of the Wash. County FFA – Kan. 

Tom eilertson of the United South Central FFA 

– Minn. 

star in Agribusiness Finalists 

Christian alexandre of the Del Norte FFA – Calif. 

ben Hutto of the Riverton FFA – Kan. 

paul lee-allen Turner of the Warren County FFA 

– Tenn. 

star in Agricultural Placement 

Finalists 

Megan rice of the Norris FFA – Neb. 

seth Darrell Hankey of the Burlington FFA – Okla. 

andrew Collier of the Wilson Central FFA – Tenn. 

star in Agriscience Finalists 

analiese scrivano of the Bakersfield FFA – Calif. 

Vivian bernau of the Southeast Polk FFA – Iowa 

brittany King of the Tuscumbia FFA – Mo.

RetiRing AddRess: Riley PAgett 


Etiring AddrEss: rilEy pAgEtt 

“braVe lIKe You” 

See this scar? It was a cold, cold day in 

Alaska (picture of Alaska) and my uncle, 

dad, cousins and I were fishing during a 

men’s trip a few summers ago. A seventy 

pound halibut, (picture of halibut) no it 

was bigger than that, (enlarged picture of 

halibut) nearly bit off my finger (picture of 

finger appears in fish’s mouth) and almost 

drug me into the freezing water with 

him. What about this one? Motorcycle 

accident (picture of motorcycle). No, no, 

it wasn’t just any motorcycle. It was, at 

the time, a brand new, bright red, 2002 

Honda CBR600 (new motorcycle picture). 

It had all the bells and whistles and I was 

ready to ride (picture of me). I had just 

hit 120 miles per hour and as I made the 

first turn around the Eiffel tower, (picture 

of Eiffel tower) it threw me off (picture of 

me scared) and landed on top of me. No 

one found me for three days. See this 

one? I was in a desert (picture of desert). 

It was 147 degrees and I was minding my 

own business, practicing my karate skill 

(picture of me in karate uniform) when 

out of nowhere appeared a rattlesnake 

(picture of rattlesnake). I mean a ninja 

(erase picture of rattlesnake and insert 

ninja). That’s how it happened! No really! 

I’ve got the scar to prove it! 

When I was younger, I loved showing 

of my scars and telling scar stories to 

anyone who would listen. Sometimes, I 

may or may not have embellished what 

really happened just to appear braver or 

more courageous. That halibut was really 

just a measly paper cut, the motorcycle 

– a red mongoose bicycle and that ninja 

might have just been a fender bender. 

For some reason, scars made me feel 

like Braveheart, Popeye or the Spartans 

on 300. It’s like with each scar came a 

badge of courage. They were proof of 

danger, adventure and risk. As I grew 

older, it wasn’t quite as easy to feel 

brave. Suddenly, being the hero wasn’t 

quite so simple. Risking it all, standing 

up for what you believe in and fighting 

danger becomes unpopular, uncommon 

and ‘not my job’! Letting our fears take 

over becomes an everyday occurrence. 

Most of the people around us sit back 

and it becomes easy to go through the 

motions, thinking that someone else 

will take charge and be brave for us, 

for our family, for this nation. Even I do 

it. We refuse to act with courage, fail to 

be courageous for ourselves and as a 

result we aren’t able to be brave for those 

around us. But, I’ve learned along the 

way that in order to be courageous for 

others; we must first be courageous for 

ourselves. 

For Chance, being courageous meant 

facing his fears. For two years, Chance 

had sought to be a chapter officer of the 

Sullivan FFA Chapter in Illinois and for 

two years he had been defeated. Each 

spring, at the chapter banquet, he faced 

rejection as names other than his were 

called to serve as chapter officers. You 

can imagine the things running through 

Chance’s mind by this point. “You’re not 

good enough.” “You’ll never win.” “Just 

give up.” 

Fear set in. You know the kind of 

fear I’m talking about. When our knees 

start shaking, sweat is dripping down 

our face, we almost forget to breath and 

when we start believing those voices. 

That kind of fear makes us feel like it’s all 

unconquerable, but it’s not. 

When this past spring rolled around, 

Chance, now a senior, again applied 

for chapter office. He filled out the 

application, went through the interview 

and worked tirelessly to make sure he 

was ready. The big night came. The 

banquet was finally here and Chance 

hoped for a different outcome than 

the two years before. After the awards 

were given, the brisket was eaten and 


the slideshow had played, the time had 

come for the new chapter officers to 

be announced. Instantly, Chance felt 

similar feelings as the two previous years. 

President, Vice President, Secretary…all 

of the offices and their respective officers 

were called. 

“And your new parliamentarian is… 

Chance!” 

Chance’s agricultural education 

instructor told me it was like Chance 

was frozen in time. He couldn’t believe 

his name had just been called. He sat in 

his chair and finally, after a long pause, 

began running to the front to join his 

team. 

The entire banquet hall was silent. 

Tears flowed from the faces of all in 

attendance. Everyone there knew that 

Chance had to work twice as hard as the 

other candidates. And now… now his 

dream had come true. He was a chapter 

officer! No small feat for Chance. 

Chance has autism and he has to 

work hard to memorize, he has to really 

focus to learn and must concentrate 

on the task at hand in order to reach 

success. 

This August, I had the opportunity to 

work with the Sullivan Chapter Officer 

team during their chapter officer retreat in 

Indianapolis. It was apparent that in order 

for Chance to achieve his goal of chapter 

office, he had to dedicate his time and 

efforts, work hard and stay committed. 

But, most importantly, Chance had to 

face his fears and show courage. Yes, 

he still had fear, but he applied himself in 

spite of the fear. 

Courage, contrary to popular belief, is 

not the absence of fear, but the heart to 

act in spite of that fear. It is doing what 

we are afraid of doing, taking those risks 

and growing bigger through strength and 

confidence even when the odds seem 

to be against us. Acting courageously is

ilEy pAgEtt continuEd 

when we identify our fears, make those 

fears fearful of us, accept the opposition 

and choose to run towards that adversity 

full force. 

We can choose courage every day. 

Caleb from the Mont Belvieu FFA Chapter 

in Texas chose courage by asking to 

attend national FFA convention despite 

his fear of being left out. Jaci of the 

Woodward FFA Chapter in Oklahoma 

chose courage by participating in the 

Miss Oklahoma pre-teen pageant 

despite the possibility of failure. Let’s 

ask someone to dance even if we are 

unsure if they will accept. Let’s try out for 

that team, even if we don’t make it. Let’s 

commit to not running from our fears, but 

running at our fears…head on! We should 

choose to be courageous so that we may 

live. Live a life with no regrets, with no “I 

wish I would haves” and no should of or 

could of’s. 

let’s commit to not running 

from our fears, but running 

at our fears…head on! 

We all can do it on our own. We can 

each be courageous by ourselves, but do 

we have the ability to help someone else 

face their fears? What if we helped others 

be courageous? What if we encouraged 

courage? Once we start walking in 

courage, choose to face our fears, we 

can pass the torch to the people around 

us and unleash this huge amount of 

courage in them also, it evolves and 

grows. We can be courageous for others. 

In the second grade, I was that guy. 

You know the kids I’m talking about. The 

ones who have the 68 pack of crayons 

instead of just a 24 pack. The ones who 

over achieve every time and write their 

first, middle and last name on every 

paper. The ones who are surrounded 

by a group of people at all times during 

recess. That was me. I was a smooth 

talker to my second grade lady friends, 

had my teacher, Mrs. Neagle wrapped 

around my finger and had one of the 

coolest families around. I mean, I really 

kinda liked my family. Not bad for a 

second grader! Life couldn’t get much 

better. In the evenings after school I 

would play with these sweet Disney 

action figures on our brown short shag 

carpet at home. My favorite was Aladdin. 

Or Simba. More Aladdin than Simba, but 

sometimes more Simba than Aladdin. 

They were both good. They’re both 

favorites. Yeah… I played with Disney 

toys. I’m ok with it. One evening, while 

the Genie was fighting off bad guys like 

Jafar and Cruella DaVille, my perfect 

world was suddenly interrupted by what 

would later become my greatest fear. 

The story of our lives, right! Just 

when we think things are exactly the 

way we want them and we are feeling 

safe, secure, content and comfortable… 

it is interrupted and fear sets in. On 

September 20, 1997, I became aware of 

my greatest fear. 

As an eight year old boy, there is only 

one thing that could take my mind off of 

those Disney action figures - competition 

with my two older sisters, Amy and 

Machelle. There were lots of friendly 

competitions in our household while 

growing up – anything from who got 

shotgun, who made the best grades at 

school to who got to answer the family 

telephone. To me, answering the phone 

before anyone else in the house was like 

winning a gold medal every time. Every 

time it rang, I would race to the phone to 

make sure that I grabbed it first. I would 

typically answer, “Hello! Pagett Residence 

here. Thanks for calling. My parents are 

home unless you’re selling something!” 

I was the one who answered the phone 

that September day. 

“Hello.” 

“Hi, Mr. Pagett?” 

“Yeah!” 

“Is this Wade Pagett?” 

“Dad!!” 

I handed the phone off to my dad and 

darted back to the living room, a little 


disappointed that the call wasn’t for me. 

But, before I could even take my seat, my 

dad was speeding to the hospital while 

Amy and I were left to hold down the 

fort.. Later that evening, my grandparents 

came over to deliver the news that my 

oldest sister, Machelle, who had just 

moved to college in August, had passed 

away in a severe car accident on her way 

home. At eight years old, it is difficult to 

comprehend that someone is gone and 

that you won’t ever see them again. 

Wait! How could this happen? Losing 

my sister meant that my family would 

fall apart, that things would change and 

I would be one of two Pagett children 

instead of three and that our house 

would be much emptier. I was left without 

a Machelle, a sister, a friend. No longer 

would I wake up past my bedtime and 

sneak in on her and her friends watching 

movies in our living room. No longer 

would I wake her up early on Christmas 

morning. No longer would I utter the 

words ‘Chelle and hear a response. That 

night, I felt fearful. 

I’d cry myself to sleep at night and 

insisted on sleeping in the same room 

as Amy. But, even with all the hurt I 

felt, looking back nearly 15 years later, 

I cannot even fathom what my parents 

were going through. Here they were, 

two proud parents with good jobs, a 

good home and three kids, when all of 

a sudden, poof, our lives were changed 

forever. They worked hard to hold it all 

together. Somehow, they must have 

dug deep inside and prayed a lot, they 

mustered up enough courage to enable 

our courage. They would lay awake 

with me at night, talk me to sleep, smile 

even when it hurt and dragged our 

family to church. They even started a 

scholarship fund in memory of Machelle 

which allowed others the chance to 

courageously pursue an education. My 

mom and dad were brave for others, for 

our family and for me. 

Soon enough, like a chain reaction, 

their bravery rubbed off on others. It 

rubbed off on me. I wanted to be brave 

like them so I began opening up to

ilEy pAgEtt continuEd 

friends about the accident and as a 

result felt more comfortable at school. 

The scars of my sister’s death will 

always be present in our lives. I still get 

nervous when sharing the story about 

that day. I still am slow to be first to start 

conversation with others or to develop 

quality relationships because I still fear 

losing people. I’m no expert on bravery, 

but one thing is for certain, these scars 

have helped me become more brave. I try 

to choose courage every day because of 

the courage that was shown to me by my 

mom and dad, Wade and Christi Pagett. 

They encouraged courage. 

We too can be enablers of courage. 

Remember Chance? He is able to 

remain courageous because his 

teammates, Cameron, Bill, Cody, Tyler, 

Chelsea, Jonathan and Hilari show him 

courage by believing in him each day. 

The New York state line officers showed 

courage for a family whose farm had 

been destroyed because of flooding 

and tropical storms when they helped 

clean the property by taking out old 

washed out fence. We all can encourage 

courage. When we know someone is 

sitting all alone at lunch and that they 

may fear making new friends, sit by 

them anyway. Have a conversation with 

them and take interest in their life. Be 

the first to stand up for what is right so 

that others will feel confident in following 

your action. Make the first move, be 

comfortable in your courage and others 


will seek courage too. 

Remember when I told you it was 

hard for me to begin conversations and 

establish quality relationships? It still 

is, but I’m working at getting better. In 

September, I attempted to show courage 

by working at Starbucks for a day. While 

there I vowed to talk to everyone who 

passed and begin a quality conversation 

with all. So I did. 

The next time you are afraid, the next 

time you think, “I’ll wait and let someone 

else face the challenge”, think again. 

Do not be afraid. Face that fear. Be 

courageous. Do it for yourself and more 

importantly, do it for others. Encourage 

courage and live so that others will be 

brave like you!

RetiRing AddRess: 

LAndAn schAffeRt 


Etiring AddrEss: lAndAn scHAffErt 

“THe WaY I see IT” 

When we were little, my sister Anthonya 

and I weren’t afraid to dream big. When 

we had an idea, we did it! Although 

she’s three years younger, Anthonya has 

always been one of my best friends and 

role models. We did everything together. 

Whether it was playing in our sandbox, 

soaring through the air on our big swing 

set, swimming with our dog Kicker in the 

stock tank or having fun in our garden, 

she was always by my side as my fellow 

adventurer. Growing up, we went 

through many different stages. 

First came the Superhero Wannabe 

Stage. I wanted to fly like Superman, and 

Anthonya wanted to ride in a transparent 

plane just like Wonder Woman. We 

would spend hours dressing up and creating 

our own reality. 

I can still remember wearing my blue 

Superman sweatshirt that my grandma 

Schaffert made for me. I loved wearing 

it with my red cape and jeans. Side by 

side, Anthonya and I would soar through 

the air on our swing set, pretending that I 

was flying alongside her plane. 

Next came the Flintstone Wannabe 

Stage. We loved watching Fred, Wilma, 

Barney, Betty, Pebbles, Bam Bam and 

Dino on television. I was Fred. Anthonya 

was Wilma. And together, we worked 

tirelessly hauling large rocks and bricks 

in my little red wagon to create our very 

own Flintstone village in the garden. 

We had it all: Brick walkways, stone 

fences, trees, a clubhouse, a little toy car 

that you pedaled with your feet and even 

a hand dug creek that ran from the water 

hydrant to the edge of the garden. 

Finally, as we grew, we entered the 

Titanic Stage. In fourth grade, my class 

did a research project on the unsinkable 

ship, and I became fascinated with 

anything and everything related to the 

Titanic. My sister, who wasn’t quite as 

interested, was always recruited by me 

to help as we worked to construct our 

own 15 foot, wooden Titanic clubhouse. 

It even floated in the huge mud puddle 

next to the driveway. It had tables, 

chairs, rope lights powered by a drop 

cord that ran back to the house, two 

flagpoles and, to complete the look, four 

fake smokestacks made of tin. Regardless 

of what we were up to as kids, one 

thing was certain—we were always chasing 

our dreams. 

As children, we dream about doing 

something big, and we do it. Often, 

as we grow, we lose that childlike faith 

and stop believing that we can do what 

we dream. But why? Why do we stop 

believing in ourselves? We still have the 

potential to become extraordinary. We 

really can accomplish remarkable things. 

Each of us possess unique talents, skills 

and passions that we can use to bring 

our biggest dreams to life. But before 

we do, we must believe that we can. 

Believing is having faith that everything 

will work out. Believing is working hard 

to cultivate our dreams. Following a 

dream is like walking on a journey. We’ll 

never reach our destination unless we 

take it one step at a time. To do what we 

dream, we must step with faith, and step 

with diligence. 

Faith. One of my mom’s favorite 

quotes is: “We walk by faith, not by 

sight.” She always says that having faith 

is believing in what you can’t see. For 

me, this definition of faith takes on a special 

meaning. 

Imagine this: Seventy plane rides, 

120,000 miles traveled, twenty-five states 

visited and thousands of FFA members 

met, all in the course of one year. 

Now, imagine that for that year, you 

couldn’t see a gate number in an airport. 

You couldn’t see to drive to or from any 


of your destinations. You couldn’t see 

the menu in a fast food restaurant. And, 

you couldn’t see well enough to remember 

any of the faces of the countless 

people that you met. Instead, you had to 

remember them just by the sound of their 

voices. For the past 12 months, this… 

has been my life. My eyes don’t allow me 

to see well at all. I was born with a vision 

condition known as Congenital Rod- 

Cone Dystrophy that has left me legally 

blind and unable to see much of the 

beauty that surrounds me. 

Our world is filled with beautiful 

sights. Whether it’s day or night, something 

intricate or something simple, 

beauty is everywhere. Think about some 

of the things that are beautiful to you… 

like a starlit sky. When you look into the 

night sky, this is what you might see. 

(Picture of stars is displayed) 

When I look into the vastness of the 

evening sky, this is what I see. 

(A black screen is displayed) 

All those breathtaking summer nights 

spent sitting outside, listening to the 

peaceful chirp of the crickets and the 

calls of the cattle in the distance, and 

honestly, I’ve never seen a single star. 

But I know they’re there, and I know 

they’re beautiful. I have faith. 

When you look at something as simple 

as a cornfield, it looks like this. 

(Picture of cornfield is displayed) 

I bet it’s beautiful. This is what I see. 

(Extremely distorted cornfield picture is 

displayed) 

Although I’ve been around cornfields 

all my life back home on our family farm, 

my eyes have never allowed me to take 

in the true beauty of a cornfield. But I 

know they’re beautiful. I have faith. 

(Pause as photo of women’s restroom 

sign is displayed) 

Being legally blind does have its

lAndAn scHAffErt continuEd 

advantages. There are just some things 

that are so ugly, no one wants to see 

them, and I don’t have to. For example, 

when I look at a hairless cat, this is what 

I see. 

(Photo of blurred out cat is displayed) 

When you look at a hairless cat, here’s 

what you see. 

(Photo of hairless cat is displayed) 

Uhhh. Lucky me! 

If you were looking out into the crowd 

from where I’m standing on this stage 

right now, here’s what you’d see. 

(Camera pans audience) 

This is the way I see it. 

(Filtered footage is displayed) 

There are thousands of people here 

in this arena this evening, and I don’t see 

any of you, but I know you’re there. Each 

time I step forward, I don’t see what’s 

in front of me. Every step that I take on 

this stage, every step that I take in life is 

a step taken with uncertainty, but a step 

taken with faith. 

Similarly, when we step forward in life 

to reach our dreams, we are literally blind 

to what’s coming next. We can never 

be certain what our next step will bring. 

Throughout my walk in life, I have come 

to believe in what my dad always says: 

“Everything will work out.” From the time I 

was born, my parents have always raised 

me with that mindset, that confidence 

that no matter where I go, in whatever 

situation I face as I pursue my dreams, 

there will always be something or someone 

there to help guide me. As I walk, not 

knowing what’s ahead, I have to rely on 

the things and people around me to show 

me where I am and help me get where I 

need to go. 

Yes, stepping forward not knowing 

what to expect is sometimes a bit frightening, 

but having faith is what allows me 

to press on. Whether it’s holding onto 

a hand rail above stairs, feeling my way 

along the wall of a building, holding onto 

someone’s shoulder or listening to someone’s 

voice, there’s always something 

there to help me find my way. It doesn’t 

always work perfectly. Sometimes I fall, 

but I always get up. When you’re blind, 

you can’t be afraid of falling. Fear never 

led me to the right gate in an airport. 

Faith did. I have faith that I’ll reach my 

destination even if I have to get back 

up and try again. I take it step by step. I 

step… with faith. 

But what if I didn’t believe that someone 

would be there to volunteer a guiding 

shoulder or a voice of direction? What if I 

didn’t have faith that a handrail would be 

there to guide me up and down stairs? 

What if I didn’t get back up when I fall? I 

wouldn’t be here tonight, and I wouldn’t 

be following my dreams. We must ask 

ourselves the same questions. What 

dream am I ignoring because I’m unsure 

the handrail will be there? What goal am 

I not pursuing because I’m worried that 

no one will be there to offer a voice of 

wisdom or encouragement? Stop second 

guessing. Start believing in yourself, and 

step with faith. 

Step with faith by taking risks and 

venturing into the unknown. Run for a 

chapter office. Apply for that scholarship. 

Take a challenging course. Try out for 

band, choir or a sports team. Sing in front 

of a large group of people. 

imagine the things that 

we could accomplish if 

we always stepped with 

diligence. 

Step with faith by having confidence 

in yourself. Know that you have what 

it takes to become extraordinary and 

accomplish remarkable things. Don’t let 

anyone ever tell you that your dream is 

too big or that you can’t. 

Step with faith by believing that no 

matter where you are or what you’re 

doing, you can always find others to help 

guide you along the way. Be there to 

provide direction for those around you as 

they walk. 

Step with faith. 

“Farming takes a lot of faith. You 


never know if you’re gonna have a good 

crop or if you’re gonna get hailed out. 

You have to have faith that everything 

will work out somehow.” These words, 

spoken by my father, constantly remind 

me of just how risky the business of 

farming really is. Well-grounded in his 

heavy duty work boots, jeans, plaid shirt, 

cap and the plyer scabber that never 

leaves his belt, my dad has not only 

taught me the value of stepping with 

faith but also the importance of stepping 

with diligence. 

This year, I’ve had the privilege of 

being stationed by the ear of corn. But 

all my life, I’ve grown up by my father’s 

side raising corn on our farm in eastern 

Colorado. I can still remember getting 

up at the crack of dawn with dad in the 

summers as a little boy to enjoy Pop Tarts 

and milk with him before heading out to 

work on the farm. 

When he was a child, my dad 

dreamed of one day becoming a farmer. 

A cultivator operator at age seven, full 

time combine and tractor driver at nine, 

semi driver at 13 and land renter at 16, 

my dad had a pretty amazing jump on his 

dream. Today, not only is my dad living 

out his dream by helping feed the world 

as the farmer of several thousand acres, 

he is also an insurance agent, broker, 

grain company owner, father, husband 

and my role model. 

Some of the best lessons that I’ve 

learned have been shared with me while 

in the seat of a tractor with my dad at the 

wheel. Dad has always encouraged me 

and believed in me by telling me “Son, 

you can do anything you set your mind 

to if you work hard.” My dad has found 

great success because of his willingness 

to step with diligence. 

During the planting and harvest seasons, 

it’s unlikely for him to get more 

than four hours of sleep a night. He rises 

early and goes to bed when the job is 

done right. He never hesitates to dive in 

and work with his hands. Every moment 

is valuable to him. Dad is living out his 

dreams not because he does something 

that we cannot, but because he takes full

lAndAn scHAffErt continuEd 

advantage of the abilities that each of us 

possess. He’s not super human. He is 

extraordinarily… normal. But he works 

hard, and he rises again after every challenge 

that he faces. My dad steps… with 

diligence. 

This year, I’ve met countless FFA 

members who have faith in what they’re 

doing and step with diligence—members 

that rise at the crack of dawn to feed 

their livestock before school, ag science 

students that work meticulously to collect 

data for their ag science projects 

because they want results and members 

who put in hours upon hours tirelessly 

practicing to perform to the best of their 

abilities in career development events. I 

can’t count the number of chapter officer 

teams that work diligently to plan and 

host various activities for the members in 

their chapters. When others see us in our 

blue corduroy jackets, they know they’re 

looking at young people who have faith 

and step with diligence. 

Imagine the things that we could 

accomplish if we always stepped with 

diligence. What would it be like if we 

were more diligent? Picture your most 

productive day, where you put your 

heart and soul into everything that you 

do and work hard with no excuses. 

What does that look like? Now, picture 

that this particular day is not abnormal. 

It is your average day. We could 

accomplish so much more if we always 

stepped with diligence, every day. 

Step with diligence by working hard. 

Work hard for good grades. Work hard 

for success on that sports team. Work 

hard for that leadership position you’ve 

been dreaming about. Work hard for 

scholarships and to get into a good college. 

Rise early and work late. Spend 

a few extra hours on homework or that 

class project. Put full effort into building 

meaningful relationships by taking 

a genuine interest in others and being 

someone that people can trust. 

Step with diligence by never giving 

up. When you face obstacles, persevere. 

When you fail, stand up, and try again. 

Keep your dreams in mind, and work 

tirelessly to bring them to reality. 

Step with diligence. 

Often, we can’t see where our next 

step will take us. It takes faith to risk and 

venture into the unknown. It takes diligence 

to do a good job, stand up again 

when we fall and to be successful along 

the journey. We each have the potential 

to become extraordinary and accomplish 

remarkable things. 

What is your dream? What destination 

are you aiming for? Although you can’t 

see it, you can dream it. If you can dream 

it, you can do it. 


Remember what my mom always 

says: “Having faith is believing in what 

you can’t see.” Although I can’t see you 

right now, I believe in you. I have faith 

in your next step. Do you? And I know 

you’re diligent… because, after all, you’re 

FFA members. 

The way I see it is that following a 

dream is like walking on a journey. We 

must step forward if we are to reach our 

destination. So don’t waste another day. 

We can do what we dream. Believe. Take 

it one step at a time. Step with faith! Step 

with diligence! And dream big!

RetiRing AddRess: tiffAny RogeRs 


Etiring AddrEss: tiffAny rogErs 

“sIgn Here” 

I have a confession...my name is Tiffany 

Rogers and I am uncoordinated. It’s 

sad but true. I consider my lack of 

coordination to be an art form. After all, 

it takes talent to spill your beverage at 3 

out of every 5 meals and it explains why 

revolving doors are one of my biggest 

fears. It’s a condition I’ve suffered from 

my entire life, I’m learning to cope with 

it, but this uncoordination business put 

me to the test this past winter. 

My friends, Jeff, Kyle, Kelli, and 

I were headed up north and I was 

about to go skiing for the first time in 

my life. I know what you’re thinking, 

“Uncoordinated person…first time 

skiing…sounds like a ridiculous mess 

just waiting to happen.” We get to 

the resort and meet up with Amanda, 

Ashley, and their dad, Larry who came 

to give us ski lessons. 

Lesson number one: Never let your 

skis cross. Lesson number two: Pizza 

vs. French fries. Pizza-ing is when you 

hold your feet like this…looks like a 

piece of pizza, makes you go slower. 

French fry-ing is like this… looks like two 

French fries, makes you go faster. 

We’re at the top of the hill and I 

realize this is going to be cake sauce, 

I mean there’s three-year-olds taking 

on this hill like a champ. I push off and 

that’s where it all goes down hill… 

literally. I go about three feet and 

then my skis start to go in opposite 

directions. I can hear Larry yelling 

“Pizza! Pizza!” But my skis have a 

mind of their own. After five more trips 

down the bunny hill the score was skis 

= 5. Tiffany = – 17. My finer moments 

included falling and leaving a train of 

ski equipment behind me as I went and 

taking out an innocent family of four. 

It got to the point where my friends 

decided to score my falls like Olympic 

judges. “And the judge’s scores are in 

7! 7.5! 4.5! Ooooo…that was a tough 

break on that last score. Maybe she’ll 

redeem herself on the next fall.” 

Seeing that I’m clearly struggling 

Larry gets this brilliant idea. “I don’t 

mean to be too forward, but what if you 

wrapped your arms around my waist. 

I mean, just so you can make it down 

the hill.” So we take off. It was going 

pretty decent except for the level of 

awkwardness going on. I’m suffering 

from an internal struggle - trying to hang 

on so I don’t die but at the same time 

keeping as much room as possible. I 

mean I specialize in awkward but doing 

it by clinging to the waist of my friend’s 

dad is not my favorite way to do it. I’m 

a little too preoccupied with my internal 

struggle and forget to pay attention to 

my skis…first they cross, then they get 

caught in Larry’s skis. Pause. On our 

trip up the ski lift not even five minutes 

before, Larry had just told me it had 

been about seven years since he’d fallen 

while skiing. So it was only natural for 

me to ruin a seven year record in all of 

seven seconds. Okla. play. My skis cross 

with Larry’s and it’s bad news. Here he is 

trying to help me and all I can manage to 

do for a thank you is practically drag him 

down the hill with me. 

I was eventually able to make it 

down the hill in one piece. With each fall 

and each bruise, someone was always 

there with me to laugh it off and ask 

me if I was ready to go again. Without 

the support of my friends and the help 

of Larry that day I would have given 

up. Their patience and encouragement 

made all the difference. If it wasn’t for 

them, I would still be on that mountain. I 

needed them. 

Just as we have needed others, 

there are people who need us. Making 

a difference. It sounds great in theory. 

But when it comes to down to it, it can 


be easier said than done. It requires us 

to look past ourselves, to see the needs 

of others and then be willing to make 

a difference that only we can make. 

And if you could make a difference, 

why wouldn’t you? It’s simple, because 

someone gets in the way…ourselves. 

Growing up I saw my Grandpa Art 

just a few times a year: Christmas, fair 

week and maybe for birthdays. He lived 

three hours away and as he got older 

and his health worsened we saw him 

even less. 

I was eleven when Grandpa Art 

passed. We drove all the way to 

we all have the ability to leave 

our mark and one that is unique 

to each and every one of us, a 

lot like our signature. 

Muskegon for the funeral. It was so 

uncomfortable. Everyone was sad, 

I knew maybe a whole five people 

besides my family, the seats were 

painfully hard and the church was 

freezing. Why did I have to be here? I 

mean he was my grandpa, but I barely 

knew him. Everyone around me was 

upset and I thought that I should be 

too but I didn’t feel anything. I didn’t 

know what it meant for my grandpa to 

be gone. I decided that my presence 

was pointless. I started to look around 

for something to do. Looking out the 

stained glass windows, playing with the 

Kleenex box in our row of seats… then 

I noticed my dad. He’d been different 

ever since we had gotten the call telling 

us that Grandpa Art had passed away. 

He didn’t laugh or smile as much and he 

was quieter than usual…but today was

tiffAny rogErs continuEd 

the first time in all of my life that I had seen 

my dad cry. 

That image of my dad in so much pain 

stuck with me. To this day it still makes 

me sick to my stomach but nothing like 

the feeling I had on the car ride home. I 

couldn’t believe how selfish I had been. 

The whole time I had been thinking about 

myself and not given a second thought to 

the people around me, not even my family. 

My dad had needed me but I hadn’t 

noticed. I could have been there for him 

but first I would have to get over myself. 

That’s when I realized my presence hadn’t 

been about me at all. 

Selfish. Such an ugly word but too 

often we let it describe our actions, our 

thoughts and ourselves. We live in our 

own little world and fail to notice that our 

not many of us ever know 

of the impact we make. we 

don’t know how a simple 

word, note, gesture or just 

being ourselves can mean 

the world to someone else. 

purpose is not about us, that there are 

needs of others that are greater than our 

own. Excuses are one of the ultimate 

forms of selfishness and somehow they 

become a part of our daily routine. “I’m 

busy.” “I’ve got my own things.” “Why 

should I have to worry about problems 

I didn’t create?” “Why should I care?” 

We allow excuses to dictate how we live 

our lives. We exhaust ourselves trying to 

explain things away. We are convinced 

that our problems are the most important 

thing and that we are more important than 

the people around us. But we’re not. 

When we’re focused on others, we are 

devoted to something bigger and greater 

than us. That’s when we have a proper 

view of ourselves. That’s when we’ll be 

able to see the needs of those around us. 

That’s when we can make a difference. 

Instead of concentrating on if we won 

the plaque given at the awards ceremony. 

Why not celebrate the accomplishments 

of others? What do they need? Instead of 

focusing on our reputation and what our 

friends think, what about the classmate 

that sits alone at lunch? Instead of 

spending hours worrying if we have the 

latest iPod or cell phone, what about the 

family in town whose dad was recently laid 

off? Will you help someone in need, or will 

you turn away? 

Ok, ok, I get it. Get over ourselves. Put 

others first. I’ve heard it all before. But I 

can’t possibly make a difference. Here’s 

the deal though. Each of us can make a 

difference and it’s one that only we can 

make. Because we all have the power 

and responsibility to do something… 

anything… 

I’ve shown draft horses since I was 

seven years old when I could barely 

even reach the horse’s shoulder. There’s 

nothing like taking the lead of a 2,000 

pound horse with hooves the size of 

a dinner plate. In my opinion they are 

some of the most amazingly beautiful 

creatures. But the thing is, they can also 

be amazingly unpredictable. 

Two summer ago I was traveling with 

the farm I show for along with Steve, Amy 

and Joe. We were at the Indiana State Fair 

doing morning chores and I was given the 

option to be the one who exercised the 

horses or shovel the stalls or, as I prefer 

to call it by its classy name, the equine 

excrement disposal engineer. That day I 

chose to walk the horses. I took Apollo, 

out for his walk and brought him back 

to the barn. I led him in the stall and as 

I reached up to undo his lead rope, he 

reared up. As he came down, he hit me 

with his front hoof, shoe and all, right 

above my eye. 

You know that feeling- your body 

is going in slow motion but your brain 

is going in fast forward? That’s what 

was happening. I was trying to process 

what had happened but couldn’t really 

understand. I knew that I should be in pain 


but I couldn’t feel anything. I remember 

seeing Amy running toward me hollering 

for Joe to get help and seeing Steve rush 

toward Apollo and the stall door that was 

still wide open. All of this went through my 

brain in like point seven seconds. 

After that things start to run together. 

There was me getting sick to my stomach 

and getting to the trash can just in time, 

then getting dizzy and things starting to 

go black. Next thing I know I woke up on 

a stretcher in the ambulance. I reached 

up to my face and felt what seemed like a 

soft ball coming out of my forehead. 

Before this I had only been to the 

hospital for check ups. Now I was in 

the emergency room, which is never 

a good sign, in a strange town, hours 

from home, without my family, and I still 

didn’t completely remember what had 

happened. I was alone. I was scared. 

Cue Joe, Steve and Amy. They walked 

into the room where I was and I had never 

been so thankful to see a familiar face. 

They made all the difference just by being 

there. A difference only they could make 

at that point in time in my life. They were 

there when I needed them the most. I’m 

not sure if they even know the difference 

that they made that day. 

Not many of us ever know of the 

impact we make. We don’t know how a 

simple word, note, gesture or just being 

ourselves can mean the world to someone 

else. Most of the time we have no idea of 

the things we teach or share with others 

or the direction in which we move them. 

Maybe you’re just in the right place at 

the right time, maybe it’s because of your 

own experiences or the story you have 

to share, maybe it’s because of the gifts 

you have. But no matter the reason, we 

each have the ability to make a difference 

just as we are, one that no one else could 

ever replicate. Each of us comes into 

the world with certain gifts designed to 

make a better place for others. If we don’t 

use those, something wonderful is lost 

because we each have something that 

only we can give. 

We all have the ability to leave our 

mark and one that is unique to each and

tiffAny rogErs continuEd 

every one of us, a lot like our signature. 

Our name becomes etched across the 

lives of others in our very own hand 

writing. Leaving a permanent indentation 

with its uniquely shaped lines and dots. 

Think about those who have placed 

their signature on your life. A parent, 

teacher, best friend, the cashier at the 

store, the classmate that sits three seats 

behind you in math, the person sitting 

next to you right now. The list goes on 

and on. How many people have made a 

difference in your life? I’d bet too many 

to remember exactly, some we may 

never even realize, but the differences 

and signatures are still there. 

For me, this year has put it all into 

perspective. I was hit with the staggering 

reality of just how many signatures have 

been placed on my life. And do you 

know who most of them belong to? You. 

I’ve always known that as FFA members 

we are constantly striving to make a 

difference. But this year I was able to 

witness this first hand as so many of 

you have made a difference in my life 

forever changing me because you took 

the time to sign here. Jonathan from 

North Carolina showed what it means 

to truly be a caring friend by being 

concerned for me when he had plenty of 

his own concerns. Micah from Wyoming 

displays his faith which encourages me 

to strengthen my beliefs. Mareta from 

Missouri taught me a powerful lesson 

in the love of teammates and family. 

And Justin from Ohio has no idea the 

example of unwavering strength he has 

set for me. Every place I went it was 

clear that you all are making a difference 

just by being yourselves and it’s a 

difference that no one else could come 

close to copying. Take a moment and 

appreciate the signatures transposed 

across your life, beyond that, appreciate 

the difference that each of those 


signatures represents. 

Now ask yourself, whose life will your 

signature be on? Have you taken the 

time to make a difference for others? 

Or are you letting something get in the 

way of you making that difference? It’s 

time. Right here and right now is where 

the excuses stop. We will look past 

ourselves and see the needs of others 

because every day in every situation, 

everyone has that ability to make a 

difference. Don’t wait for the perfect time 

or conditions, find a need and fill it now. 

Don’t let it be luck or coincidence but 

instead purposeful intentions to touch 

the lives of others. Unless someone like 

you cares a whole lot, nothing is going 

to change. Act as if what you do makes 

a impact…because it does. We have 

the responsibility to create the difference 

only we can make because no one else 

will. There are people that need you! So 

the question is…where will you sign?

RetiRing AddRess: WyAtt deJong 


Etiring AddrEss: wyAtt dEJong 

“Can’T spell ‘Course’ WITHouT ‘u’” 

Spelling! *sigh* Why is it so hard? Some 

words out there just break every rule. You 

know the words that I am talking about. 

The words that you are about to type and 

don’t know what letter comes next. Then 

the next step is to think of a synonym 

that is much easier to spell and go with 

that. Who knows exactly what I am talking 

about? 

I like to think that I have gotten better 

at spelling. But, there was once a time 

when the phrase “spelling test” would 

spark panic into me like a three legged 

cat with a bad cough in the middle of 

eleven Doberman pinschers. 

It was third grade. I walked downstairs 

for my spelling lesson (yes, I was 

home-schooled for nine years of my life… 

that meant I was able to go to my class 

in my pajamas and the cafeteria food was 

mighty tasty!). I sat down for my lesson. 

Okla. Wyatt, you can do this, words are 

not that scary. Then it happened. Ma 

began to speak. “The word is ‘course’.” 

Can I have the definition? “The act of 

moving along a path from point to point.” 

Well, it sounds like “horse”… 

course…um…C-O-R-S-E, course. That is 

how I spelled it for first three weeks. Yep, 

you heard me right…three weeks (I was 

never the sharpest quill on the porcupine). 

Anytime that I spelled that word or 

any word wrong, my ma would make me 

practice it over and over and over until I 

didn’t have to think about it for the rest 

of the day. After twenty-one days of getting 

it wrong, I miraculously discovered 

and mastered that “course” had a ‘U’ in 

it. I was so discouraged that year I just 

accepted the fact that I was not a good 

speller and never would be. My assignments 

would always have mistakes in 

them; I’d never get an A in spelling. And 

that was fine by me. So what if I couldn’t 

spell. It’s not that big of deal…after all, 

it’s just the reality for me. But that’s not 

how my ma saw it. Even though I gave 

up, my ma never lowered her standards 

for me and pushed me and expected me 

to learn not only this word but so many 

others. She kept me working towards 

improvement and I am proud to tell you 

that course is spelled C-O-U-R-S-E. 

How many times do we just “accept 

reality” and decide for ourselves we’ll 

never be good at something? Or come 

to expect a certain level of performance 

from ourselves and never even imagine 

going beyond that? We settle… On the 

flip side, how many of us have people 

in our lives, like my ma, that push us 

beyond what we think we can reach? 

Who set their standards for us higher 

than the standards we set for ourselves? 

We have all worked to be better in different 

areas of our lives, whether that’s 

school, FFA, in our friendships, or sports. 

But do we always reach for the best we 

could be? Or are we still sometimes settling 

for good enough or contributing the 

minimum amount of work and energy 

that others expect? Just imagine, what 

would it be like if we would all did more? 

Or if we never settled for “good enough.” 

The cool thing is, most of the time…we 

can do more. 

When we give less than our maximum 

effort we’re not giving our best. That 

holds us back from doing mind-bending 

things or making epic change for ourselves 

and others around the world! 

These kinds of things are what we desire 

to do; great things that require us to 

do more. We want to make that game 

winning shot, engineer the next great 

technology, find a cure for cancer and 

even stop poverty or world hunger. To 

prepare ourselves to make these types 

of awesome things happen, we need to 

believe and commit to two things. 


1. Believe that doing more is 

reachable 

2. Believe that the challenge of doing 

more is worth it 

Is more Reachable? We’ve all set 

goals. We learned that in Leadership 101 

Freshman year. We set goals we knew 

we could accomplish. But can we do 

more? Is more reachable? 

I found myself asking that exact same 

question when my last semester came to 

a close. It meant that summer was here! 

You know that feeling, on the last day of 

school when you check out of your locker 

and step through those doors for the last 

time in about three months. “FREEDOM!” 

Who knows what I am talking about? I 

left school, returned home and began to 

wonder what I should do next. I realized 

that I wanted to set a huge goal for the 

summer. But what? Most of the goals 

that I have set in my life are things that 

I knew that I could do. Goals that were 

kinda easy. Goals that let me… settle. 

This time, I wanted to do something 

different. I was still uncertain until I sat 

down to watch some TV. Then, it hit me 

like a bag of show feed…a commercial 

about the Sioux Falls Marathon came 

on. I wonder if I can spell that. M-A-R-A- 

T-H-O-N…Marathon! At that moment, I 

told my family my new goal: “I am going 

to run a half marathon on Sept. 12th in 

Sioux Falls.” Now let’s be real clear… 

it is pretty evident that I do not look like 

a runner in any way shape or form. And 

it was at this point that I realized that I 

had a phobia: passoutonroadaphobia. 

The feat of running 13.1 miles seemed 

highly unlikely for me. In fact, I honestly 

thought that it was flat out crazy. I mean 

really? Can someone my build even do it? 

I made up my mind that I was going to try 

my best and just see what happened. 

I kept to a long and rigorous training

wyAtt dEJong continuEd 

plan. From waking up at 5:30 a.m. for a 

morning workout to stretching my sore 

muscles for hours, training for this bad 

boy was even worse than I thought. The 

clock was ticking and before I knew it, 

it was just three days before the race. I 

woke up that morning and you know, I 

have to go for it. If I can finish my 10 mile 

run this afternoon, I will run in the race. 

Now I can promise you that that run did 

not look pretty. Drenched with sweat, 

tongue hanging out like an old dog and 

it looked like I had been stuck in the 

Sahara Desert for days…but I finished the 

10 miles and the only thing going through 

my head was: “Oh, this is on like Donkey 

Kong.” 

As I arrived at the start of the race, I 

immediately felt out of place. Now these 

are real runners. Look at them in their 

form fitting spandex, their nutrition packs. 

Of course they’re all skinny and wait just 

the challenge of doing more 

is real. the value of doing 

more is real. 

one second! Did you know that people 

actually jog to “warm up” for a HALF 

MARATHON?!?! I am not cut out for this; 

I am clearly the only one even over 200 

pounds and I completely overlooked 

how to prepare the morning of the race. 

“The race will begin in two minutes.” Oh 

great. Well, this looks like a good spot; 

not too close to the front and in the very 

center of the crowd so others don’t see 

me. “Ladies and gentleman, on your 

marks (‘Right, like people actually start at 

a “mark”), get set (‘why am I doing this, 

there is no way that I can finish’), BANG! 

(‘holy smokes, this is really happening’).” 

• Three miles in: “Eh, this is alright.” 

• Five miles in: “Wow, this was a 

bad idea.” 

• Seven miles in: “How about that… 

the pain has gone away.” 

• Eight and a half miles in: “Uff da…I 

may need to walk for just a bit.” 

• Twelve miles in: “Okla. Wyatt, you 

have made it this far…let’s finish 

this!” 

It was at this point that I finally realized 

that this was possible; ya sure you 

betcha. Even though so many people 

doubted…and quite frankly, I thought that 

there was zero chance of this happening. 

Wyatt; you have only ever pushed 

yourself to do things that you knew you 

could accomplish. It is time to push 

yourself beyond what you think is possible 

and just discover what actually is 

possible. I am sick doing just enough 

to impress others or just enough to get 

by. I am going to do more; I am going 

to reach this goal. After 13.1 miles: “I 

FINISHED!!!!!!” 

Looking back, I realized more is 

reachable…more for every one of us. 

How often do we think that it is not possible 

or that we are not talented enough 

to do this or that? Maybe you think that 

you are too young, too insignificant, 

inadequate or mediocre to do more; to 

do tough and great things. Sometimes it 

comes from those around us. We must 

do this simply because that is the way 

that it has always been. We can’t do that 

because it has never happened before. 

There are countless examples of people 

that make us rethink ‘possible’ and 

reevaluate what is reachable. Throughout 

history, what if everyone believed that 

we were at our limit? Maybe the Wright 

Brothers would never have taken that first 

flight, maybe Edison would never have 

invented the light bulb or maybe even 

Henry Groseclose, C.H. Lane and many 

others would never have pursued creating 

the National FFA Organization. They 

all believed in seeing what was possible 

instead of defining what was impossible. 

They did more and they found out that 

more is reachable and they stepped up to 

the challenge. 

What about you? What more can you 

do? Well, it can be as simple as taking on 

more responsibilities and meeting those 

that we already have. Set a physical, 

mental, emotional or spiritual goal that 


you’re not sure you can reach. Not just 

living up to your responsibilities but taking 

hold of whatever project it is and doing 

your absolute best to exceed expectations. 

Hmm…exceed expectations, I 

wonder if I can spell that? E-X-C-E-E-D… 

exceed expectations. Just imagine, what 

would it be like if we all would do more? 

Now I know, doing more is certainly 

no easy task. Trying something and pouring 

yourself into it is a huge risk. The 

prospect of failing makes me cringe. We 

can all think of those vivid times where 

we failed. From learning to play the piano 

to trying to lose weight, I know what it is 

like to fail. 

Two years ago, I ran for national FFA 

office. Planning my life around this one 

goal was definitely time-consuming. 

Finally, convention came around and my 

name was not called. I was devastated. 

I mean, I knew that that was the best 

and that my purpose was something else 

but I was crushed. I had spent so many 

hours learning, memorizing, practicing 

and meeting people so that I could relate 

to others more, be a better person and 

friend and become a better advocate for 

agriculture, Ag-Ed and FFA. 

You know what? I did become a better 

person. Even though all that work 

seemed to be for nothing, I was able to 

learn more about others and push myself 

beyond what I was used to. I was able to 

remember names and love people more. 

I was able to do more. I was reminded in 

a big way that all effort – even failed effort 

produces muscle. That’s another good 

word…E-F-F-O-R-T…effort produces 

muscle. And it is that effort that helps 

us do more, and it is the challenge that 

builds muscle. 

The challenge of doing more is real. 

The value of doing more is real. Remember 

those thoughts that we have all had? 

I am too young, inadequate, stupid or 

useless to make a real difference…to do 

more. Still feeling inadequate? Try telling 

Zach Hunter that he is too young or that 

because he has an anxiety disorder he 

will never do anything to complete his 

dream of ending modern day slavery. At

wyAtt dEJong continuEd 

age 12 he learned that there are an estimated 

27 million people around the world 

that are still in slavery and about half of 

them are children. By age 16 he has spoken 

to more than half a million people at 

live events, appeared on national television, 

written two books, gave a speech 

at the White House and has become 

the global student spokesperson for the 

Amazing Change campaign that is working 

to eliminate slavery. Zach not only 

knew that he could do more, he saw the 

challenge ahead. Ending modern day 

slavery is no easy task but Zach said, 

‘I can try…and I will try.’ He knows the 

challenge is worth it! 

Or how about Connor, a fifteen year 

old boy that started the organization 

called Dry Tears and has helped provide 

clean water to more than 20,000 people 

and has saved hundreds of lives. 

These are young, “ordinary” people 

just like us who go to school, face daily 

challenges and eat the agricultural product 

what some of us grow. People just 

like you that have deep passions to do 

more for what they know is right and 

strive to make the lives of others better. 

They did what many call “impossible” and 

as a result: changed lives. 

Now y’all know just as well as I 

do, that doing great things is tough. It 

requires great effort and can be hard but 

deep down we want to do tough things, 

we were made to do tough things and we 

can do tough things. Just imagine, what 

would it be like if we all would do more? 

What would it be like if we loved our family, 

friends and others more? Spent quality 

time with those who don’t have many 

friends more? Cared about all others 

above our self more? Forgave those who 

did us wrong even if they don’t ask for it 

more? Volunteered our talents, abilities 


and even money to make others’ lives 

better more? Dreamed more? Worked 

more? Or take that step and tried to do 

those tough things that can make a huge 

difference in this world more? 

Marathon—exceed expectations— 

effort produces muscle! No matter how 

small or huge our hopes for the future, 

we need to do more for ourselves and 

others because that is what is right. And 

if you ever start to doubt yourself and 

think; I don’t know if I can do more, I 

don’t know if the challenge is worth it… 

just think of Zach, Connor and all of these 

people. It is worth if for each one of us. 

It is worth is for you. When we’re moving 

along our path in life from point to 

point; let’s say to ourselves, “Of Course 

it’s reachable. Of course it’s worth it. And 

remember: 

We ‘Cant’ Spell “Course” without 

“you!”’

RetiRing AddRess: 

shAnnon noRRis 


Etiring AddrEss: sHAnnon norris 

“CHeCK Yes or no” 

“Every day may not be good, but there’s 

something good in every day.” – Author 

Unknown 

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a 

big difference.” – Winston Churchill 

“You cannot control what happens 

to you, but you can control your attitude 

toward what happens to you.” – Brian 

Tracy 

“Attitudes are contagious. Is yours 

worth catching?” – Dennis and Wendy 

Mannering 

It starts way before pre-k, 

Your values impact how you behave, 

Choices, decisions and actions, 

Are yours to control… so decide them 

right now. 

Life isn’t goin’ be easy, 

No doubt trouble will happen to you. 

Truth is life is what you make it, 

Choose to make a difference, starting 

with you. 

Will you give up? Will you try to make 

a change? 

It’s up to you. 

Just choose to be the best you that 

you can be, 

Check your attitude, 

Is it one that you are proud of, check 

yes or no. 

When I was younger, I absolutely loved 

to sing! My backyard was my stage, lit up 

with spotlights, disco balls, and people… 

all chanting my name, of course requesting 

another one of my songs. Will the real 

Shannon Norris please stand up, please 

stand up? Will the real Shannon Norris 

please stand up? 

It was during those childhood years 

that I truly began to value life along with a 

few other things such as French fries, red 

dirt country music, Ford trucks, and Angus 

cattle. Above all else, I loved hanging with 

my older sister. And we weren’t your typical 

girls growing up. In place of dresses, 

we wore wranglers; in place of Barbie, we 

had John Deere; and in place of Hannah 

Montana, we had Johnny Cash. One thing 

about my older sister; she didn’t put up 

with any nonsense. Any time I would get 

out of line, she would give me an attitude 

adjustment, if you know what I mean. 

What if we valued our attitude as much 

as we value other things, like those French 

fries? Our attitude determines the course 

of our life… and the coolest thing is we 

control our attitude. Every day, we must 

make a decision on our attitude. Once 

that decision is made, we can take action 

on the way we treat other people. 

Let’s ask ourselves… is our attitude 

one that we’re proud of? Check yes or no. 

“She’s standing on the home plate… 

here comes the pitch…smack… Home 

run! What!? Ahh! Ahh!” Brittany was a killer 

athlete. Between basketball and softball, 

sports were her life. There was no doubt 

that she had the talent to continue her 

sports career far beyond high school into 

college as a star softball player. But for 

Brittany, fifth grade was a little different 

than most. Her life soon became interrupted 

with severe seizures that would 

leave her unconscious and unaware of her 

surroundings. 

In January that year, CAT scans found 

a tumor the size of a small lemon in her 

brain. Two months later, when the tumor 

was removed, it had grown to the size of 

a large softball. Things rapidly changed for 

Brittany. For the next five years, she had to 

have a series of MRI scans to make sure 

the brain was recovering. It was no longer 

a good idea for Brittany to play contact 

sports. 

Imagine the things in life that you love 

the most. What would happen if they were 

abruptly taken away? 

People like Brittany make an impact. 

Brittany is an FFA member from Georgia. 

She makes the decision every day to take 

what life brings and make the best out of 


it. She knows that sometimes there may 

be things in life that we don’t have control 

over, but we can control how we respond 

to them. Brittany had a choice. She could 

either “give up or get better.” Since her 

surgery, Brittany is limited on what sports 

she can play, but she has mastered electrical 

wiring in her Ag classroom. Like me, 

her coordination is weak, but Brittany has 

excelled in FFA’s public speaking events. 

Her goals and dreams may have changed, 

but she makes the decision every day to 

value what she can control… her attitude. 

Dr. Ernie Mendes, a professor in psychology, 

studied an equation that shows 

our response to a situation. 

It showed that our outcome is equivalent 

to any situation plus our attitude 

toward it. Meaning that on a scale of 1 to 

10 – 10 being the greatest possible outcome 

in the world – if an event occurs in 

our life that ranks as a 1 – aka the worst 

possible thing that could happened to us 

– we can still achieve a 10 outcome if we 

have the attitude of a 9. 9+1=10. Attitude 

plus situation equals outcome. 

We might be thinking that because 

we’re not sitting down on the floor or 

speaking here on the stage, that we 

can’t make a difference. Maybe we have 

been hurt by a friend or a family member. 

Maybe we have been left out of the group. 

Whatever our thoughts may be, our outcome 

is directly influenced by our attitude. 

When the world gives us a one… answer 

back with the attitude of a nine. Our 

choices, thoughts and actions are ours to 

determine. Write a sticky note on your mirror 

that says, “My attitude is my choice.” 

Ignore pressures from peers when you 

know it isn’t something that you believe 

in. Tell a loved one thank you. Apologize. 

Be thankful for the blessings that you do 

have. Make a positive decision. Are you in 

control of your attitude? Check yes or no. 

Once we decide to control our attitude;

sHAnnon norris continuEd 

we can take action on how we treat other 

people. 

Who all is from a small town? I grew 

up in the booming metropolis of Cliff, New 

Mexico, where the number of cattle far 

exceeds the number of people and the 

only time we have a traffic jam is during 

the rodeo at the fairgrounds. My junior 

year, some of my classmates and I qualified 

to compete at a national business 

conference in New York City. What a perfect 

opportunity to show those city boys 

just how a country girl can survive! 

Conquering the elements of the concrete 

jungle started during our day tour of 

the city. Grouped together were the girls 

and I, some pretty good-looking gentlemen, 

millions of tourists, my teacher, and 

our chaperone… my mother. Now, as if 

having your mom tag along doesn’t scream 

“cool” by itself, try getting her to keep the 

same pace as the rest of the group. Way 

ahead were my classmates, bringing up 

the rear was my mom …and I was stuck 

in the middle. I was so frustrated! I wanted 

to be cool enough to walk with the other 

students and not have to worry about my 

mom. I wanted my friends to know that I 

was mature and that I didn’t need a babysitter. 

All day I had been telling my mom to 

move a little faster so it would be less obvious 

that she was holding us up. 

Who all is from a small town? I grew 

up in the booming metropolis of Cliff, New 

Mexico, where the number of cattle far 

exceeds the number of people and the 

only time we have a traffic jam is during 

the rodeo at the fairgrounds. My junior 

year, some of my classmates and I qualified 

to compete at a national business 

conference in New York City. What a perfect 

opportunity to show those city boys 

just how a country girl can survive! 

Conquering the elements of the concrete 

jungle started during our day tour of 

the city. Grouped together were the girls 

and I, some pretty good-looking gentlemen, 

millions of tourists, my teacher, and 

our chaperone… my mother. Now, as if 

having your mom tag along doesn’t scream 

“cool” by itself, try getting her to keep the 

same pace as the rest of the group. Way 

ahead were my classmates, bringing up 

the rear was my mom …and I was stuck 

in the middle. I was so frustrated! I wanted 

to be cool enough to walk with the other 

students and not have to worry about my 

mom. I wanted my friends to know that I 

was mature and that I didn’t need a babysitter. 

All day I had been telling my mom to 

move a little faster so it would be less obvious 

that she was holding us up. 

Even in the middle of millions of 

people, for the next few moments, I stood 

there alone as I watched the slow tears 

run down my sweet little mom’s face. To 

this day, the simple words, “I can’t” will 

never leave my mind. 

About one year prior to that moment, 

my mother had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s 

disease. A woman that was once 

physically and mentally strong enough to 

do anything now struggled with simple 

movements, such as keeping the same 

pace as a group of high school students. 

At that moment, I didn’t control my attitude. 

It controlled me. I made a decision 

to let my anger and self-pity for not being 

with the rest of the group overpower my 

relationship with one of the people that I 

love the most in this world. 

Think back to a time when you have 

allowed your emotions to determine your 

actions. When was the last time you 

snapped at your parents? Our attitude 

determines how we treat other people. 

We control it. And it’s not just a one-time 

decision. Meaning that if we mess up and 

do something wrong or say something 

we don’t mean to say, we can fix it if we 

decide to. 

Close your eyes. Picture someone that 

you really care about. If today was your 

last day, how would you treat that person? 

Now, look at the people sitting next to 

you, and ask this question, “What if today 

was their last day?” We have a decision 

to make. When we leave this arena, what 

action will we take to improve? Try inviting 

someone that doesn’t fit in to come join 

your friends. Call your parents and tell them 

that you love them. Listen to your grandparent’s 

stories. Don’t leave convention 

as the same person you were when you 

came… Are you taking actions that help 

make others better? Check yes or no. 


Will you give up? Will you try to make 

a change? 

It’s up to you. 

Just choose to be the best you that 

you can be, 

Check your attitude, 

Is it one that you are proud of, check 

yes or no? 

We may not be able to control what 

happens to us, but we can control how 

we respond to it… just like Brittany did. 

We all know we should live with a good 

attitude… we all know that our attitudes 

influence our actions… this isn’t new information… 

so why do we still have trouble? 

Will you give up or get better? Decide. 

Regardless of whether we are from 

a small town, big city, the coast or the 

Midwest, quit making excuses… decide 

to make a change! Our attitudes are not 

a decision that we only ask ourselves 

every month, every week, or every day… 

it is a decision that we constantly have to 

evaluate. Doesn’t mean that it is an easy 

decision… doesn’t mean that every time 

we make a choice, that we are going to 

be perfect. Each decision does not define 

us, but we can define each moment if we 

choose. Take action. 

Perform an attitude checkup... Are 

you making the decision to control your 

attitude? Check yes or no. Are you taking 

action on treating others like today could 

be their last day? Yes or no? Live confident 

that you managed what you did have 

control over… your attitude. Is it one that 

you are proud of? Yes or no?

RetiRing AddRess: JAmes FlAtt 


Etiring AddrEss: JAmEs flAtt 

“goT TIgger?” 

I can remember the days of my nose 

being stuck to the TV watching my 

favorite cartoon of all time … Winnie the 

Pooh. I remember watching that bear eat 

honey, get stuck in the door of his house 

and say his famous phrase, “Oh Bother.” 

I actually had a stuffed bear just like him 

too, his name was Bo… though, I never 

could understand why Bo wouldn’t eat 

honey. I have to say however, my favorite 

character was T-I –Double GUH- ER… 

That spells Tigger. He is my favorite 

because he is always bouncing around 

looking for a good time. Hence, the reason 

I am here today with my pogo stick, 

bouncing off the walls at the most exciting 

and upbeat place of all time, the 84th 

National FFA Convention! 

Bouncing off the walls was a good 

way to describe me growing up. It always 

seemed to earn me nicknames like “Little 

Britches” from my favorite movie the Jungle 

Book, thanks Mammy; “Spandy: from 

some friends at FFA camp because of my 

days cycling in spandex shorts; and “King 

James” by one of my friends from high 

school, though, I never could understand 

why he called me that. But the nickname 

that really defined my bounciness was 

earned one day after school in my FFA 

advisors classroom. 

For some reason that afternoon I was 

laughing at this, “Hahaha,” giggling at 

that, “hehehe,” and just couldn’t sit still 

to save my life. It could have been the 

caffeinated beverage … or two..ok, ok, 

ok … it was three that I had during the 

course of the day. What made it worse I 

had speech practice with both of my FFA 

advisors that very afternoon. I started 

speaking, and bouncing off the walls took 

on a whole new meaning. I was moving 

this way, bouncing that way and it 

seemed as though I was about to jump 

over the table in front of me. The whole 

time I was just trying to hold back the 

laughter. Ms. Pam looked up and said to 

me, “James, stop for just a second. Dear 

boy, what is the matter with you.” I just 

looked at her and said through laughter, 

“I really don’t know.” At this point she 

started laughing, looked at me and said, 

“You know who you remind me of right 

now, Tigger. 

Tigger that was my new nickname; I 

got Tigger. 

Got Tigger… But what did that mean 

exactly? Did it mean I was joyful all the 

time? A lot of people could tell you the 

answer to that question … No. So why 

was I like that that day? Well, it wasn’t 

from the caffeine. It was because I had 

been going through a rough time with 

girls, school and life in general and was 

just tired of being miserable and I had 

a choice to make: To Be or Not To Be. 

That day, I looked around me and noticed 

many people who were being like Eeyore: 

Miserable. I realized something more 

important: It’s not enough to just find joy 

it’s also about spreading it like the honey 

of life. It’s about everybody in this arena, 

this city, this state, this country, and this 

world to say: We Got Tigger. 

The difficult question though, is how? 

How can we find joy in all situations? 

Because let’s just face it, we get beat up 

sometimes. 

He was big, like really big, he was 

mean, and he stunk worse than a skunk 

that’s just been aggravated by a hound 

dog. He was my archnemesis. He … was 

a goat, named Jeth Row. One summer 

when I was 12, two of my best friends 

were coming over to play. One of them 

was a girl who I had a huge … like really 

huge crush on. Her name was Bethany. 

We decided to go play outside. So, 

of course I warned them about this goat 

that seemed to be more evil than good. 


“Umm guys I just want to warn you… 

you see that goat right over there next to 

the barn door? He’s really mean and may 

start chasing you around the field trying 

to ram you with his head … But if you 

want to pet him then I can hold him down 

for you.” I just said that, didn’t I? Yep, I 

did. Open mouth insert foot because of 

course my friends said yes. 

I thought to myself at this point, 

“James this is perfect. You can hold 

this tough ole’ goat and win the girl of 

your dreams.” I would like to add at this 

moment that no animals were harmed 

in the course of this story, only one very 

unlucky 12 year old. 

Be like tigger and bounce out 

of bed ready to encounter the 

day no matter what pains it 

brings. 

As soon as I approached this goat my 

great day turned into a situation of misery 

and despair. He spotted me, chased 

me around the barn lot and pinned me 

against the barn door. He seemed to 

be having fun as he rammed and battered 

me. My chances of looking tough 

and getting the girl of my dreams soon 

turned to girlish cry’s that sounded a little 

like this, “HEEEEEELLLLLPPPPP!!! THE 

BEAST HAS GOT Me.!!!!” 

I had two choices, “To Be or Not To 

Be that was the question.” I could get 

up and be miserable because of bruised 

pride and body after being mauled by 

a billy goat. Or, I could be like Tigger, 

bounce up and run away from that goat 

laughing at what had just happened like

JAmEs flAtt continuEd 

nothing had gone wrong. 

Every day we are faced with this deci- 

sion, to be like Tigger and bounce out of 

bed ready to encounter the day no matter 

what pains it brings. Or to not be like 

Tigger and face this world like Eeyore, 

with misery around every turn of the corner. 

Let me just tell you, being like Tigger 

is not easy and half the time I fail on all 

accounts. I end up like Eeyore: woebegone, 

lethargic, anguished and simply put 

just flat out miserable. But the great thing 

about this decision that we have to make 

every day is that misery is just an attitude 

not a lifestyle. An attitude is easy to 

change and makes answering that question 

of to be or not to a lot easier. 

I have met tons of FFA members who 

“Got Tigger.” They chose TO BE like Tigger. 

These FFA members know that its 

finding the joy in any situation no matter 

what it is and saying, “I woke up late, well 

you know at least I got that ten minutes of 

extra sleep I needed, I’ll just set my alarm 

ten minutes earlier for in the morning.” 

“I have to put $3. 89 a gallon gas in my 

vehicle, but at least I have the means to 

put a few gallons in to keep me going.” 

Maybe it’s even, “I have to go to school 

or work today, but at least I can and have 

that opportunity because there are many 

people in this world that don’t have that 

option.” Leading a lifestyle of joy makes it 

easier to chose TO BE like Tigger. 

However, it’s not just enough to find 

that joy. It’s what we do with it after we 

have it in our lives. I have seen this happen 

time and time again over the past few 

years. 

The year was 2000 I was in fourth 

grade and today was just like any other. 

Mom woke me up, more like drug me out 

of bed, I got dressed and went to school. 

It was just a normal day. Until mom picked 

me up that afternoon. She seemed a little 

upset, and before I even got in the car 

said, “James, we need to have a family 

talk when we get home.” In the back of 

my mind I was going over everything that 

I could be in trouble for. “Hmmm..did I 

make my bed this morning? What was 

that thing that I broke yesterday? I hope 

she didn’t find those flowers I dug up.” 

If you can’t tell I NEVER got into trouble. 

The rest of the car ride home I was contemplating 

everything that I had done, and 

mom was quiet. 

We pulled up the driveway and my 

dad was home. “Well, that’s a little weird 

he’s usually not home until six, it’s three.” I 

walk inside, sit next to my sister, mom sat 

next to dad and these are the first words I 

remember him saying. 

“James, Tamara. I lost my job today. 

As a family we have two choices. One, I 

find a new job and I won’t be home very 

much or two, your mom and I feel like this 

is a calling for us as a family to go into the 

mission field. There has been an opening 

for someone to take care of the state 

disaster relief equipment for the Tennessee 

Baptist Convention.” 

This was big. My dad was the only one 

that worked in the family because mom 

stayed home and took care of my sister 

and me. He went on to say that this would 

be tough financially for us, but as long as 

we stuck together as a family we would 

make it through. It might have been a little 

scary, but it meant dad would be home 

more and we had a chance to help people 

in need. It was scary, but we were joyful 

because of the journey we were headed 

on as a family. We found joy in a miserable 

situation. 

In 2001, planes hit the World Trade 

Center and my parents would go on their 

first disaster mission. They were asked 

to lead a team of volunteers and take the 

state feeding equipment to feed the thousands 

of emergency personnel that were 

searching for those who were lost. 

This is the image they saw when they 

pulled down the streets of New York City. 

These are the faces of the people who 

were overjoyed because of the decision 

that my family made. 

At the end of the day it’s about being 

a Tigger in an Eeyore kind of world. It’s 

about spreading every ounce of joy that 

we have or have found to who and what is 

around us. Maybe it’s carrying on a conversation 

with the new kid in school who 

everyone seems to overlook. Maybe it’s 


helping the elderly lady carry her groceries 

to her car. Maybe it’s getting a friend 

through a tough situation like a divorce 

in their family or it could even be helping 

someone through a time when they feel 

like there is no hope left for them in this 

world. 

Since that decision was made, my 

family has helped in many disasters with 

hundreds of other volunteers bringing joy 

to victims like, 

Ms. Naomi who lived in a tent for two 

years after hurricane Katrina. Now, she 

has a house that was built by mission 

teams that I had a privilege to serve with. 

Joy does us no good if we keep it to ourselves. 

When we find that joy, even in the 

darkest of situations, it’s up to us spread 

that joy like the honey of life. 

Got Tigger, what a place this world 

would look like if we could say that we … 

Got Tigger. Joy would fill our lives. The 

question of to Be or Not to Be would be 

answered and the Honey of life would 

never taste so sweet. So what are we 

going to do when we are faced with a 

second, a minute, or a day of misery? 

Are we going to hang our heads and say, 

“I’m Eeyore, there is no way this can be 

better?” 

Or are we going to say we … Got 

Tigger

KEynotE spEAKEr: dAvE roEvEr 

InspIrIng sTorIes anD a 

Message of Hope 

By Kelsey Kennedy 

For many Americans, September 11, 2001 was a pivotal day. 

For Dave Roever, it was a wake-up call. “When I saw those aircraft 

fly into those buildings, I knew that my life was not over,” he 

explained during his keynote speech at the opening session of 

the 84th National FFA Convention. That day was a reminder to 

keep reaching out and telling his story to students and members 

of the military. 

Roever is a Vietnam War veteran whose life was forever 

changed on July 26, 1969. While on a mission as part of the 

Brown Water Black Beret unit of the Navy, Roever stood poised 

and ready to throw a grenade. Before he could release it, a sniper 

shot the grenade. When it detonated, Roever suffered severe 

burns on his face and body, and his eight-month Navy career 

was brought to an end. He spent the next 14 months in the hospital, 

learning how to live life with his new face and hands. It was 

a difficult time for Roever, but he learned an important lesson: 

“When you lose hope, you lose everything. Never, never, never 

lose hope.” 

While he was in the hospital, Roever realized he had a unique 

story to tell. “It’s how you look at life that makes a difference,” he 


said. He was soon sneaking out 

of his room at Brooke Army Medical 

Center to speak to schools 

and churches. He didn’t just find 

speaking fun, he found it therapeutic. “Telling the story was my 

good medicine,” he said. Roever has since done six tours giving 

speeches to American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he’s 

given countless speeches to schools, churches and conventions. 

He’s spoken at FFA state conventions all over the country, and 

he’s made a few appearances at national convention over the 

years as well. As he puts it, “I love the FFA and it’s my favorite 

group.” 

On his speaking tours, Roever met plenty of wounded soldiers 

with whom he experienced many similar experiences. 

Roever realized he had been lucky and other soldiers and veterans 

needed his help. He started the Wounded Warrior Alliance 

to help injured soldiers answer the question, “What about the 

long term?” Soldiers in the program spend time at Eagles Summit 

ranch in Colorado. Over the course of the session, they 

go through public speaking coaching, mentoring and college 

courses. The speaking is an invaluable experience for many of 

the participants and gives them the tools to help others in their 

situation. “You don’t have to have an arm to speak, you don’t 

have to have a leg to talk,” Roever said. About 250 soldiers have 

attended the sessions at the ranch, and Roever is a dedicated 

mentor for them long after they leave. In his words, “I mentor 

for life.” He brought his dedication to America’s armed forces to 

convention, too. All bracelets sold at his booth over the course of 

the convention include a thank you postcard that members can 

fill out and Roever will give to the soldiers he speaks to abroad in 

early 2012. 

Roever’s stories were inspiring, and at times heartbreaking, 

but FFA members were certainly laughing through the entire keynote 

speech. At one point Roever joked about getting a physical 

for the draft and his poor grades in college. He said, “I got an O 

positive on my blood test!” His humor and his drive to help others 

are proof-positive that he lives his life to the fullest and wants 

to help others do the same. “You know that little dash between 

the day you’re born and the day you die?” he said. “What do you 

want your dash to say?” 

Kelsey Kennedy is a former member of the Willamina, Ore. FFA 

chapter. She is a science writing major at MIT currently taking 

some time off at Oregon State University.

KEynotE spEAKEr: vErnicE Armour 

‘flYgIrl’ fIres up MeMbers 

To engage In serVICe 

By Nicole Maul 

Motivational keynote speaker Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour proudly 

announced that FFA members were “Cleared Hot” on Friday, Oct. 

21 during the fourth general session of the 84th National FFA 

Convention. With the spotlight following Armour from the floor to 

the stage of Conseco Fieldhouse, she began her speech by sharing 

a key moment during her tour in Iraq. 

While flying the skies of Iraq in her combat helicopter, Armour 

and her teammates received a distress call from Marines on the 

ground looking to get aerial support. Armour’s aircraft only had 

one missile left and was running low on fuel. After finding the 

location of the ground troops, Armour flew toward the enemy 

target, was given permission to fire and released the missile. 

Nothing happened. 

After resetting every button and switch, the team had one last 

chance to make this mission a success. As they approached, 

they were able to drop their missile but knew turning back to see 

the outcome was not an option. 

there are going to be times where you fall, 

you stumble. you have obstacles and 

challenges but how you respond versus 

react is truly the key. 

Landing back on base, the team rushed to speak with the 

officer of the day, curious to find out what had happened. It was 

then that the officer told them that the target was destroyed and 

the Marines would make it back safely. 

Armour joined the Army Reserve in 1993 while attending 

Middle Tennessee State University. “I found something that could 

prepare me for my passion,” Armour said. “I actually loved being 

in the military, giving and being a part of that legacy.” That strong 

legacy translated to Armour’s own family, with her grandfather, 

father and stepfather each serving. 

During her training for the Army Reserve, Armour attended 

a career day with a friend. “I wanted to do anything where you 

could shoot a gun or blow something up,” Armour said. “I was 

looking at Artillery, Sniper Platoon, Delta Force, Green Berets, 


pretty much everything women 

couldn’t do.” 

Armour’s friend, however, was 

ready to move on to the aviation 

tent. “When we walked into the tent and I looked toward the 

back, I saw a black woman in a flight suit. I said, ‘Whoa, that is 

cool! Why didn’t I think of that?’” 

Following graduation, Armour was finally ready to follow 

her dream of becoming a police officer. She entered the police 

academy and, after graduating, joined the Nashville Police 

Department. Armour’s true dream was to join a mounted patrol 

team, however Nashville did not offer that at the time. Instead, 

she rode a steel horse — a Harley Davidson Road King 1350. 

“I decided to leave the force, my childhood dream, but I 

couldn’t stop thinking about being a combat pilot,” Armour said. 

“I can always be a police officer, but I won’t always have the 

opportunity to be a combat pilot.” 

While on tour in Iraq, Armour was on the fast track to success 

within her field when she failed a tactical test she was not 

prepared for. “Honestly, I was devastated. I felt like I had left 

so many people down. I knew that people were watching me, 

watching my performance. I knew that I was out there setting the 

standard,” Armour said. 

Once she was back in the United States, Armour began serving 

as a diversity officer and liaison to the Pentagon and was 

working on diversity policies in Quantico, Va. “It was an honor to 

be of service to the Marine Corps in that capacity,” Armour said. 

Being back in the states allowed her to experience other 

aspects of what the Marines had to offer. It also put her near her 

father, who was battling terminal bone cancer. Armour was able 

to visit him several times throughout the year. 

“My dad was my favorite Marine,” Armour said. During her 

last visit, she was able to be with her dad in the final moments of 

his life. 

Realization then hit Armour. “Failing that tactics test put me 

in the room with my dad. In that moment I knew, that given the 

opportunity I wouldn’t change a single thing about that test. After 

years of regretting failing that test, I now wouldn’t change a single 

thing.” 

“The Marine Corps was preparation for me to be able to do 

what I am doing now,” Armour added. “It gave me the foundation 

to really step out there and give that message of breakthrough 

mentality with the experiences to back it up.” 

The message of “One Mission, One Goal, One Team”

vErnicE Armour continuEd 

resonated well with FFA members. 

“FlyGirl was amazing, she really connected well with members,” 

Stacey Kunde, state parliamentarian of Wisconsin, said. 

Throughout the address, Armour stressed the importance of 

service in any outlet. ”You have permission to engage. It is inside 

of you and it is up to you to give yourself that permission to pull 

the trigger and shoot those missiles, bullets, rockets and destroy 

those obstacles that you have in life. Once you do that, you are 

cleared hot.” 

“Everything that’s in your flight suit has prepared you for where 

you are,” she added. And there are going to be times where you 

fall, you stumble. You have obstacles and challenges but how you 

respond versus react is truly the key.” 

Kunde agreed. “Students really needed to hear that. Now is the 

time to get involved, now is the time to take the initiative and go 

with it,” she said. 

For many FFA members, enlisting in the armed services upon 


graduation is one career path considered. After serving in the 

Army Reserve and Marines, Armour offered a recommendation to 

members. “Know why you are enlisting. It’s to serve your country 

and maybe one day to have to give the ultimate sacrifice,” Armour 

said. “Once you understand that and you are doing it for service, 

student loan repayments and seeing the world is all icing.” 

Even after her speech, Armour is adamant that she stay in contact 

with the students she speaks too. A new feature to Armour’s 

Facebook page is the Ready Room, an interactive way for her to 

stay in touch. “I still want to be available to help people create the 

breakthrough. Now they know some of the points and the tips, but 

it takes more than that. It’s the follow through,” Armour said. 

Nicole Maul is a former FFA member of the Fresno-Central 

FFA Chapter in Fresno, Calif. She is currently an agriculture 

communications junior at California State University, Fresno. You 

can reach Nicole by email at nmaul@mail.fresnostate.edu or on


concErt 

CounTrY MusIC arTIsTs sHare 

MoTIVaTIon WITH ffa MeMbers 

By Lauren Schwab 

Lucas Oil Stadium quickly filled with thousands of FFA members 

Thursday evening at the national FFA convention, anticipating 

the country music sensations of Blake Shelton, Little Big Town 

and Steel Magnolia. While their musical talent and flawless stage 

presence captivated the audience, the artists reminded FFA 

members of the hard work behind stage to achieve success. 

Meghan Linsey of Steel Magnolia expressed to FFA members 

the importance of setting goals and sticking to them. Linsey has 

found strength in standing apart from the crowd and striving to 

accomplish her goals despite the odds against her. “You can get 

lost in the shuffle, only you can do what you do well. If you can 

focus on what you do well and do that the best you possibly can, 

I think that no one can touch you. We all bring different things 

to the table, so just find out what that is in you and use it,” said 

Linsey. She has also not taken for granted the strength given to 

her through a strong support system. “I think it’s really important 

to have that unit around you, that’s one of the most important 

things when you’re trying to build something. Just keep people 

around you that are positive, that uplift you and support you,” 

said Linsey. 

For country quartet, Little Big Town, the importance in striving 

toward their goals is no different. They encourage FFA members 

to take a struggle or challenge they have gone through and use it 

for growth. “It (having gone through challenges) strengthened the 

bond between us. As a unit it made us closer and created a family 

bond because we’ve gone through so many things together,” 

said Jimi Westbrook. 

For Little Big Town, recording music and performing as a 


group succeeds through teamwork. “We have to be like-minded. 

It’s about the band; it’s not about one of us. So we come 

together and figure out what the band wants us to do and what 

goals we want to accomplish,” said Karen Fairchild, “It has to 

be a family discussion, a band discussion. There is chemistry 

between the four of us that is natural, but we also work hard at it 

because we take care of each other and make sure were headed 

toward the same goal.” 

Even with all the success they have achieved, the group is still 

striving to better themselves and encourages FFA members to 

do the same with their ambitions. “For us it’s creatively challenging 

and inspiring to do that (striving to do better) to put ourselves 

outside of where we would normally go. It’s in us to strive and 

push ourselves. It helps us to open up and try new things,” said 

Phillip Sweet. “Every night when we walk off stage we talk about 

what went well and what didn’t go so well, so the next night we 

can make it better. Every time we make a new record we talk 

about what the new goals are for that record… what we can 

do to make it more interesting than the last one,” said Kimberly 

Schlapman. 

FFA members will leave national convention with the motivation 

and tools to achieve premier leadership, personal growth and 

career success. Now is their time to say, “I believe I can.” 

Lauren Schwab is a former FFA member from Somerville, Ohio. 

She is a 2011 graduate of Miami University with a degree in 

journalism and women’s studies. She is currently a first year 

graduate student in family studies. Contact her at schwablm@ 

muohio.edu.

collEgiAtE 

CollegIaTe DeVelopMenT foruM seeKs 

To IMproVe CollegIaTe ffa CHapTers 

By Kara Miller 

At the 84th National FFA Convention, 

Collegiate FFA hosted the Collegiate 

Convention and its’ first Collegiate FFA 

Chapter Development and Growth 

Forum. 

Collegiate FFA is a program that 

enhances the college experience by 

encouraging all students to advocate for 

agriculture while developing their capacity 

for premier leaders and applying for successful 

careers. The goal of the Collegiate 

FFA Chapter Development Forum was to 

bring collegiate chapters together to discuss 

the pros and cons of their chapter 

as well as give chapters the opportunity 

to share ideas among each other. 

Twelve universities from throughout 

the country were present and prepared to 

share their ideas with other students. The 

forum began with introductions of all the 

students in attendance and was followed 

by the revealing of a three year plan that 

Marty Tatman, an educational specialist 

in collegiate programs, has been working 

on to give a new and improved vision the 

Collegiate FFA program. 

Tatman told the Collegiate FFA members 

that “Collegiate FFA has primarily 

been focused on career success, but it 

was now time to uphold the other parts 

of the mission statement.” 

Holding true to that statement, Tatman 

has a desire to re-release the 

Collegiate Life Knowledge website that 

was developed several years ago for 

students to successfully develop a Collegiate 

FFA chapter and keep it running. 

Collegiate Life Knowledge was a webpage 

that was dedicated to providing 

leadership workshops for Collegiate FFA 

members to use to help grow their university’s 

chapter. In addition, the thought 

of developing a grant program, with the 

help of the National FFA Foundation, is 

being investigated to help provide grants 


to starting and maintaining Collegiate FFA 

chapter. 

“Our three year plan is meant to 

bring people together to network,” said 

Tatman. 

Most students, when transitioning 

from a high school FFA chapter to a Collegiate 

FFA chapter really struggle with 

the differences in the programs. High 

school FFA chapters are focused on 

developing their leadership skills so they 

can succeed in all areas of life, while Collegiate 

FFA chapters are motivated mainly 

on finding and being hired into a career of 

their choice. 

This year, at the 84th National FFA 

Convention, there was an issue proposed 

to the delegate body regarding the creation 

of competitive events for Collegiate 

FFA members. This will be investigated 

in further detail (depending on the results 

of the delegation vote) after the 84th 

National FFA Convention is completed.

nAtionAl dAys of sErvicE 

2011 Service Sites 

The focus of the National FFA 

Organization’s National Days of 

Service (NDoS) program is to 

actively educate FFA members 

and their advisors on how 

various community needs can be 

addressed, how FFA members’ 

skills can be utilized to effect 

community change and how FFA 

members can take information 

learned at one community service 

site to provide a similar service in 

their own community. 

Damar Services 

Gleaners Food Bank 

Habitat for Humanity 

Indianapolis Downtown Inc. 

Indy Parks 

Jameson Camp 

Joy’s House 

Maplelawn Farmstead 

Second Helpings 

St. Vincent Depaul 

Strides to Success 

gleaners fooD banK 

anD ffa sTuDenTs senD 

CHIlDren HoMe WITH 

By Lauren Schwab 

For many students, Monday morning 

means a free school breakfast, ending 

two days of hunger pains. Thanks 

to Gleaners Food Bank in Indianapolis, 

thousands of children won’t have to 

experience this deprivation, because on 

Fridays they go home with a sack full of 

food for the weekend. FFA student volunteers 

assembled food sacks during the 

national FFA convention’s National Days 


of Service Thursday and Friday. 

Gleaners mission is to end hunger by 

engaging individuals and communities to 

provide food for people in need. They will 

distribute an estimated 2,000 sacks of 

food assembled during Days of Service 

to more than 350 partner agencies. Cindy 

Hubert, president and CEO, expressed 

Gleaners shared belief in FFA’s mission 

and encourages FFA members to help in 

their communities. “Young people should

dAy of sErvicE continuEd 

get involved; it’s a lifelong message of service,” says Hubert, 

“We (Gleaners) need time, talent and treasure.” 

Volunteers are always needed and essential to the food 

bank’s mission. Roger Teeple, FFA advisor for the Charles D. 

Owen FFA chapter in Black Mountain, N.C., brought his students 

to Gleaners Thursday to assemble sacks for children. 

Teeple tells his students doing little things for others can make 

a big difference. “One person they help today may go on to be 

an FFA member or go to college because of something they 

did,” says Teeple to his students. “It’s a good feeling to help 

people less fortunate than we are,” said Shelby Nix, one of 

Teeple’s students. 

Gleaners is the single most important food source for most 

hunger relief agencies in central and southeastern Indiana. 

Food and critical grocery products are received from donations, 

distributors and retailers to be distributed to charities. 

Gleaners serve those in need, an estimated 160,900 different 

people of all ages, but one of their most impactful programs is 

BackSacks Weekend Food for Kids. 

Food insecurity is defined as limited or uncertain availability 

of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or limited or uncertain 

ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways. 

Children can experience this during the weekend when school 

meals aren’t available to them. Gleaners assemble the sacks 

to distribute to partnering organizations such as churches and 

civic groups to store and deliver them to schools. BackSacks 

feed an estimated 70,000 different children each year. This 

service provides food security for children, so come Monday 

morning they have the energy and mental focus to learn. 

Sites participating in the program report improvements in 

children’s school attendance, behavior and self-esteem. The 

long-term goal of providing food security is to eliminate this 

stress, allowing children to be better prepared to become contributing 

members of the community. Hubert emphasized how 

food security gives children peace of mind to move on and 

pursue their goals. “They can focus on what they want to do, 

learn and move forward. It lessens stress, and there is more 

happiness because bellies are full,” said Hubert on the Back- 

Sacks program. 

The number of people experiencing food insecurity 

continues to rise. To learn more about Gleaners services 

contact Cindy Hubert, 317-927-3190 or chubert@ 

gleaners.org. To learn more about hunger in America, visit 

feedingamerica.org. 

Lauren Schwab is a former FFA member from Somerville, 

Ohio. She is a 2011 graduate of Miami University with a 

degree in journalism and women’s studies. She is currently 

a first year graduate student in family studies. Contact her at 

schwablm@muohio.edu. 


dAy of sErvicE continuEd 


cArEEr sHow 

Your fuTure Is aWaITIng 

By Kelli Fulkerson 

For 45 years, the National FFA Orga- 

nization has offered the National FFA 

Agricultural Career Show to showcase 

a plethora of career and college opportunities 

for FFA members, advisors and 

guests. This is a great way to spend an 

afternoon (or two) between walking to 

and from career development events or 

general sessions. 

If you were to walk through the aisles 

of the Indiana Convention Center (ICC) 

during the national FFA convention 

however, it would be a slightly different 

experience from previous years. The 

ICC expanded in 2011 to over 742,075 

square feet. This expansion allowed 68 

new exhibitors to become part of the 

2011 show, a 17 percent growth from 

2010. 

More than 300 diverse careers 

make up the industry of agriculture. The 

career show allows FFA members the 

opportunity to meet face-to-face with 

representatives of these companies and 

colleges. 

Sharon Signeley, public relations manager 

for TransCanada, a North American 

energy infrastructure company and firsttime 

careers show exhibitor, said, “Our 

company is extremely glad to become 

involved with the career show this year. 


Our company hopes to utilize the talent 

of students that the National FFA Organization 

produces.” 

National FFA recognizes each member 

has a different area of interest so 

new for this year is the show’s layout. 

It’s divided into eight distinct career 

pathways. These include Agribusiness 

Systems, Animal Systems, Biotechnology 

Systems, Environmental Service 

Systems, Food Products and Processing 

Systems, Natural Resource Systems, 

Plant Systems, and Power, Structural and 

Technical Systems. 

Additionally, a new AutoWorld section 

was added with exhibitors from various

cArEEr sHow continuEd 

automotive and racing industries. Auto- 

World, spans more than 8,000 square 

feet, allowing attendees to discover their 

inner drive and meet with exhibitors 

from NASCAR, ARCA and Sprint series, 

NHRA, IZOD IndyCar, Drag, Funny and 

Midget Racing. AutoWorld helps members 

connect their passion for cars and 

trucks to an education in the auto industry. 

Also three different NASCAR drivers 

will be available onsite throughout the 

week. 

Agriculture is consistently evolving, 

and many agriculture-related careers now 

require a vast amount of technical and 

scientific knowledge. Today it is more 

important than ever to earn a college 

degree or specific career training for your 

desired profession. For members, this 

is sometimes a complex and daunting 

decision to dive into. They not only have 

to choose the location of the college but 

also their overall career pathway. Luckily, 

the career show has 93 different colleges, 

universities and trade schools that 

are represented to help students make a 

more informed decision. 

The career show not only offers 

opportunities for students but also for 

advisors. Teachers’ World occupies a 

small section of the show and offers 

a variety of workshops aimed to give 

teachers a chance to learn more about 

products and topics that they can 

integrate into their classrooms. Across 

the hall, teachers can take a break in 

the Internet café, or participate in any 

one of the three interactive teacher 

classrooms. 

Kelli Fulkerson is a junior at South Dakota 

State University majoring in animal 

science with a minor in journalism. Kelli 

grew up on a small diversified farm in 

southwest Michigan where her deeply 

rooted passion for agriculture and the 

National FFA Organization came from. 

You can reach her at kelli.fulkerson@ 

jacks.sdstate.edu or through Twitter: @ 

kelliaggirl. 


nAtivE voicEs 

ConneCTIng CulTures In ffa 

By Kelsey Kennedy 

For Josh Moore, it all started his senior 

year of high school with an essay contest 

sponsored by the Intertribal Agriculture 

Council, an organization that promotes 

the conservation, development and 

use of agricultural resources for Native 

Americans. Soon, Moore was elected 

state vice president of the Arizona FFA 

association and was traveling all over the 

country to spread his message: Native 

Americans and their contributions to agriculture 

are important and these students 

need something like FFA in their lives. 

Eventually he was working with Erica 

Flores, coordinator for Diversity and Inclusion 

for the National FFA Organization, to 

help plan the Native American Heritage 

Celebration at the 84th National FFA 

Convention. The celebration featured 

displays of Native American culture on 

the national convention’s main stage. 

Also included was a round table discussion 

for FFA members, advisors and staff 

and members of the Native American 

community, including Janie Simms Hipp, 

senior tribal advisor to the U.S. Secretary 

of Agriculture and the director of the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office 

of Tribal Relations. The goal was to give 

FFA members a taste of Native American 

culture and educate them about diversity 

within FFA. Moore described the challenge 

best: “The biggest barrier between 

Native Americans and the rest of FFA is 

misconception.” 

Celebrating cultures 

Dazzling colors, swirling flutes and 

Native American dance took over the 

national convention stage after the last 

opening session on Wednesday night. 

The award-winning Native American 

musical group Brulé performed while 

dressed in traditional regalia. For Paul 

LaRouche, a member of the Lower Brule 

Sioux tribe and the founder of Brulé, their 

performance at national convention was 

“combination outreach, combination 

education and part rock concert.” While 

the performance was entertaining for the 

audience, it was not without purpose. “It is 

our hope that they’ll walk away with a new 

perception of Native America,” LaRouche 

said. “There are so many misconceptions 

about the culture, even to this day.” 

LaRouche and Brulé have performed 

the world over, bringing their culture 

and a message of peace to audiences. 

While national convention may not be the 

Peace Palace in the Netherlands, where 

Brulé performed in 2000, the group sees 

the visit as an opportunity to help create 

change for Native Americans involved in 

agriculture. 

LaRouche said, “We couldn’t be more 

thrilled, and there couldn’t be a better 

place to work on an ambassadorship 

between Native America and mainstream 

America.” He also hoped it would be a call 

to action. “I believe that there is something 

long and lasting that Native America has 

yet to contribute to FFA and what we 

would call the agriculture industry.” 


Wednesday night’s performance 

was followed by a blanket presentation 

the next day. During Thursday’s second 

general session, Chief Earl Old Person of 

the Blackfeet Nation, and a former FFA 

member, presented ceremonial woolen 

Pendleton blankets to the National FFA 

Officers and National FFA Advisor, Dr. 

Steve Brown. Each blanket featured 

special designs representing tribes from 

across the country and was a gesture of 

respect and unity. Dr. Brown’s blanket will 

soon be on display at the National FFA 

Center. 

For Chief Old Person, being surrounded 

by blue jackets was nothing new. 

He was a member of the Browning, Mont., 

FFA Chapter in the 1940s and credits FFA 

with giving him skills to help him in his 

daily life. “Being a part of the FFA chapter 

gave me an experience of leadership,” 

he said. While he learned leadership, he 

also had the opportunity to meet FFA 

members from all over the country, and 

he even played in the Montana FFA band. 

“They were rewarding because there was 

a lot I learned from those activities,” he 

said. Chief Old Person, who speaks fluent 

Blackfeet, helped interpret for tribal elders 

into the 1950s. In 1954 he joined the tribal 

council and was declared a lifetime chief 

in 1978. 

Changing conversations 

Thursday morning, a meeting room 

at the Indiana Convention Center was full 

of FFA members, staff and members of

nAtivE voicEs continuEd 

the Native American community. They had traveled from all 

over the country to discuss the future of Native American 

students in FFA and how to help other FFA members learn 

more about their culture. While Flores and Moore expected 

around 30 people to come, more than 100 people made 

their way to the round table over the course of the morning. 

The discussion was engaging for everyone, but the event 

had an especially large impact on the students. “These 

kids, they realized what they’re a part of,” Moore said. “It 

brought that sense of belonging that a lot of these kids 

crave.” 

Hipp agreed. “There are just so many students who are 

hungry for an FFA or a 4-H.” 

Coming to the round table was an easy choice for Hipp. 

“I was immediately on board,” she said. For her, getting 

Native American FFA members is of the utmost importance 

and is key to the long-term success of students and FFA. 

She said, “We’ve got to get the next set of ag educators to 

reach out to Native students. It has to be embraced as a 

part of the FFA curriculum and delivery model.” 

Montana chapters have been integrating Native American 

education into their state activities for the last six years 

with the FFA/American Indian Program. The project was 

started in 2006 by Bill Jimmerson, Montana’s state FFA advisor, 

as an educational program to help students share their 

culture. Each year, chapters from across the state prepare 

PowerPoint presentations and dances highlighting different 

traditions. The winning chapter would often present at 

national convention, but now they are working with the diversity 

program at the national level. The changes in Montana 

have been noticeable. “After three years of this program, kids 

were interspersed among all of the kids because they felt like 

they were a part of the group. To me, that’s the best part,” 

Jimmerson said. While the FFA/American Indian Program is 

creating momentum in Montana, it is just one small step forward. 

Jimmerson said, “We still have a long way to go, even 

in Montana.” 

Flores hopes to bring Montana’s spirit to the national 

level. With 210 chapters across the country serving students 

who identify as Native American, bringing together 

chapters that feel isolated have helped people to connect 

and “be with those they identify with,” said Flores. “From 

the start, it was about engaging those that typically aren’t.” 

Flores and her team put together a video and other material 

to be used by chapters and advocates for education 

both on the local and national level. The materials can even 

be used for states to have their own heritage celebrations. 

The events at national convention were just the beginning. 

Flores said, “The whole process has been transformational, 

and I know the real transformation hasn’t even begun.” 


nAtionAl ffA Alumni 

2011 aWarD reCIpIenTs 

outstanding scrapbook 

gold stoughton ffa alumni – Stoughton, Wis. – 1st Place Overall 

silver anthony Wayne ffa alumni – Whitehouse, Ohio 

Denmark ffa alumni – Denmark, Wis. – 3rd Place Overal 

Milton ffa alumni – Milton, Wis. – 2nd Place Overall 

northeast Jones ffa alumni – Laurel, Miss. 

bronze Cascade ffa alumni – Cascade, Iowa 

lexington ffa alumni – Lexington, Tenn. 

outstanding newsletter 

gold Denmark ffa alumni – Denmark, Wis. – 1st Place Overall 

silver anthony Wayne ffa alumni – Whitehouse, Ohio – 2nd Place Overall 

Marshall ffa alumni – Marshall, Mich – 3rd Place Overall 

bronze putnam County ffa alumni – Palatka, Fla. 

outstanding state newsletter 

gold ohio state ffa alumni association – 1st Place Overall 

silver Wisconsin ffa alumni association – 2nd Place Overall 

outstanding Website 

silver Denmark ffa alumni – Denmark, Wis. – 1st Place Overall 

putnam County ffa alumni – Palatka, Fla. – 2nd Place Overall 

bronze lexington ffa alumni – Lexington, Tenn. – 3rd Place Overall 

outstanding state Website 

gold ohio ffa alumni association – 2nd Place Overall 

Wisconsin ffa alumni association – 1st Place Overall 

silver north Carolina ffa alumni association – 3rd Place Overall 

bronze georgia ffa alumni 

Congratulations to Dalhart ffa alumni in Texas! 

Out of 143 new/reactivating affiliates this year, they were drawn as the 

recipient of the affiliate incentive program and receive the following: 

$500 for Dalhart ffa alumni 

$500 for their FFA Advisor, Mr. bryce Hines 

We would like to make a special recognition to Ken seering of Wisconsin 

and William Teague of North Carolina for 38 and 39 years respectively of 

recruiting alumni members since the birth of FFA Alumni. 


NATIONAL FFA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 

Distinguished Contributor 

The Distinguished Contributor Award is the 

National FFA Alumni Association’s highest honor 

to an individual, group/organization or company 

that has made a significant contribution to FFA 

Alumni. 

Farm credit 

Farm Credit has 

been a longtime 

supporter of FFA. Their contributions to local FFA chapters, 

fairs, state associations and other FFA-related 

activities have impacted thousands of students. Farm 

Credit expanded their support to include the National 

FFA Alumni and over the past four years has donated 

$100,000 to support the FFA Alumni Development 

Conference. This financial support enables the association 

to keep conference fees affordable for participants 

and provide quality resources and presenters. FFA 

Alumni across the nation are grateful to Farm Credit 

and their employees for supporting and advocating for 

agricultural education and FFA. 

United country Auction 

services 

Mike Jones, President 

Shawn Terrel, Vice President 

Kevin Oldham, Vice President, 

United Country Marketing Services 

Since 2007, United Country Auction Services (UCAS) 

has conducted the National FFA Alumni live benefit 

auction. As a professional auctioneer company, UCAS 

leadership knew their company could bring professionalism 

to the live auction and help generate even 

more funds for student scholarships. Since offering their 

in-kind services in 2007, UCAS has helped the auction 

rise to new heights. UCAS provided the ability to 

simultaneously broadcast the live auction on the web 

for people to bid from home. On average the online 

catalog receives 5,000 views and 40 additional bidders 

the night of the auction. In addition to their onsite services, 

UCAS annually donates staff time and resources 

to the creation of auction promotional materials. The 

partnership with UCAS has not only benefited the auction 

at the national level, but also created connections 

between local FFA chapters and UCAS offices.

nAtionAl ffA Alumni continuEd 

legion of Merit 

central region 

Name and State Years 

Jared Callahan – Iowa 1 

nick Callahan – Iowa 3 

steve Deidrich – Iowa 1 

penny Derry – Iowa 2 

alison green – Iowa 1 

Clyde Johnson – Iowa 1 

Jason Kurt – Iowa 1 

Milt luckstead, sr. – Iowa 1 

sharon Martin – Iowa 3 

Cody Mclees – Iowa 2 

eastern region 


ellery sinclair – Conn. 12 

bill Wesson – Ill. 1 

Ted Hughes – Ill. 1 

lucy Whitehead – Ind. 3 

David Miller – Md. 

. 

3 

southern region 


gary lee – Fla. 19 

John barnes – Ga. 13 

Virgil blalock – Ga. 1 

Joy Carter – Ga. 7 

Jamison Cruse – Ga. 1 

Western region 


sue Wagner – Ore. 1 

stars & blue blazers 

3 stars plus Blazer 

florida 

Illinois 

Iowa 

Kentucky 

3 star 

Indiana 

louisiana 

Minnesota 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

ohio 

2 star 

alabama 

arkansas 


Josie McQuillen – Iowa 1 

Jane schmidt – Iowa 3 

steve stoll – Iowa 7 

Julie Weirup – Iowa 1 

Joyce e. sayre – Mo. 27 

leah sayre – Mo. 3 

lorene bailey – Mont. 1 

Yova lynn – Mont. 1 

Darcy street – Mont. 1 

Darlene arneson – Wis. 7 


Darryl Walker – Md. 1 

putt Willett – Md. 1 

Jason Manke – Mich. 1 

Deborah Johlin–bach – Ohio 6 

rebecca beck – Ohio 1 


Jim east – Ga. 11 

sharon gary – Ga. 1 

Charlotte gilman – Ga. 1 

Johnny Jones – Ga. 2 

Mona Jones – Ga. 1 

oregon 

Texas 

Wisconsin 

1 star 

arizona 


Thelma behnke – Wis. 10 

floyd f. behnke – Wis. 13 

Kathy breunig – Wis. 1 

Virgie Damp – Wis. 7 

John elvekrog – Wis. 7 

James grasee – Wis. 2 

Joyce gust – Wis. 6 

Tracy Heinbuch – Wis. 2 

Darrell Hines – Wis. 19 

robert Keough – Wis. 6 


Jacob bruner – Ohio 1 

Colleen Cape – Ohio 3 

Doris Disher – Ohio 11 

les Disher – Ohio 5 

Michael gower – Ohio 1 

Kevin Jennings – Ohio 1 


Cynthia Kennedy – Ga. 1 

gary Kesler – Ga. 3 

bill lott – Ga. 5 

Chris Mullinax – Ga. 8 

george parks – Ga. 6 



larry a. lader – Wis. 3 

sandra Maerny – Wis. 1 

Harold seebecker – Wis. 22 

Janice seebecker – Wis. 18 

Ken seering – Wis. 38 

Jan stranz – Wis. 6 

eugene sperry – Wis. 3 

Cheryl Van rite – Wis. 1 

Jerry Wendt – Wis. 8 

robert Wolfe – Wis. 7 


sean nolan – Ohio 1 

Mitzi Martin – Ohio 5 

lexie poulson – Ohio 15 

John poulson – Ohio 7 

steve sewell – Ohio 1 

Vicky ryan – Ohio 11 


fran surrette – Ga. 1 

David overcash – N.C. 6 

William Teague – N.C. 39 

Michael stanford – Tenn. 2 

Jerry Wood – Tenn. 4


state ffa officer Teams 

100% lifetime Members 

arkansas 

georgia 

Illinois 

Iowa 

Kentucky 

11% Membership 

Challenge 

The National FFA Alumni Council challenged each 

state to increase the number of new/reactivating 

affiliates in their states by 11%. These states met 

the 2011 Membership Challenge: 

alabama 

arizona 

georgia 

Illinois 

Iowa 

Kentucky 

louisiana 

Mississippi 

nebraska 

north Carolina 

oregon 

Tennessee 

Minnesota 

Mississippi 

new Mexico 

new York 

north Carolina 

ohio 

south Carolina 

Virginia 

Washington 

Wisconsin 

Texas 

Virginia 

Washington 

Congratulations to Cody lynn 

Koch of Illinois! 

Cody’s name was drawn at the 2011 National FFA 

Convention from more than 500 American FFA 

Degree recipients who joined the National FFA Alumni 

Association to receive the following: 

$1,000 college scholarship 


outstanding pioneer affiliate 

silver 

Dundee Middle school ffa alumni – Dundee, Fla. – 1st Place 

Overall 

outstanding affiliates 

gold 

Cissna park ffa alumni – Cissna Park, Ill. – 2nd Place Overall 

lexington ffa alumni – Lexington, Tenn. 

stoughton ffa alumni – Stoughton, Wis. – 1st Place Overall 

WaKeeney ffa alumni – WaKeeney, Kan. 

West rowan ffa alumni – Mt. Ulla, N.C. – 3rd Place Overall 

silver 

alliance ffa alumni – Alliance, Neb. 

bushnell–prairie City ffa alumni – Bushnell, Ill. 

Caledonia ffa alumni – Caledonia, Mich. 

gallatin ffa alumni – Belgrade, Mont. 

Marshall ffa alumni – Marshall, Mich. 

Mt. Vernon ffa alumni – Mt. Vernon, Ill. 

Washington Co. ffa alumni – Washington, Kan. 

Waterloo ffa alumni – Waterloo, Ill. 

Bronze 

Cascade ffa alumni – Cascade, Iowa 

eldorado ffa alumni – Eldorado, Ill. 

Homer ffa alumni – Homer, Mich. 

Independence ffa alumni – Coldwater, Miss. 

parke County ffa alumni – Livingston, Mont. 

sebring ffa alumni – Sebring, Fla. 

seneca ffa alumni – Seneca, Ill. 

south rowan ffa alumni – China Grove, N.C. 

outstanding state ffa alumni 

associations 

silver 

georgia ffa alumni association 

Illinois ffa alumni association – 1st Place Overall 

Bronze 

Montana ffa alumni association


additional Membership awards 

Affiliate Most Members 

Denmark ffa alumni – Denmark, Wis. – 569 members 

state Most Members 

1st place – Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association – 8,646 members 

2nd place – Illinois FFA Alumni Association – 5,300 members 

Most life Members 

Denmark ffa alumni – Denmark, Wis. – 552 lifetime members 

Wisconsin ffa alumni association – 5,127 lifetime members 

largest Percent Membership growth 

3rd place – Alabama FFA Alumni Association – 46% increase 

2nd place – Utah FFA Alumni Association – 58% increase 

1st place – Louisiana FFA Alumni Association – 141% increase 

Percent FFA Alumni membership to FFA 

membership 

3rd place – Montana FFA Alumni Association – 34% 

2nd place – Rhode Island FFA Alumni Association – 36% 

1st place – Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association – 47% 

local program support grant recipients 

Chapter and state project 

baker County sr. ffa – Fla. Poultry Barn Improvements 

Dixie Middle ffa – Fla. Dressing in the Right Step 

Martinez ffa Promoting Ag Ed to Strengthen the Local Program 

ocoee Middle school ffa Poultry Coop Redo 

pine ridge ffa Ag Communications Resources 

pike County High ffa School Chicken Coop Project 

Toombs County ffa Farm Day Community Garden 

eldorado ffa Hydroponics in Agriculture 

Carlisle County ffa Ag Power, Structural & Tech Systems Program Safety 

Homer ffa Greenhouse Improvements 

pettisville ffa GIS Readiness Through FarmWorks Software 

ontario High school ffa Official Dress Borrowing Bank 

portland High school ffa In a Small, Small Pond 

Chuckey–Doak ffa Lighting Up the Farm 

rouse ffa Community Gardening Project 

brookwood ffa Food Science, Learning by Doing 

Hustisford ffa Promotion and Communication 

Janesville parker ffa Introduction to Veterinary Science Labs 

Merrill ffa Infinite Member Potential 

Weston ffa Biotechnology in Agriculture 


Local Program Support Grants 

Sponsored by


outstanding achievement award recipients 

The Outstanding Achievement Award is the National FFA Alumni Association’s highest award presented to an individual. 

The purpose of this award is to recognize FFA Alumni members for outstanding service to agricultural education, FFA and 

FFA Alumni. This is a very prestigious award with no more than three awards presented in a given year. 

gary lee – Sebring, Fla. 

As one of eight children, Gary is no 

stranger to hard work and knowing 

how to pull your own weight. 

He graduated from Branford High 

School and received an Associates 

of Art from Lake City Community 

College. Gary then attended the 

University of Florida and received 

his bachelor of science and master’s degrees. He went on to teach 

agricultural education at Fort Meade High School. Gary has a longstanding 

tradition of agriculture teachers in his family and is one of 

three brothers to teach agriculture in Florida. 

Gary continued his career as an agricultural consultant for the 

Florida Department of Education and stepped into the role of coordinator 

of vocational education, Highlands County School Board, 

and taught part-time at Sebring Middle & Sebring High School. 

William J. lott – Braselton, Ga. 

For almost three decades, William 

J. “Bill” Lott has been employed by 

the University of Georgia for the past 

29 years. He holds a position with 

the School of Forestry and Natural 

Resources as the assistant forestry 

resources manager. One of his many 

duties and responsibilities is to serve 

as one of the “keepers” of the 330 

acres designated as Thompson Mills 

Forest, which was deeded to the 

University of Georgia in 1980 by Lenox T. Thornton of Braselton, 

Ga. The forest was named in honor of the Thompson Mills 

Jeff nofziger – Wauseon, 

Ohio 

Jeff Nofzinger has been a Life 

Member of the National FFA 

Alumni (Pettisville) since June 

2006. Jeff is a fulltime grain 

farmer and also finishes out 

steers. Jeff grew up on a farm; 

his father milked cows so he 

learned at an early age the value of a hard day’s work. Jeff is 

also employed by Clover Leaf Cold Storage and works in the 

insurance department there. His true passion is agriculture and 

farming, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. 


Now Gary is semi-retired and yet still acting as the CTE resource 

teacher with Highlands County School Board. 

Gary has been a dedicated advocate and supporter of FFA and 

has been honored for his efforts. He received the Honorary State 

Farmer Degree and the Honorary American Farmer Degree. Gary 

serves many chapters and has been recognized by seven with 

the Honorary Chapter Degree. The Florida FFA Alumni Association 

awarded him the Outstanding Florida FFA Alumni Award. Gary has 

coached numerous State Parliamentary Procedure award-winning 

teams. He has served as both president and secretary/treasurer 

on the Florida FFA Alumni Board of Directors. He has received the 

Legion of Merit Citation for 19 years and attended many FFA Alumni 

national conventions as a voting delegate. 

Gary never stops his quest to benefit FFA and agricultural education 

and believes he is a lifelong student. Attending the last four 

FFA Alumni development conferences has helped him become a 

better advocate. 

community, a prominent agricultural center at the turn of the 

century. 

Bill is a lifetime charter member of three FFA Alumni affiliates: 

East Jackson, Jackson and Jefferson City FFA alumni. Lott is 

also a lifetime member of Young Farmers; he was president of the 

local Lion’s Club and is currently deacon in his church. Bill was an 

honorary page to two state representatives. 

Bill’s leadership, endless volunteering, fundraising efforts and 

the outstanding service he has provided over the years is now 

recognized and rewarded by his peers. The passion Bill has for 

FFA/FFA Alumni is helping students become all they can be and 

making sure others know they can be a part of FFA Alumni and 

contribute to the success of agriculture without having been an 

FFA member. 

Jeff joined FFA and continued his passion for agriculture and 

leadership. He is a member of Pork Producers and Farm Bureau. 

Jeff began his affiliation with FFA Alumni when his eldest son was 

a junior in high school (now 27 years) and has continued to be 

active since. Jeff’s passion for FFA/FFA Alumni is watching kids 

excel in things they didn’t think they could do. He enjoys going 

to FFA events and also conventions watching students compete, 

learn and win. 

Jeff has spent many hours over the years volunteering his time 

and energy to FFA/FFA Alumni. He has given outstanding service 

to his local chapter and affiliate. Jeff is definitely someone who 

carries out the Alumni Vision to create a world where people and 

communities can grow and develop to their fullest potential.


Convention VIp 

The Convention VIP was selected from 

the 2011 Legion of Merit Recipients for 

an elite convention experience with red 

carpet treatment. 

Colleen Cape—Edgerton, Ohio 

Colleen and her husband 

(Stan) live on a grain farm 

in northwest Ohio. Colleen 

has two children, Austin 

and Krista. For the past 

18 years she has served 

as the high school aide 

for Edgerton Local Schools. She holds the 

office of fiscal officer of Milford Township 

and treasurer of Edgerton FFA Alumni. Colleen’s 

strong attachment to FFA started as 

a member. Her son received the first American 

Degree at Edgerton, and her daughter 

received hers two years later. 

My husband and I watched how the FFA 

organization impacted our children’s lives. 

There is no better organization to challenge 

and create a confident young person than 

FFA. We formed our alumni charter in 2005, 

and it has grown steadily every year. With all 

the budgetary problems facing the schools 

today, I feel it is imperative that we form a 

strong voice to keep our local FFA chapters 

active and thriving! 

alumni Candids 

ohio legion of Merit recipients Make 

Clean sweep! 

1st Place was the Convention VIp experience. 

Here are the second and third place winners: 

Mitzi Martin, ohio – $100 FFA gift card 

Deborah l. Johlin–Bach, Ohio – iPod 

national ffa alumni benefit auctions 

state Basket contest 

Best Overall: oregon ffa alumni – $550 Washington Leadership Conference 

Scholarship 

President’s Choice: north Carolina ffa alumni – $200 grant toward FFA Alumni 

Development Conference registration 

People’s Choice: georgia ffa alumni – $250 Washington Leadership Conference 

Scholarship 

Thank You to our 2010–2011 

Corporate Members 

D’ercole farm & garden Center—Norwood, N.J. 

farmland ampride—Oakes, N.D. 

Industrial railroad service Inc.—Gray, La. 

International agri–Center/Word ag expo—Tulare, Calif. 

James Valley grain—Verona, N.D. 

pender grain—Pender, Neb. 

snader farms, llC—Windsor, Md. 

Wheat growers—Oakes, N.D. 




aMerICan Degree reCIpIenTs 

AlABAMA: Christopher black, 

Lawrence County FFA; Justen 

brothers, Douglas FFA; Hunter 

garnett, Danville FFA; andrea Michelle 

pittman, Eufaula FFA; Will Wright, 

Rogersville FFA 

AlAskA: Corinne ogle, Homer FFA 

AriZonA: Colton brown, 

Amphitheater FFA; Wyatt l. Carpenter, 

Coolidge FFA; Heather Marie Deleon 

Chumbley, Desert Ridge FFA; Kayla 

Joy Colvin, Red Mountain FFA; Kylie 

rose Davis, Mesquite FFA; ethan 

John Holt, Buckeye FFA; Cheyanne 

Keith, Benson FFA; Mariah Kerr, 

Buckeye FFA; Kori King, Buckeye FFA; 

Kolt b. McKinney, Safford FFA; luke 

Menges, Safford FFA; Kelli porter, 

Safford FFA; Jenna lynn schulte, Red 

Mountain FFA; sylvalyn simpson, 

Benson FFA; steven e. Terrell, Elfrida 

FFA; Macey Wildermuth, Yuma FFA; 

abigail Yepiz, Yuma FFA; Jessica 

Zamudio, Benson FFA 

ArkAnsAs: Hattie anastasio, Elkins 

FFA; Justin Craig bacon, Har-Ber 

FFA; andrew bolton, Lake Hamilton 

FFA; andi Carlton, Valley Springs 

FFA; amanda Crangle, Bismarck FFA; 

Dustin Dixon, Siloam Springs FFA; 

Mollie Dykes, Lake Hamilton FFA; brian 

Heath ertle, Guy-Perkins FFA; andrew 

Haggard, Searcy FFA; Jessica Heffley, 

Lincoln FFA; Mason Hudson, Searcy 

FFA; Jessica Johnson, Lincoln FFA; 

samantha leona Maestas, Lincoln 

FFA; ellie Morales, Lincoln FFA; ashley 

nelson, Valley Springs FFA; Trapper 

padgett, Conway FFA; Kayla samples, 

Emerson FFA; Wesley Clayton smith, 

Mountain Home FFA; Meghan oleta 

sommers, Morrilton FFA; Tessa souers, 

Valley Springs FFA; James Ira stone, 

Delight FFA; reilly Thurow, Lincoln FFA 

cAliForniA: Caroline renee adam, 

Santa Maria - Righetti FFA; Dominic 

agresti-assali, Turlock FFA; Memorie 

Monique aguerre, Chino FFA; Hugo 

aguilar, Calexico FFA; Trevor Jonathan 

airola, Bret Harte FFA; Jordan 

elizabeth albiani, Elk Grove FFA; 

Christian alexandre, Del Norte FFA; 

natalie Michelle allen, Carpinteria 

FFA; David almaraz, Wasco FFA; 

ethan alvares, Turlock-Pitman FFA; 

Colby anderson, Hamilton City FFA; 

lindsey anderson, Escalon FFA; 

allison andrews, Chino FFA; 

Catherine anstead, Winters FFA; Cory 

a. arlt, Modesto-Enochs FFA; aubree 

atwood, Turlock-Pitman FFA; Jerry 

avila, Modesto-Enochs FFA; amanda 

Jean bagwell, Oakhurst-Yosemite FFA; 

breanna baker, Nipomo FFA; garrett 

baker, Exeter FFA; Michael e. baker, 

Modesto-Enochs FFA; Devin baptista, 

Hilmar FFA; ariel Therese barcelos, 

Chowchilla FFA; Kaitlyn beach, King 

City FFA; Tyler beck, Hanford FFA; 

Juan D. bedolla, Santa Maria FFA; 

Jade bell, Porterville FFA; Kathleen 

bello, Morgan Hill-Sobrato FFA; ashley 

evette benitez, Lindsay FFA; breanna 

aleis benton, Bret Harte FFA; Michael 

berner, Hughson FFA; staci ann 

bettencourt, Willows FFA; Dominic 

bettini, Madera FFA; erica bianchi, 

Hollister FFA; Kateyln bielen, Nevada 

Union FFA; nicole billington, 

Kingsburg FFA; Joseph alan bishop, 

Wheatland FFA; Matt bonds, 

Porterville FFA; stephanie bonomini, 

Eureka FFA; Victoria Vanessa 

bowman, Fowler FFA; allexandra 

brandon, Kingsburg FFA; Mandy 

brazil, Petaluma FFA; Kendra 

brennan, Sonora FFA; Morgan 

bressler, Colusa FFA; Colby brown, 

Hayfork FFA; rosebud brumley, 

Escalon FFA; ashley budde, Morgan 

Hill FFA; Kendal butterfield, Nevada 

Union FFA; olivia Caetano, Hanford 

FFA; Joan M. Cain, Arbuckle FFA; 

allison Cameron, El Centro FFA; rudy 

Carbajal, Calexico FFA; Jessica 

Cardon, Bakersfield-Foothill FFA; 

Christa Cardoza, Tulare FFA; Miguel 

Carrillo, Hamilton City FFA; Chad 

Carter, Kingsburg FFA; emily Cary, 

Lakeside-El Capitan FFA; brittany 

Cavaletto, Madera FFA; Christina 

Cefalu, Morgan Hill-Sobrato FFA; 

emily Cehrs, Clovis FFA; adriana 

Chaffin, Kern Valley FFA; Maddy 

Chaney, Porterville FFA; samuel 

patrick Cheda, Petaluma FFA; Holly 

May Chesnut, Delta FFA; James 

Christopher Clawson, Selma FFA; 

Josina Juliet Conant, East Nicolaus 

FFA; Matt Conant, East Nicolaus FFA; 

Joseph Conley, Corcoran FFA; ashley 

Correia, Lemoore FFA; steven Cox, 

Nipomo FFA; Jessica Crawford, Norco 

FFA; amy Crockett, Firebaugh FFA; 

John Crum, Exeter FFA; Hugo Cruz, 

Florin FFA; ralph (rocco) 

Cunningham, Petaluma FFA; Tré 

Davis, Porterville FFA; austin e. Day, 

Turlock-Pitman FFA; Cameron Delsol, 

Woodland FFA; ryan Denier, Galt FFA; 

seth Dewey, Hanford FFA; l. ryan 

Dias, Hanford FFA; alejandra Dimas, 

Morgan Hill FFA; Juana Doroteo, 

Wasco FFA; Justin Dorris, Delta FFA; 

Matthew Doughty, Salinas FFA; 

lauren Droogh, Lemoore FFA; 

ashleigh Dunn, Santa Rosa FFA; 

“Dusty” Christine l. Dyer, Woodland 

FFA; Jayson edgerle, Wasco FFA; 

Daniel egleston, Reedley FFA; Kyle 

eisenga, Ripon FFA; Casey erickson, 

Porterville FFA; nicole ervin, Porterville 

FFA; Kenda esperson, Rio Vista FFA; 

John esteves, Ripon FFA; Meagan 

evangelho, Lemoore FFA; Val evans, 

Hanford FFA; Kaleb eye, Chowchilla 

FFA; elizabeth farias, Parlier FFA; 

landon fernandes, Tulare FFA; 

Matthew fields, Ripon FFA; erik 

figueroa, Wasco FFA; Jake figueroa, 

Corcoran FFA; Javier flores, Corcoran 

FFA; Vincent flores, Santa Maria - 

Righetti FFA; Dustin franco, Hollister 

FFA; amie nicole french, Bret Harte 

FFA; Joshua fridlund, Kingsburg FFA; 

Jason gagnon, Exeter FFA; Cody 

gambril, Oakhurst-Yosemite FFA; 

Katelin garbani, Pine Valley-Mountain 

Empire, Jacquelynne garcia, Foothill- 

Bakersfield FFA; Juan garcia, 

Littlerock FFA; ryan garcia, Hughson 

FFA; Kierston gardner, Kingsburg 

FFA; blake ginder, Templeton FFA; 

Jacob gomez, Tulare FFA; Justin 

gonzales, Le Grand FFA; silvestre 

gonzales, Parlier FFA; Manny 

gonzalez, Tulare FFA; ben granholm, 

Nevada Union FFA; brittani green, 

Chino FFA; erica greenmyer, Lodi 

FFA; Hanna greenmyer, Lodi FFA; 

Jared gregory, Tulare FFA; 

alexandrea Michelle guerra, Santa 

Maria - Righetti FFA; Janessa 

guerrero, Lemoore FFA; Clayton 

shane guillemin, Oakhurst-Yosemite 

FFA; Jacob gwerder, Arbuckle FFA; 

Chad Hanse, Hanford FFA; amy 

elizabeth Hansen, Fowler FFA; Kelee 

Harding, Pioneer Valley FFA; 

Christopher Harless, King City FFA; 

Mak Hays, Hanford FFA; Cheyenne 


Hefley, Sierra FFA; Matthew 

Henriksen, Kingsburg FFA; Dale 

Henry, Hanford FFA; nolan 

Hildebrand, Templeton FFA; austin 

Hill, Delta FFA; brent Hosfeldt, 

Porterville FFA; loretta Howard, 

Orland FFA; andrew Huffman, Tulelake 

FFA; Jared Hughes, Porterville FFA; 

alejandro Huitzil, King City FFA; 

Makenzie Humphrey, Lodi FFA; sara 

Hylton, Eureka FFA; Keylee r. Jacobs, 

Dixon FFA; robert Jansen, Turlock 

FFA; Miguel Jimenez, Laton FFA; 

Daniel Jones, Hamilton City FFA; 

Monica Jorge, Gustine FFA; ethan 

Junio, Tulare FFA; ryan Kasson, 

Nipomo FFA; shelbi Kautz, Kingsburg 

FFA; briana Kehn, Sierra FFA; austin 

Knapp, Dixon FFA; Dillon Knight, 

Firebaugh FFA; Drew Knight, Hamilton 

City FFA; robert Konda, Porterville 

FFA; nathan ryan Kuester, Sonora-La 

Habra FFA; Kaitlyn lane, Porterville 

FFA; brittany lasalle, Nipomo FFA; 

Jacob l. r. lauritzen, Indio FFA; 

brandon lee, Hanford FFA; Dylan H. 

linhares, Turlock FFA; lizandro 

lopez, Lemoore FFA; Hannah lovfald, 

Eureka FFA; Matt lusby, Chino FFA; 

Joe Madrid, Bakersfield-Foothill FFA; 

Margery evelyn Magill, Marysville FFA; 

andrew Mancini, Kingsburg FFA; 

alexander Mandrusiak, Poway FFA; 

Marissa Mankins, Arroyo Grande FFA; 

german Marquez, Tulelake FFA; sarah 

Martin, Morgan Hill-Sobrato FFA; 

Melissa Maultsby, Fallbrook FFA; 

Madison Maximo, Pine Valley- 

Mountain Empire, Clint McClure, 

Tulare FFA; lauren McCorkle, 

Hamilton City FFA; sylvia Medeiros, 

Gustine FFA; Tiffany Mekeel, 

Porterville FFA; Kalena Mellott, 

Lemoore FFA; Matthew Mellott, 

Lakeside-El Capitan FFA; Kyle M. 

Mendes, Modesto FFA; amanda 

Meneses, Tulare FFA; sam Merwin, 

Delta FFA; Hayden Meyers, Colusa 

FFA; sierra June Meyers, Madera FFA; 

loren Migliazzo, Atwater-Buhach 

Colony FFA; Kaitlyn Milam, Ripon FFA; 

sean Miller, Reedley FFA; stephen 

Miller, Tracy FFA; Cassie scot Miner, 

Riverdale FFA; Manuel Miranda, Santa 

Maria FFA; napoleon Miranda, King 

City FFA; Chelsea Christina Molina, 

Elk Grove FFA; erin leigh Monahan, 

Petaluma FFA; Tim Montzingo, Delta 

FFA; nickolas Moran, Florin FFA; 

Kelsey Morrell, Lemoore FFA; sarah 

ann Morris, Poway FFA; lauren Moss, 

Elk Grove FFA; Timothy Ian Mullion, 

Sonora-La Habra FFA; James Myers, 

Laton FFA; paige nafziger, Woodland- 

Pioneer FFA; frances bradley 

negranza, Campbell FFA; Zack 

nichols, Arroyo Grande FFA; Karly 

adriana nieuwkoop, Chowchilla FFA; 

Desiree nihart, Poway FFA; Marlisa 

nordstrom, Fullerton-Sunny Hills FFA; 

70

AmEricAn dEgrEE rEcipiEnts continuEd 

addison nunes, Tulare FFA; alexa 

nunes, Gustine FFA; lianne Michele 

nunes, Tomales FFA; phillip John 

nunes, Hanford FFA; patricio orozco, 

Santa Maria FFA; ramon orozco, 

Santa Maria FFA; Kara orr, Los Banos 

FFA; Jared overmyer, Lemoore FFA; 

breanne pacheco, Hanford FFA; 

Hannah pacheco, Tulare FFA; 

Michael forrest pankey, Arroyo 

Grande FFA; Quinton parker, 

Firebaugh FFA; eric parsons, Santa 

Rosa FFA; shae r. paulo, Hanford 

FFA; Vincent pellegri, Galt FFA; 

alyssa perez, Modesto-Enochs FFA; 

bronté louise phillips, Livermore 

FFA; brooke elizabeth phillips, 

Nipomo FFA; brittany n. pinney, 

Denair FFA; Devon pitts, Templeton 

FFA; John Kyle Quinn, Elk Grove- 

Pleasant Grove FFA; alex ramirez, 

Arroyo Grande FFA; Megan ratto, 

Ripon FFA; oscar raya, Wasco FFA; 

James regusci Jr., St. Helena FFA; 

Cole rinehart, Clovis FFA; Daniel 

paul rivas, Vista FFA; Jonathan 

rodriguez, Turlock-Pitman FFA; 

Jonathan sterling rodriguez, Exeter 

FFA; garrett roth, Templeton FFA; 

Chelsea ryea, Bakersfield-Foothill 

FFA; David salazar, King City FFA; 

lori Jean sanborn, Camarillo FFA; 

Dariela sanchez, Soledad FFA; 

gabriel sanchez, Madera FFA; Kayla 

M. sandoval, Exeter FFA; afton M. 

sawyer, Paso Robles FFA; analiese 

rose scrivano, Bakersfield FFA; 

Kelsey sears, Bakersfield-North FFA; 

blake shannon, Porterville FFA; ellis 

sheldon, Hanford FFA; sonnie shew, 

Porterville FFA; alexis silva, Galt FFA; 

ethan silva, Lemoore FFA; Mathew 

sinclair, Loomis-Del Oro FFA; 

Maninder singh, Laton FFA; emilee 

smith, Nevada Union FFA; Jarod 

Christopher smith, Fowler FFA; 

Monica soares, Turlock FFA; nicole 

sonne, Templeton FFA; Morgan 

sousa, Tulare FFA; Kevy souza, 

Santa Maria - Righetti FFA; Katherine 

spendlove, Sanger FFA; Joel Talbot, 

Ripon FFA; brittney Thomas, Turlock- 

Pitman FFA; grace renata Thomas, 

Lebec-Frazier Mountain FFA; Jacob 

anthony Thomas, Laton FFA; shelby 

Wynonna Thomas, Lebec-Frazier 

Mountain FFA; Tamara Tollison, 

Exeter FFA; Kristyn Torres, Hanford 

FFA; David remington Kaspar, 

Hayfork FFA; Chelsea Vanepps, 

Corcoran FFA; Jessica Vazquez, 

Cottonwood-West Valley FFA; 

Jonathan Velazquez, Santa Maria - 

Righetti FFA; Matt Vierra, Templeton 

FFA; savannah Volkoff, Kerman FFA; 

Kate-lynn Wagner, Lakeside-El 

Capitan FFA; alexander Waite, 

Livingston FFA; Cody Wallace, 

Fullerton-Sunny Hills FFA; briana 

Wallash, Morgan Hill-Sobrato FFA; 

robert neal Walther, Golden West 

FFA; sydney Westbrook, Dos Palos 

FFA; bastiaan Weststeyn, Ceres FFA; 

Matthew Whitbey, Shafter FFA; 

ashlee White, Sanger FFA; rachel 

White, St. Helena FFA; elizabeth 

Wilson, Shafter FFA; lee Wisecarver, 

Hanford FFA; Connor Wolford, Santa 

Ynez FFA; steven Zimmerman, 

Oakhurst-Yosemite FFA; Taylor 

Zumstein, Fallbrook FFA 

colorAdo: aeron acott, Cortez 

FFA; Kyra adams, Alamosa FFA; 

shannon Marie baylie, Weld Central 

FFA; Cody J. beauchamp, Las 

Animas FFA; andrew blom, Lone 

Star FFA; David Caddy, Montrose 

FFA; brandon Carmin, Greeley West 

FFA; brett Carroll, Meeker FFA; 

Katie Christensen, Brush FFA; Julia 

Cothren, Platte Valley FFA; elizabeth 

Dill, Ft Morgan FFA; Jordan eckert, 

Wiley FFA; Jordan fedde, Fowler 

FFA; stephan geu, Sterling FFA; 

J. T. gillmore, Custer County FFA; 

Danyelle golightly, Valley FFA; garrett 

W. grasmick, Rocky Ford FFA; ryan 

gregory, Springfield FFA; Carson 

guenzi, Sterling FFA; Travis Jackson, 

Bennett FFA; Jameson Johnson, 

Otis FFA; Charessa Kibler, Montrose 

FFA; Cody Kitch, Rocky Ford FFA; 

Justin loeffler, Valley FFA; Joseph 

long, SoRoCo FFA; brad Maier, 

Rocky Ford FFA; rebecca May, Brush 

FFA; robert McCall, Lone Star FFA; 

breen McComb, Cortez FFA; lauren 

Mertens, New Raymer FFA; Kevin 

Thomas Meyers, Fruita FFA; Jessica 

Milstein, Hotchkiss FFA; rachelle 

Moore, Cortez FFA; Christina pantle, 

North Park FFA; rebecca peter, Platte 

Valley FFA; sage rodgers, Fruita FFA; 

Megan faye schulte, Eaton FFA; 

amanda s. sipola, Windsor FFA; 

Dillon sketers, Bennett FFA; Justin 

souders, Wiley FFA; ronnie stahley, 

Sterling FFA; Chase Toft, Genoa Hugo 

FFA; Douglas Weirich, Eads FFA; 

Tanner Wilkins, St. Vrain Valley FFA; 

Mack Witzel, Burlington FFA; raelene 

Wolever, Brush FFA; brian Wood, 

Springfield FFA; levi Zwirn, Yuma FFA 

connecTicUT: Joshua allyn, 

Housatonic Valley FFA; Kamilla C. 

Dynia, Lyman Hall FFA; Morgan 

patricia fields, Lebanon Regional FFA; 

bridgette anne Holm, Northwestern 

Regional FFA; logan Thomas Horner, 

Suffield Regional FFA; Morgan M. 

Hubbard, Suffield Regional FFA; 

Cecilia lavigne, Lyman Hall FFA; 

Matt lefcheck, Suffield Regional 

FFA; Marissa Mackewicz, Lebanon 

Regional FFA; Hanna Mellaly, 

Mattabeset FFA; angelina Minnocci, 

Suffield Regional FFA; Kaylyn Morrill, 

Rockville FFA; Dustyn Clifford 

nelson, Wamogo Regional FFA; Carly 

elizabeth neumann, Suffield Regional 

FFA; Justin pierce, Suffield Regional 

FFA; William russ, Housatonic Valley 

FFA; samuel J. smyth, Suffield 

Regional FFA; stephanie lynne 

Thibault, Northwestern Regional FFA; 

Tristan Trojanoski, Mattabeset FFA; 

rebecca Whitehead, Glastonbury FFA 

delAWAre: bianca Carcillo, 

Glasgow FFA; alyssa Clements, 

Caesar Rodney FFA; Mark Droney, 

Indian River FFA; Jena lynn guthrie, 

Caesar Rodney FFA; amber lynne 

Kelley, Caesar Rodney FFA; Michael 

Magee, Indian River FFA; samantha 

steele, Milford FFA; amanda 

stevenson, Milford FFA; Trey Tyndall, 

Sussex Central FFA; Megan Walton, 

Caesar Rodney FFA 

FloridA: Dewayne aderholt, 

Branford FFA; amanda branham, 

Suwannee FFA; bailey ann burns, 

Santa Fe FFA; brett Walker Crawford, 

Trenton FFA; erika l. Drummond, 


Chiefland FFA; aaron Dukes, Lake 

Butler FFA; Dianah C. enochs, 

Belleview FFA; Jared freeman, Lake 

Butler FFA; Matthew gonzales, 

South Lake FFA; Cristina goodfellow, 

Deland FFA; Christian Jankuhn, 

South Lake FFA; Devin l. Johnson, 

Durant FFA; Justin Curtis Johnson, 

Suwannee FFA; lacee lane, Chiefland 

FFA; ashley leonard, Lennard 

FFA; Michael Hampton leonard, 

Blountstown FFA; brandi lewis, 

Kathleen FFA; lindsay nicole liles, 

Palmetto FFA; Caleb Martin, Palmetto 

FFA; Valerie McKee, Okeechobee FFA; 

riley McKenna, Sebring FFA; lynsey 

leighan Meharg, JM Tate FFA; edwin 

lawson Mozley III, Malone FFA; Jillian 

Murphy, Coral Reef FFA; Courtney 

lynette newsome, Durant FFA; Kaitlin 

plante, New Smyrna Beach FFA; 

Kyle pownall, Deltona FFA; Casey 

n. raines, East Ridge FFA; Morgan 

russ, Deland FFA; Jenifer sapp, 

South Sumter FFA; Mariah Danelle 

shelton, Umatilla FFA; elise stoddard, 

New Smyrna Beach FFA; Heather 

lynn swain, Apopka FFA; Zachary 

Coleman sweat, Lake Butler FFA; 

lauren Townsend, Columbia FFA; 

Kaitlin Van Heusen, Fort White FFA; 

John levi Vann, Lafayette FFA; raven 

Voss, Lennard FFA; brittany Ware, 

Sebring FFA; Tyler Dale White, Sneads 

FFA; Charles C. Williams, Lake Butler 

FFA; Clint Williams , Lake Butler FFA; 

Trevor a. Williams, Blountstown FFA; 

anna Williamson, Keystone Heights 

FFA; Margaret Wilson, West Orange 

FFA; Kelly Yarbrough, Sebring FFA 

georgiA: stephen alan aaron, 

Gilmer County FFA; Caleb ayers, 

Dawson County FFA; Justin banks, 

Gilmer County FFA; amber bruner, 

Cook County FFA; Will burnette, Jeff 

Davis FFA; Katherine lee Claxton, 

Perry FFA; Thomas Coggins, North 

Oconee FFA; bo Corbett, Echols 

County FFA; Zachary Crowe, Cass 

FFA; Zachary Dalton, White County 

FFA; audrey lea Davis, Bainbridge 

FFA; Jedd Davis, Colquitt County FFA; 

paula Tracy DeVane, Gordon Central 

FFA; randall ellis, Early County FFA; 

alli gainer, Jeff Davis FFA; Chelsea 

garner, Treutlen County FFA; gordon 

grizzle, Franklin County FFA; Kalie 

M. Hall, Franklin County FFA; William 

a. Hand, Appling County FFA; Dustin 

r. Hart, Colquitt County FFA; Justin 

eugene Hart, Colquitt County FFA; 

ryan Highsmith, Echols County FFA; 

Jacob Cody Holmes, Sonoraville FFA; 

Joseph Johnson, Gilmer County FFA; 

bethany Kittle, Northwest Whitfield 

FFA; Charlie lindsey IV, Colquitt 

County FFA; nathan lisenby, Seminole 

County FFA; nadine evelynann loitz, 

Screven County FFA; sarah elizabeth 

71


loughridge, Murray County FFA; 

peyton Mitchell, Oconee County 

FFA; Zach Morris, Seminole County 

FFA; amber overton, Thomson FFA; 

shelly patton, Madison County FFA; 

ethan Cody phillips, Franklin County 

FFA; ben pruitt, Dawson County FFA; 

Cameron sanford, Gilmer County 

FFA; Windell sapp, Jeff Davis FFA; 

Kale scott, Dawson County FFA; 

Cody D. seagraves, Madison County 

FFA; Clayton Joseph sellers, Colquitt 

County FFA; nathan Thomas silvers, 

Gilmer County FFA; ryan smith, North 

Oconee FFA; Jessica leigh spicer, 

Berrien County FFA; Morgan leah 

spivey, West Laurens FFA; Tera Teal, 

Upson-Lee FFA; andrew Teasley, 

Northwest Whitfield FFA; Clayton 

Thornton, North Oconee FFA; steven 

andrew Thornton, Gordon Central 

FFA; Katherine Throne, LaGrange FFA; 

Cameron Heath Vaughn, West Laurens 

FFA; Jordyn Ventura, Stephens County 

FFA; Meaghan T. Walters, Effingham 

County FFA; Chase Ware, Rockdale 

Career Academy FFA; austin W. 

Wright, Gilmer County FFA; ronald 

Tye Wynn, Colquitt County FFA 

idAHo: Matt l. allison, Payette FFA; 

Courtney lee allred, Castleford FFA; 

Kristina louise anderson, Payette 

FFA; rachael D. ashley, Kuna FFA; 

amanda Jean atwood, Fruitland FFA; 

Kilyann brown, Burley FFA; naema 

Call, North Gem FFA; Jenny Carlton, 

Meridian FFA; Travis Chase, New 

Plymouth FFA; paetyn leigh Condie, 

Burley FFA; natasha baird Corbett, 

Shelley FFA; stacie Day, Madison 

FFA; sam emmert, Kuna FFA; Wesley 

C. freeman, Middleton FFA; paige 

lleal gabiola, Payette FFA; bryce 

Hill, Kuna FFA; McKenzie Jemmett, 

Parma FFA; stacy King, Kimberly FFA; 

Terra elizabeth Knighten, Payette 

FFA; sidnee rose larsen, Preston 

FFA; Taylor a. lusk, Sugar-Salem 

FFA; shandl McKee, Cambridge 

FFA; Mark Mcnabb, Marsh Valley 

FFA; James a. nasados Jr., Meridian 

FFA; brett stuart nesbitt, Weiser 

FFA; ethan parkin, Burley FFA; Tierra 

permann, American Falls FFA; Cole 

peterson, Burley FFA; samuel T. 

powell, Middleton FFA; Jacob lamont 

pugmire, Preston FFA; Jessica 

reynolds, Kuna FFA; Kaila ring, 

Buhl FFA; Justin ruhl, Meridian FFA; 

Jessica lynn schlund, Castleford 

FFA; Tyler simmons, Middleton FFA; 

Connor White, New Plymouth FFA; 

amanda Wilder, Meridian FFA; paige 

Wray, Shelley FFA; allen Wysocki, 

Middleton FFA 

illinois: Ted ballard, Carrollton 

FFA; McKennon biers, Mendota FFA; 

nicholas boehl, Olney FFA; Jacob 

bough, Charleston FFA; Kathryn 

brannan, Carrollton FFA; shannon 

breen, Tuscola FFA; Caroline bremer, 

Vienna FFA; ellie bretzman, Clifton 

Central FFA; Meredith brinkman, 

Liberty FFA; amy Marie britton, North 

Clay FFA; Kayla burgener, Central A & 

M FFA; amy Michelle burns, Valmeyer 

FFA; Hayden byars, Cisne FFA; Dustin 

lane Childers, Goreville FFA; Josh 

Clark, Hartsburg-Emden FFA; Dana 

Desutter, AlWood FFA; Kimberly 

Dhom, Newton FFA; Kiersten Dorethy, 

West Prairie FFA; John C. edgar, 

Trico Campbell Hill FFA; robin etnyre, 

Oregon FFA; Cody gill, Nashville 

FFA; Katharine rose girone, Midland 

FFA; Jade ashley glendenning, 

Stillman Valley FFA; Jamie gravatt, 

Marion FFA; Ida Hand, Nokomis FFA; 

ella Herges, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 

FFA; adam sean pullman Herwig, 

Ashton-Franklin Center FFA; brian p. 

Hills, Tri-Point FFA; Tyler Hinspeter, 

Herscher FFA; Kayla Hyett, Mercer 

County FFA; Heather Kiner, Mendota 

FFA; Cody lynn Koch, Rochelle FFA; 

elise W. Krause, Cerro Gordo FFA; 

erika r. laumbattus, New Athens 

FFA; brandon lesage, Kewanee 

FFA; Jennifer lynn lincoln, Mercer 

County FFA; ashley luhman, Cissna 

Park FFA; Calvin lynch, Cissna 

Park FFA; emily Marlow, Bluford 

FFA; Jamie l. Maze, Goreville FFA; 

Donna McCune, Bureau Valley FFA; 

bethany l. Myelle, Stillman Valley FFA; 

lexi neisen, Liberty FFA; Michael 

paulsmeyer, Petersburg PORTA FFA; 

Tiffany phillips, Jerseyville FFA; Katlyn 

pieper, Stewardson-Strasburg FFA; 

Kate pond, Cisne FFA; alicia pool, 

Bluffs FFA; rachel rahn, Chadwick- 

Milledgeville FFA; Jake ralph, Pontiac 

FFA; Krista raymond, Highland 

FFA; Dustin reetz, Cissna Park FFA; 

Kyle rod, Mendota FFA; John a. 

roskamp, Warsaw FFA; Jeremiah 

shaner, Stark County FFA; Trevor 

ross shreve, Wayne City FFA; andrew 

smith, Sherrard FFA; sarah sprague, 

Payson FFA; Corey steber, Olney 

FFA; adam Tallcott, Unity-Mendon 

FFA; Justin Thomas, Charleston 

FFA; Thomas Warhurst, Somonauk- 

Leland-Sandwich FFA; lauren Wells, 

Herscher FFA; Kaitlyn Zindel, Central 

A & M FFA 

indiAnA: Jacob batts, Clinton 

Prairie FFA; Jonathan beale, Clinton 

Prairie FFA; nellie bell, Hagerstown 

FFA; alex bender, North Posey FFA; 

Kristopher M. bender, Delphi FFA; 

Miles biery, Clinton Prairie FFA; 

stephanie bluhm, Adams Central 

FFA; Jackie boan, Eastbrook FFA; 

Tyler H. boganwright, Tippecanoe 

Valley FFA; Daniel borgerding, Jay 

County FFA; Dustin borgerding, Jay 

County FFA; Chelsea boyle, West 

Noble FFA; allan Michael bullock, 

Hagerstown FFA; lyle burkhalter, 

Clinton Prairie FFA; Collin buzzard, 

Manchester FFA; elizabeth byers, 

William Henry Harrison FFA; amanda 

Callahan, Rushville FFA; austin 

Campbell, North Daviess FFA; 

spencer Carson, Hamilton Heights 

FFA; allen M. Casson, Castle FFA; 

Jacob Chenoweth, Jay County FFA; 

Jonathon Christiansen, Delphi FFA; 

lee a Crownover, Hagerstown FFA; 

brandon Culp, Rensselaer FFA; linda 

Danner, West Noble FFA; baron 

Deck, South Decatur FFA; Wes Delks, 

Rossville FFA; Katie Demerly, Tri- 

County FFA; abigail Diebolt, Delphi 

FFA; patrick W. Douglas, Tri-County 

FFA; Jenny Dove, North Daviess FFA; 

Krysten Dunham, Clinton Prairie 

FFA; Michelle l. earney, Tri-County 

FFA; olivia ann eisterhold, North 

Posey FFA; Darren g. engleking, 

Prairie Heights FFA; brock fisher, 

Hagerstown FFA; Thomas r. folk, 

Westview FFA; Josh furrer, Tri-County 

FFA; Morgan ra gadd, Hamilton 

Southeastern FFA; Daniel gascho, 

Rossville FFA; barrett german, Prairie 

Heights FFA; Daniel emerson golliher, 

Hagerstown FFA; Joe golliher, 

Hagerstown FFA; Matt golliher, 

Hagerstown FFA; Cassidy gordon, 

Rushville FFA; Jill alicia griffin, Carroll 

@ Flora FFA; scott M. Hardy, Lewis 

Cass FFA; Cory Dean Harris, Jay 

County FFA; Kari Hemmelgarn, Jay 

County FFA; Heather Hill, Northeastern 

Wayne FFA; Kyle Hoenert, North 

Posey FFA; Mindi Hoffman, Columbia 

City FFA; laura Homan, Jay County 


FFA; Travis Homan, Jay County FFA; 

Deric Hudson, South Decatur FFA; 

Jared Huffer, Rossville FFA; brittany 

Jeffries, South Ripley FFA; Matthew 

J. Jones, Rossville FFA; patrick Klaus, 

Tri-County FFA; amanda Klemp, 

Kankakee Valley FFA; Megan Klotz, 

South Putnam FFA; Cody l. lamle, 

Columbia City FFA; brett lane, South 

Newton FFA; ashley langenkamp, Jay 

County FFA; Derek leahy, Rossville 

FFA; brooks lefever, South Adams 

FFA; Kayla a lindauer, Forest Park 

FFA; Katherine long, Martinsville 

FFA; Zachery louck, Jay County 

FFA; ginny brown lough, North 

Montgomery FFA; sarah Maas, Prairie 

Heights FFA; Julie Massie, Jay County 

FFA; Micah Matlock, Knightstown 

FFA; Kylie Moffett, McCutcheon FFA; 

rebecca Muhlenkamp, Jay County 

FFA; Heather nipper, North Putnam 

FFA; rachael nobbe, Connersville 

FFA; adam osterholt, Jay County 

FFA; lagora r. paxton, Southmont 

FFA; Michael pierson, North Putnam 

FFA; Colton prescott, Jay County FFA; 

Chelsea leigh ramsey, Clinton Prairie 

FFA; Tyler M. reese, Connersville 

FFA; Dustin ripberger, Rushville FFA; 

preston roberts, Jay County FFA; 

Cody a. roby, South Central FFA; 

Carrie schmitmeyer, Jay County 

FFA; Kara schwarzkopf, Delphi FFA; 

Charles J. shaffer, Bellmont FFA; 

Corina siera shaw, McCutcheon 

FFA; shaina shirar, Rossville FFA; 

adrian skiles, Rossville FFA; Meghan 

smith , Carroll @ Fort Wayne FFA; 

Kyle sprunger, South Adams FFA; 

brian Carl Thomas, South Ripley 

FFA; Craig Voges, Forest Park FFA; 

sarah Webster, South Ripley FFA; 

ashley Wehner, Madison FFA; Justin 

Weirick, Manchester FFA; Colin Welp, 

Forest Park FFA; Chris Whipple, South 

Decatur FFA; Douglass rhua Wicker, 

Rushville FFA; amanda Workman, 

Franklin FFA; arika Kay Yager, 

Rushville FFA 

ioWA: Morgan elizabeth aalgaard, 

Lake Mills FFA; abby alberts, 

Oelwein FFA; schylor altenhofen, 

Mid-Prairie FFA; blake Howard 

anderson, Corning FFA; Heather 

a. anderson, North Fayette FFA; 

allyssa beierschmitt, Wapsie Valley 

FFA; Cally bengston, Jesup FFA; 

Vivian M. bernau, Southeast Polk 

FFA; Tessa bettin, Central Trail 

FFA; Jacqueline bleich, Humboldt 

FFA; russell boles, Central Trail 

FFA; angela breuer, LeMars Farm 

Youth FFA; Devin a. brincks, South 

Winneshiek FFA; Devin brines, Central 

Trail FFA; Hannah Christensen, 

Osage FFA; Jessica Curry, Southeast 

Polk FFA; patrick Diedrich, DeWitt 

Central FFA; bailey Dobbs, Wapsie 

72


Valley FFA; Jared Dolch, Reno Smith 

FFA; adam M. Donovan, Cascade 

FFA; Chelsey fagle, North Fayette 

FFA; Jacob fischer, Cascade FFA; 

amanda folkmann, Marengo FFA; 

angie Mae folkmann, Marengo FFA; 

Kelsey forsyth, Charles City FFA; 

alyssa foster, Mid-Prairie FFA; Jacob 

robert fox, Sibley-Ocheyedan FFA; 

Dalton frank frana, Decorah FFA; 

amanda franck, DeWitt Central FFA; 

robert freese, Benton Community 

FFA; Melissa Kaye gade, Algona 

FFA; nichole gent, English Valleys 

FFA; Mitchell Dean Habeger, Algona 

FFA; ethan Harris, Creston FFA; Kirk 

Hatfield, Central Trail FFA; Jonathan 

Henn, North Fayette FFA; James 

Hepp, Rockwell City-Lytton FFA; Kyle 

Hoogendoorn, West Lyon FFA; levi 

Hughes, DeWitt Central FFA; Janell 

Johnson, Preston/East Central FFA; 

Matthew James Johnson, Wapsie 

Valley FFA; Kimberly J. Jordan, Linn- 

Mar FFA; Kyle Jorgensen, Adair- 

Casey FFA; landon James Kane, 

Wapsie Valley FFA; Mary Kolthoff, 

New Hampton FFA; Joanna Mae 

Kraft, Clarion-Goldfield FFA; Karolyn 

Kruse, Calamus-Wheatland FFA; 

Jamie leistikow, Wapsie Valley 

FFA; leslie leonard, Central Trail 

FFA; Tyler J. levan, St. Ansgar FFA; 

allison lubben, Monticello FFA; 

Dakota lueken, Edgewood-Colesburg 

FFA; Jordan lyon, Columbus FFA; 

Jonathan Macken, Wapsie Valley FFA; 

Krista Marie McKusker, Marengo 

FFA; Kelsey Meyers, West Liberty 

FFA; brooke leigh Miller, Preston/ 

East Central FFA; Katherine a. 

Mittman, Nevada FFA; Tory Mogler, 

West Lyon FFA; alex Montagne, 

Charles City FFA; sara Jean Morine, 

Starmont FFA; bethany Terese 

olson, South Hamilton FFA; Chadd 

petrick, Anamosa FFA; Tyler l. pettit, 

Creston FFA; ethan porter, Central 

Trail FFA; Maggie reiter, Cascade 

FFA; brett russ, Maquoketa Valley 

FFA; andrew schanbacher, Benton 

Community FFA; emily K. schmidt, 

Benton Community FFA; Chris 

schultz, Humboldt FFA; brent a. 

sexton, Rockwell City-Lytton FFA; 

Josh simmons, Fairfield FFA; ethan 

small, Cascade FFA; Cole smith, 

Nashua-Plainfield FFA; alexis spain, 

Valley FFA; Joshua staudt, Charles 

City FFA; Marcie stevenson, Calamus- 

Wheatland FFA; Dan stewart, Oelwein 

FFA; lauren Kay stewart, Marengo 

FFA; geoffrey C. stout, Wapsie Valley 

FFA; emma sunderman, Brokaw FFA; 

Molly Tauke, West Delaware FFA; 

stacey Tjaden, Midland FFA; Corey 

Towne, Atlantic FFA; sarah Van Den 

berg, Rock Valley FFA; Cory Van 

fossen, Anamosa FFA; Kellie Walters, 

Tri-Star FFA; Hanna Wiersma, Wapsie 

Valley FFA; Matthew D. Wiese, DeWitt 

Central FFA; Dennis Wilken, Akron- 

Westfield FFA; patrick Wynn, Albia 

FFA 

kAnsAs: bridget baker, Washington 

County FFA; Trevor baker, Washington 

County FFA; Connor bomgardner, 

Buhler FFA; ethan boyes, Riverton 

FFA; logan levi britton, Labette 

County FFA; Melanie bruce, Arkansas 

City FFA; brock nicholas burnick, 

Girard FFA; Jeff Cather, Chaparral 

FFA; Crystal Jewell Cooper, Clay 

Center FFA; Cody Crossland, 

WaKeeney FFA; Tison Culley, Riverton 

FFA; Wyatt Decker, Washington 

County FFA; Tyler egbert, Girard FFA; 

elizabeth ann forsyth, Chapman FFA; 

Kristin glick, Council Grove FFA; alex 

Michael goeckel, Washington County 

FFA; Kelsey Delores Harris, Jackson 

Heights FFA; Trenton Heinen, Lakeside 

FFA; ben Hutto, Riverton FFA; Kellie 

rose Jackson, Clay Center FFA; 

Kyle logan Jacobs, South Barber 

FFA; Joshua Dusty David Keim, 

Chaparral FFA; John Joseph Kuffler, 

Arkansas City FFA; Zach langford, 

Buhler FFA; Morgan lindsay, Ell- 

Saline FFA; garrett lister, Marysville 

FFA; Justin Quint lockwood II, Caney 

FFA; Hannah McCabe, Fredonia FFA; 

Jerred lee McKee, Chaparral FFA; 

bradley McVey, Fredonia FFA; randi 

J. Mercer, Columbus FFA; leanne 

renee Milleret, Lawrence Free State 

FFA; erin Mosiman, Newton FFA; 

Jesse Duane Muller, Labette County 

FFA; Dustin nattier, Newton FFA; 

annie nicole patterson, Jackson 

Heights FFA; William a. poland II, 

Ellis FFA; Tyler pracht, Anderson 

County FFA; ashley Marie rector, 

Lawrence Free State FFA; Tyler rose, 

Washington County FFA; Joseph 

rundle, Washington County FFA; 

Johanna ryckert, Paola FFA; sara 

schifferdecker, Girard FFA; Kayla Mae 

schmitz, Doniphan West FFA; bobbi 

ann shanks, Columbus FFA; Jacob 

simmons, Doniphan West FFA; burke 

Dakota slocum, Jackson Heights 

FFA; nathan T. spriggs, Riverton FFA; 

andrew Cole strasburg, Fredonia FFA; 

William patrick Trieb, Rock Creek FFA; 

Duane unruh, Peabody-Burns FFA; 

Caleb Vanover, Norton FFA; Michael 

Welch, Washington County FFA; Kris 

Wittman, Council Grove FFA 

kenTUcky: Jacob Tyler adair, 

Reidland FFA; Justin ross allen, 

Logan County FFA; ressa arnett, 

Rowan County FFA; sarah Katelyn 

baird, McCreary Central FFA; Dylan 

barber, Taylor County FFA; Melanie 

belfiore, Central Hardin FFA; Meagan 

bell, Central Hardin FFA; seth C. 

blakeley, McLean County FFA; James 

Kevin bland, Marion County FFA; 

shelby leigh blevins, Montgomery 

County FFA; elizabeth Meyers 

boeglen, John Hardin FFA; Clinton 

Kash brewer, Wolfe County FFA; 

Joshua r. brewer, Wolfe County FFA; 

allen brooks, Edmonson County FFA; 

Jessica renae brooks, Central Hardin 

FFA; Christopher T. brown, Wolfe 

County FFA; Dillon bryant, Butler 

County FFA; ryan C. buchanan, 

Ballard Memorial FFA; lauren 

gabrielle burgess, Monroe County 

FFA; Josh butcher, Bath County FFA; 

rebeccah butcher, Bath County FFA; 

Dillon Callahan, Owsley County FFA; 

Keshia Campbell, McCreary Central 

FFA; stephen Caskey, Wolfe County 

FFA; lindsay Caudell, Scott County 

FFA; audie l. Cherry, Webster County 

FFA; nicholas Chism, Clark County 

FFA; alex Clark, Bourbon County FFA; 

ashlan Clark, Nelson County FFA; 

amanda Conley, Scott County FFA; 

paul Cooke, Edmonson County FFA; 

David austin Cox, Fulton County FFA; 

bobby Joe Crabtree, Ballard Memorial 

FFA; ethan ryan Crawford, Bourbon 

County FFA; Teddy Creech, Wolfe 

County FFA; Claire Crocker, Franklin- 

Simpson FFA; Kaitlin Culver, Spencer 

County FFA; Joshua Davis, Bourbon 

County FFA; Michael Chase Deaton, 

Breathitt County FFA; skyler Degroft, 

Barren County FFA; Joshua l. 

Dennis, Central Hardin FFA; shawn C. 

Donathan, Wolfe County FFA; Zachary 

Dressman, Simon Kenton FFA; 

samantha sue Duvall, Clark County 

FFA; lauren Dyer, Cumberland County 

FFA; nathan ellis , Mercer County 

FFA; Jesse engle, LaRue County FFA; 

randall “Todd” enlow, LaRue County 

FFA; Jessica estes, Franklin-Simpson 

FFA; Deandra brooke faris, Fleming 

County FFA; bryan C. faulkner, Wolfe 

County FFA; Henry Joseph ferguson, 

Wolfe County FFA; Megan fields, 

Barren County FFA; Jessi fisher, 

Harrison County FFA; allison fister, 

Scott County FFA; Jennifer fister, 


Scott County FFA; Travis florence, 

LaRue County FFA; Tanner floyd, 

Fleming County FFA; rebecca french, 

Gallatin County FFA; sara elizabeth 

funk, Ohio County FFA; Joenelle 

futrell, Daviess County FFA; annMarie 

garland, Montgomery County FFA; 

Kevin ginter, Bath County FFA; Tyler 

Kane glosson, Fulton County FFA; 

andrew grace, Muhlenberg County 

FFA; John guess, Johnson Central 

FFA; Charles Hall, West Carter FFA; 

Morgan elizabeth Harrell, Reidland 

FFA; Kevin Herndon, Spencer 

County FFA; Callie alishia Hobbs, 

Meade County FFA; Mindy Hopson, 

Henderson County FFA; brian a. 

Jarvis, Marshall County FFA; Debra 

lauren Jenkins, Shelby County FFA; 

Dustin Johnson, Rockcastle County 

FFA; Julia Johnson, LaRue County 

FFA; ashley Jones, Bell County FFA; 

Chelsey n. Jones, Logan County 

FFA; Michael eugene Jones, Bath 

County FFA; emily Keller, Mercer 

County FFA; Kendra Kelley, Franklin- 

Simpson FFA; lisa Kloentrup, Simon 

Kenton FFA; Jenna Knott, Barren 

County FFA; alexandria land, Casey 

County FFA; Mary evelyn langford, 

Fulton County FFA; samantha 

licato, Scott County FFA; Madison 

Major, Christian County FFA; Jacob 

Marksberry, Daviess County FFA; 

Johnathon Maynard, LaRue County 

FFA; erik McClure, Fulton County FFA; 

Megan McCoy, Montgomery County 

FFA; alexander Jennings Meredith, 

Central Hardin FFA; Zachary Meredith, 

LaRue County FFA; emily faye Miller, 

Garrard County FFA; Macaulay M. 

Minton, Fulton County FFA; Jessica 

lee Morris, Garrard County FFA; Coy 

Murphy, Apollo FFA; Colby Myers, 

Boyle County FFA; billy oakley, West 

Carter FFA; garrett Tyler ogden, 

Garrard County FFA; Joe ray oliver, 

Wolfe County FFA; Kellie owen, 

LaRue County FFA; Christina partin, 

Western Hills FFA; Cody Wilson 

payne, Graves County FFA; Corey 

Thomas payne, Graves County FFA; 

Desirae peacock, Daviess County 

FFA; brandon peel, Jessamine County 

FFA; rikki phillips, Taylor County FFA; 

James preston Clark porter, Wolfe 

County FFA; Matthew blake porter, 

Green County FFA; bryson price, 

Bath County FFA; Janie Kay pruitt, 

Allen County-Scottsville FFA; sarah 

Morgan Clay redmon, Bourbon 

County FFA; brian lewis reynolds, 

Larue County FFA; Dustin reynolds, 

Rockcastle County FFA; Mitchell D. 

richmond, West Carter FFA; lacey 

faye roe, Bourbon County FFA; 

Jacob rogers, Caldwell County FFA; 

rob rogers, Montgomery County 

FFA; Charlie p. rose, Wolfe County 

FFA; benjamin ryan, John Hardin 

73


FFA; Zack schwartz, Fleming County 

FFA; Kayla blaine scott, Caldwell 

County FFA; Megan shearer, Madison 

Southern FFA; Cheri leighanne 

siddens, Barren County FFA; robert 

steven Kane spencer, Wolfe County 

FFA; ashley n. spicer, Breathitt 

County FFA; Joseph DaWayne strunk, 

McCreary Central FFA; Cody sullivan, 

LaRue County FFA; Caleb Martin 

Tanner, Apollo FFA; Mikayla Taulbee, 

Breathitt County FFA; Jordyn paige 

Taylor, Daviess County FFA; Caleb 

Thomas, Central Hardin FFA; lauran 

M. Thomas, Central Hardin FFA; Cody 

Thompson, Bath County FFA; parker 

Tilford, Heath FFA; lindsay renee 

Tolson, Garrard County FFA; Justin 

Vaughn, Franklin-Simpson FFA; Molly 

Ward, Barren County FFA; brandon 

Warfield, Caldwell County FFA; 

anthony West , Gallatin County FFA; 

elizabeth Wetzel, Johnson Central 

FFA; abbie Wilkerson, Henderson 

County FFA; andrew Wooldridge, 

Western Hills FFA; Kaitlyn e. Wooton, 

Jessamine County FFA; Heather York, 

Caldwell County FFA; Joe Young Jr., 

Allen County-Scottsville FFA 

loUisiAnA: blake anthony 

babin, Port Barre FFA; sarah Dyson, 

Lakeview FFA; stephanie edwards, 

Walker FFA; brittany shante’ goings, 

Pine FFA; emily Mcgee, Florien FFA; 

Maria Irene Milczarek, Pearl River 

FFA; Kaitlynn nichols, Elton FFA; 

Kadie norton sewell, Ponchatoula 

FFA; aimee Marie sibley, Walker 

FFA; alyssa Watkins, Lacassine FFA; 

adriana Wohletz, Lakeview FFA 

MAine: Meagan lynn McClay, 

Mars Hill FFA 

MArylAnd: erin Canfield, 

Boonsboro FFA; paul e. Dellinger, 

Catoctin FFA; scarlett fost, North 

Garrett FFA; robert Hockenbury 

Jr., Clear Spring FFA; John Trevor 

Wesley Hoff, Francis Scott Key FFA; 

eric Kline, Boonsboro FFA; abbey 

Catherine linthicum, Damascus FFA; 

elliott Chase reid, Clear Spring FFA; 

Joe Donovan repp, Clear Spring FFA; 

bradley rodeheaver, North Garrett 

FFA; Kristen Warner, Walkersville FFA; 

Carrie J. Wivell, Catoctin FFA 

MAssAcHUseTTs: Mallory 

bouthilette, Smith FFA; brittany 

Hubbard, Smith FFA 

MicHigAn: Chelsea alexander, 

Sanilac FFA; Cynthia lynn amstutz, 

Montague FFA; ashley arends, 

Ravenna FFA; Jessica aube, Alpena 

FFA; edwin J. benkert III, Chesaning 

FFA; Kyle bennett, Ogemaw Heights 

FFA; ashley blight, Durand FFA; 

Ian blodger, Lowell FFA; Chelsey 

bonthuis, Ravenna FFA; ethan 

bosserd, Marshall FFA; Kara bosserd, 

Marshall FFA; Konrad scott bushre, 

Breckenridge FFA; Chelsey Clemens, 

Ogemaw Heights FFA; Michael Clover, 

Lowell FFA; eric Cnudde, Corunna 

FFA; elizabeth Cudney, Montague 

FFA; Jasper Cunningham, Ravenna 

FFA; elonda Degroft, Alma FFA; 

Michael earle, Chippewa Hills FFA; 

Kaitlin ebenhoeh, New Lothrop FFA; 

alexander favreau, Caledonia FFA; 

stephanie gilbert, Laker FFA; Carlos 

guzman, Ravenna FFA; Karice Hard, 

Branch Area Career Center FFA; 

Jordan Henry, Alma FFA; Jacquelyn 

Heuer, Dansville FFA; Kirsten 

Hissong, Montague FFA; Connor 

Dale Hubbard, Alcona FFA; andrew 

Iwaniw, Ravenna FFA; lindsey Jager, 

Montague FFA; Vincent James, 

Caledonia FFA; Cody Kastanek, Lowell 

FFA; Caleb Klingenberg, Hopkins 

FFA; Ivana Klingenberg, Hopkins 

FFA; shannon Knapp, Montague FFA; 

Kyle Krepps, Ravenna FFA; laura 

Krhovsky, Corunna FFA; garrett 

laier, Byron FFA; bryan Mahoney, 

Chesaning FFA; Jenna l. Manor, 

Milan FFA; Karissa Marsh, Montague 

FFA; sarah Michalek, Sanilac FFA; 

Kyle Herbert Miller, Cassopolis FFA; 

Curtis neubauer, Montague FFA; 

Joshua o’Connell, Lapeer County 

AM FFA; lacey M. parks, Alpena 

FFA; alex pepper, Montague FFA; 

ana ponce, Ravenna FFA; Jordan 

punches, Hopkins FFA; Chelsea 

Joann recker, Chippewa Hills FFA; 

rachel reetz, Ogemaw Heights 

FFA; stephen reinart, Hopkins FFA; 

Kelci ryan, Caledonia FFA; lauren 

Marie sandbrook, Ovid-Elsie FFA; 

Whitney M. schuette, Jackson Area 

Career Center FFA; Mallory schultz, 

Ogemaw Heights FFA; abigail 

seamon, New Lothrop FFA; Kelsey 

sievers, Whittemore-Prescott FFA; 

ryan skinner, Caledonia FFA; Jake 

sloan, Branch Area Career Center 

FFA; Jason smith, Fremont FFA; 

naomi spoelman, Ravenna FFA; 

Kelsey steketee, Caledonia FFA; 

pauline Christina stewart, Chippewa 

Hills FFA; Michael anthony lee suitor, 

Alcona FFA; ashley sumerix, Alpena 

FFA; Kirk VanderVennen, Caledonia 

FFA; Jacob W. Vansickle, Marshall 

FFA; Marco Verhaar, Laker FFA; 

Christopher Weber, Dansville FFA; 

Kendra Wendorf, Branch Area Career 

Center FFA; becky Whaley, Byron 

FFA; glen a. Wheaton, Charlotte FFA; 

ross Williams, Homer FFA; benjamin 

Wiltse, Ogemaw Heights FFA 

MinnesoTA: nichole anderson, 

Lac qui Parle Valley FFA; Mathew 

arola, Detroit Lakes FFA; Craig 

barta, Randolph FFA; amanda J. 

bernstein, Sibley East FFA; Joshua 

bruley, Marshall FFA; Kelsey buss, 

Hutchinson FFA; Trevor Christensen, 

Howard Lake Waverly Winsted; 

Madison lynn Collin, Southwest Star 

Concept FFA; Justin Crowley, Howard 

Lake Waverly Winsted; Tom eilertson, 

United South Central FFA; Daniel r. 

fox, Randolph FFA; ryan franks, 

Perham FFA; Maria funk, Sebeka 

FFA; andrew gorentz, Perham FFA; 

betsy lynn Hansen, Marshall FFA; 

Jacob e. Hein, Lake Park Audubon 

FFA; Matthew J. Herman, United 

South Central FFA; William J. Huper, 

United South Central FFA; Whitney 

Jacobson, Thief River Falls FFA; Travis 

M. Janson, Foley FFA; benjamin D. 

Jensen, Owatonna FFA; labecca 

Joy Johnson, Winona FFA; Crystal V. 

Jones, Howard Lake Waverly Winsted; 

stephanie l. Kasper, Owatonna FFA; 

ashley e. Kipka, Foley FFA; emma 

Marie Koeberl, Buffalo Lake Hector 

FFA; blake Koebke, Spring Valley 

Wykoff FFA; esther Koehl, Morris Area 

FFA; Haley Koubsky, Minnewaska 

FFA; Justin Krell, Blooming Prairie 

FFA; Jordan Kurtz, Milaca FFA; 


Michael lehmann, Perham FFA; 

Whitney breanne lian, Thief River 

Falls FFA; ashley r. lyon, Foley 

FFA; Christopher Mack, Zumbrota- 

Mazeppa FFA; andrew paul Maidl, 

New Ulm FFA; Kathleen Miron, Forest 

Lake FFA; Jenna Moser, Morris Area 

FFA; Jordan D. Mutschler, United 

South Central FFA; Kasey okke, 

Hawley FFA; elizabeth rabbe, Martin 

County West FFA; Tanner rohloff, 

Morris Area FFA; nathan a. sahr, 

United South Central FFA; liberty 

slinden, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove 

City FFA; Dustin r. smith, Staples 

Motley FFA; Justin l. stanton, Detroit 

Lakes FFA; Charlie Tank, Randolph 

FFA; Danielle Tews, Hutchinson FFA; 

Dylan l. Thisius, United South Central 

FFA; brandon Tisthammer, Spring 

Grove FFA; Kaitlyn Tollefsrud, Hawley 

FFA; Jason Troendle, St. Charles 

FFA; rachel Marie Voigt, Spring 

Valley Wykoff FFA; Zach Vonruden, 

Owatonna FFA; Travis Wulf, Morris 

Area FFA; peter Zins, Minnewaska FFA 

MississiPPi: Jacob barnett, 

Houston FFA; rebecca buffington, 

Lawrence County FFA; Tell ford, 

Sumrall FFA; Jeremy gaffney, 

Lawrence County FFA; Cody glenn, 

Greene County FFA; elizabeth griffith, 

Lawrence County FFA; Colden 

Hardin, West Lauderdale FFA; Jessica 

Kendrick, Neshoba Central FFA; 

Jacob lee, West Lauderdale FFA; 

brian Jacob lentz, Strayhorn FFA; 

laken newsom, Lawrence County 

FFA; breanna lee Tullos, Neshoba 

Central FFA; Thomas Wagnon, 

Northeast Jones FFA 

MissoUri: paige ahart, Polo FFA; 

Casey D. alden, Gallatin FFA; ashleigh 

Jo alexander, Louisiana FFA; Clayton 

allen, Chillicothe FFA; lindsay alissa 

allen, Mansfield FFA; spencer allison, 

Weaubleau FFA; laura almond, 

Brookfield FFA; Haley anderson, 

Plattsburg FFA; Megan anderson, 

Nichols Career Center FFA; rayann 

armstrong, Cameron FFA; Travis D. 

arnold, Pilot Grove FFA; Cheyenne a. 

arthur, Dadeville FFA; Dakota s. 

arthur, Dadeville FFA; J.T. asher, 

Greenfield FFA; Jessica asher, Eldon 

FFA; austin ausbury, Pleasant Hope 

FFA; Katherine nicole ausmus, Knox 

County FFA; Kelsey bailey, Lathrop 

FFA; J. D. baker , East Buchanan FFA; 

Chad balke, Lathrop FFA; brandon 

barnes, Columbia FFA; Hailey barnes, 

Albany FFA; Melanie barnett, 

Wellington-Napoleon FFA; Hannah 

bartholomew, Archie FFA; Donovan 

bartkoski, Wheaton FFA; Dakota 

bates, Alton FFA; adam beauchamp, 

74


Clopton FFA; statler beck, Carl 

Junction FFA; Cody l. begemann, 

Odessa FFA; Dustin bell, Tuscumbia 

FFA; ashley bernard, Tipton FFA; 

Caitlin bever, Eldon FFA; Jesse lee 

birkenholz, North Nodaway FFA; Jon 

black, Chillicothe FFA; samantha a. 

blackburn, Pierce City FFA; Crystal 

blaue, Wellsville-Middletown FFA; 

ashley blevins, East Newton FFA; 

nathan r. bloss, Sarcoxie FFA; Derek 

Christopher bohr, Audrain Co R-Virgin 

Islands FFA; brent boland, Sweet 

Springs FFA; Cassie born, Odessa 

FFA; sara elizabeth boursheski, 

Pierce City FFA; Cody bowers, 

Versailles FFA; Jarad brandkamp, 

Union FFA; emily brant, Tipton FFA; 

Matt brown, Pleasant Hope FFA; 

Michael Charles brown, Nodaway- 

Holt FFA; nathan brown, Buffalo FFA; 

natalie brunner, Lathrop FFA; shari 

brunner, Centralia FFA; bailey bryan, 

Crest Ridge FFA; ben buesing, Rich 

Hill FFA; Jacob bundy, Washington 

FFA; Hilary bush, Belle FFA; alicia 

Danielle button, Skyline FFA; Kylen 

byrd, Keytesville FFA; Matthew 

Caldwell, Montgomery County FFA; 

Ian Campbell, Clopton FFA; storm 

Campbell, Clopton FFA; ryan Carr, 

Carthage FFA; William Carrier, 

Lockwood FFA; richard Dylan Carver, 

Cole Camp FFA; Kendra n. Case, 

Salem FFA; Taylor M. Casey, Monett 

FFA; sarah Cast, Princeton FFA; 

nicholas allen Cavaness, Cabool 

FFA; rachael Cavener, Aurora FFA; 

Megan Chadwick, Gallatin FFA; 

shelby Chadwick, Gallatin FFA; 

Justine l. Chastain, Fair Play FFA; 

Margaret Cleveland, Stoutland FFA; 

Kacie Clonts, East Newton FFA; Drew 

Clubb, Princeton FFA; Teanna Coffey, 

Skyline FFA; ryan C. Coleman, 

Lebanon FFA; sabrina Collins, Lone 

Jack FFA; Trevor Collins, South Shelby 

FFA; Matthew evan Copeland, East 

Buchanan FFA; r. aaren Cordon, 

Wheatland FFA; Tyler Costello, South 

Holt FFA; eddie Cox, Richmond FFA; 

ryan Cox, North Harrison FFA; 

savannah lee Cox, Jamesport FFA; 

Cole Crawford, Hamilton FFA; 

rebeccah Crawford, Holden FFA; 

emily Catherine Creech, Salisbur FFA; 

Kyle Croy, Gallatin FFA; ethan 

Daehler, Lex La Ray FFA; briann 

Daniels, Willow Springs FFA; Matthew 

Daniels, Union FFA; Hogan Davis, 

Tipton FFA; rachel Davis, Richmond 

FFA; shelby Davis, Monroe City FFA; 

Dalton Decker, Cass Career Center 

FFA; Travis J. Deeken, Linn FFA; Cole 

Denton, Bakersfield FFA; Jessie K. 

Diederich, Ashland FFA; Corey Diehl, 

Marshfield FFA; John J. Dillon, 

Boonville FFA; Jacob Dinsmore, 

Meadville FFA; Jerrod M. Divine, 

Lockwood FFA; Whitney louann 

Dodson, Tina-Avalon FFA; Hannah 

Doherty, Slater FFA; Tyler Dohrman, 

Sweet Springs FFA; Katlyn Douglas, 

Bronaugh FFA; Kendall Douglas, 

North Shelby FFA; lora ann Drake, 

Rich Hill FFA; neal Dudenhoeffer, Linn 

FFA; garth Duncan, North Andrew 

FFA; Matt Duncan, Brunswick FFA; 

Cheyenne Dunham, Hamilton FFA; 

shelby K. Dunlap, Pleasant Hill FFA; 

nathan Charles eagleburger, Buffalo 

FFA; shane earley, Clopton FFA; beth 

ebbesmeyer, Warrenton FFA; Cindy 

ebbesmeyer, Warrenton FFA; olivia 

edwards, Bowling Green FFA; robert 

Kyle edwards, Cass Career Center 

FFA; russella edwards, Bakersfield 

FFA; Marcia r. eiberger, King City 

FFA; philliip eiberger, King City FFA; 

faith eissler, Holden FFA; Kerry elbel, 

Holden FFA; adrienne elkins, Ozark 

FFA; Kadie emig, North Harrison FFA; 

shelby l. enke, St. Clair FFA; patricia 

erickson, Maysville FFA; brooke 

leanne evans, Pleasant Hope FFA; 

Jordan rae evans, Ava FFA; Megan 

farley, Schuyler FFA; Dalton g. 

farmer, East Newton FFA; benjamin 

D. farrell, Pleasant Hope FFA; Kellin 

Carl ferguson, Chillicothe FFA; 

Matraca K. ferrier, Ozark FFA; Megan 

linah finney, Linn County FFA; 

stephanie a. fischer, Van-Far FFA; 

Cassandra fisher, Skyline FFA; nicole 

fletcher, Exeter FFA; shady Dawn 

flippo, Ava FFA; Christopher l. foley, 

Pleasant Hill FFA; emily D. folgate, 

South Harrison FFA; allie foster, 

Monroe City FFA; ross foster, Skyline 

FFA; adam francis, Norborne FFA; 

Kyle francka, Pleasant Hope FFA; 

Kaitlin frank, Nichols Career Center 

FFA; nicholas Harry fray, Boonville 

FFA; Kayla Janel frederick, Kirksville 

FFA; Jeremy french, Bakersfield FFA; 

Haldon D. fugate, Stanberry FFA; 

Jonathan b. fuller, Ash Grove FFA; 

Meghan Marie fuller, West Nodaway 

FFA; alisa funk, Princeton FFA; 

Cheyenne gardner, Tuscumbia FFA; 

Heather gardner, Cole Camp FFA; 

aminta garrison, Couch FFA; Chris 

garton, Marshfield FFA; rachel lee 

gastler, Audrain Co R-Virgin Islands 

FFA; Margaret gibson, St. James FFA; 

Kaitlin gieseke, Sweet Springs FFA; 

brady gifford, Pleasant Hope FFA; 

M’shale renia gillroy, Holden FFA; 

sonja gjerde, Fair Play FFA; Dennis 

Houston gower, Wellington-Napoleon 

FFA; Dakoda grabill, North Harrison 

FFA; alyssa K. graham, South 

Harrison FFA; Clayton gray, Northeast 

Vernon County FFA; eric groose, 

Eugene FFA; Cheyenne gulick, Miller 

FFA; Kurt Taylor gulick, Miller FFA; 

garrett alan gutshall, Miami FFA; 

abigail Hall, Elsberry FFA; samantha 

Halley, Atlanta FFA; Morgan Hallock, 

North Harrison FFA; Hilary Halsted., 

Aurora FFA; Dylan Hamlin, Crest Ridge 

FFA; ethan Hammond, North Shelby 

FFA; elizabeth ann Hanes, Clopton 

FFA; sage Harlan, Green Ridge FFA; 

Katryna Harms, Northeast Vernon 

County FFA; alicia Harris, Richmond 

FFA; Donald Hays, Monroe City FFA; 

Jennifer Jean Heard, Nichols Career 

Center FFA; rhiannon Hees, Tipton 

FFA; Hannah Hegeman, Savannah 

FFA; Kris Hellebusch, Washington 

FFA; nathan Hellmann, Washington 

FFA; Denise M. Hellums, Macks Creek 

FFA; Derek Henke, Salisbury FFA; 

parker Henley, Eugene FFA; Kelsey 

Violet Henry, Southwest at Washburn 

FFA; Kelly lane Herrman, Rolla FFA; 

Jordyn Hickcox-lobland, Richland 

FFA; brandon C. Hinck, Concordia 

FFA; lindsay elaine Hinson, St. Clair 

FFA; bailey Hixson, Jamesport FFA; 

sarah Hixson, Plattsburg FFA; Jenny 

Hobbs, Jamesport FFA; Tyler Cole 

Hoepker, West Nodaway FFA; evan M. 

Hoeppner, Higginsville FFA; sara ann 

Hoffman, Lewis County FFA; Jared 

Hogan, North Daviess FFA; Michael 

Hollander, Milan FFA; Morgan Hoover, 

Princeton FFA; ben Howard, Eldon 

FFA; sasha Howell, Koshkonong FFA; 

Christopher Hudson, Silex FFA; Ciara 


Huntley, Seneca FFA; Haley Hurd, 

Polo FFA; Miles Hutcherson, South 

Shelby FFA; Kelsie l. Hutsell, Willow 

Springs FFA; bridgett Ingersoll, 

Cameron FFA; austin Ireland, 

Chillicothe FFA; nancy ellen Jackson, 

Macon FFA; garth Jaco, Jackson FFA; 

Kelly Jahn, Jackson FFA; lance 

James, Paris FFA; Yusef Jaouni, 

Montgomery County FFA; Kyle Jarvis, 

Bakersfield FFA; bill Jennings, South 

Harrison FFA; Michael Jensen, 

Jefferson FFA; Cody David Joesting, 

Tarkio FFA; Michelle Johnson, Couch 

FFA; schanda Johnson, West Plains 

FFA; andrew Jones, Pleasant Hill FFA; 

Clinton Mathew Jones, Fayette FFA; 

britt Kagay, Maysville FFA; Matthew 

Kassebaum, Union FFA; levi Keller, 

North Shelby FFA; Zachary J. Kempf, 

Boonville FFA; slade adair Kenagy, 

Princeton FFA; logan Kennedy, East 

Newton FFA; Chance Kentner, Golden 

City FFA; aaron Kerr, Chillicothe FFA; 

amber Kieffer, Chillicothe FFA; Isaac 

Hessman Kiepe, Farmington FFA; 

brittany lynn King, Tuscumbia FFA; 

Dennis Wayne Kinkead Jr., 

Farmington FFA; KC Kipping, 

Carrollton FFA; Chelsea sydna Kissire, 

McDonald County FFA; seth William 

Klein, Belle FFA; Weston Klein, 

Versailles FFA; shelby Knipp, Tipton 

FFA; emily Koerner, Eldon FFA; 

Zachary Kramer, Higginsville FFA; 

george C. Kronshage, Wellington- 

Napoleon FFA; Kasondra Kruse, East 

Newton FFA; Jared Kueckelhan, 

Boonville FFA; Jessica Kueffer, 

California FFA; bryant Kurtz, South 

Holt FFA; Melissa Kurtz, Pleasant Hill 

FFA; phillip Kurzweil, Archie FFA; alex 

lafave, East Buchanan FFA; lindsey 

lambert, Pattonsburg FFA; Tiffany 

Dawn landoll, Pierce City FFA; erika 

lane, Santa Fe FFA; Daniel langley, 

Hurley FFA; austin andrew lawrence, 

Lamar FFA; Colton lee, East 

Buchanan FFA; Kaitlyn lee, North 

Callaway FFA; Weston T. lemon, 

Willow Springs FFA; Will r. letner, 

Princeton FFA; Mitchell lett, 

McDonald County FFA; nicole lewis , 

Union FFA; paul leykamp, Centralia 

FFA; Jessica lindbloom, Marceline 

FFA; Jesse link, Carrollton FFA; 

amanda elizabeth logan, Elsberry 

FFA; ben logan, Miller FFA; Darcy 

long, South Shelby FFA; Joseph 

lopez, Miller FFA; andy J. luke, 

Stanberry FFA; Kirby a. luke, 

Stanberry FFA; erin lutjen, Blue 

Springs South FFA; Jessica Mae lutz, 

Putnam County FFA; Taylor lynch, 

Trenton FFA; emily Maasdam, Tina- 

Avalon FFA; stephen Mabary, Skyline 

FFA; Jake r. Mackeprang, Appleton 

City FFA; becca Mallett, Knox County 

FFA; lydia Manson, Keytesville FFA; 

75


Chase Mareth, Butler FFA; Mark lewis 

Mareth, Monett FFA; billy Martin, 

Sweet Springs FFA; brenda a. Martin, 

Galena FFA; elaine ruth Martin, 

Centralia FFA; Megan Martin, 

Washington FFA; Tyler p. Martin, 

Centralia FFA; Travis Martyn, Perryville 

FFA; shelby lynn Massman, Eugene 

FFA; shanna Mathews, Boonville FFA; 

nina May, Jamesport FFA; Davielle 

Justine Mc Coy, La Monte FFA; Jared 

Wayne McCauslin, Chillicothe FFA; 

Caitlyn Mcfee, Maysville FFA; logan 

Mcghee, Couch FFA; ryan McQuinn, 

Jefferson FFA; brad McWilliams, Carl 

Junction FFA; Candace Melton, 

Bucklin FFA; ryan Meyer, Perryville 

FFA; Kahler Mitchell, Paris FFA; 

brittany Montavy, Eldon FFA; brianna 

Mormann, Eugene FFA; brittney 

Mormann, Eugene FFA; robert 

Morris, Tuscumbia FFA; amanda M. 

Morton, Boonville FFA; Megan Murry, 

Plato FFA; ethan Musick, Tuscumbia 

FFA; nicholas naeger, Ste Genevieve 

FFA; stephanie needham, Halfway 

FFA; Trey neill, North Shelby FFA; 

rebecca a. nelson, Van-Far FFA; 

ryan nevils, Warrensburg FFA; Kaleb 

Henry nordwald, Mexico FFA; Maggie 

Mae norton, Elsberry FFA; Clayton J. 

norvell, Pleasant Hill FFA; Chad 

nuelle, Higginsville FFA; patrick 

James o’riley, Nodaway-Holt FFA; 

Jordan osborn, Holcomb FFA; nolan 

otto, North Shelby FFA; Casey J. 

owen, Republic FFA; greg palmer, 

Carl Junction FFA; Kathleen pantry, 

Schuyler FFA; sarah Diann pantry, 

Schuyler FFA; Myra parrish, Knox 

County FFA; Molly parsons, 

Washington FFA; ethan patteson, 

Willard FFA; Tiffany nichole 

pemberton, richland FFA; brandon K. 

perkins, Marshall FFA; ruby peters, 

East Newton FFA; Kayla petree, Tipton 

FFA; Dillon pfanner, Monroe City FFA; 

Darren Joe pippin, Miami FFA; laura 

powers, Cass Career Center FFA; 

paige presley, Pleasant Hope FFA; 

blake Michael press, Pleasant Hope 

FFA; brittney price, West Nodaway 

FFA; sarah elizabeth prock, 

Gainesville FFA; emily proffitt, Couch 

FFA; Cameron radley, South Holt FFA; 

avery nicole ragan, Gilman City FFA; 

bryce lucas rains, Grundy County 

FFA; nolan grant rapp , Northeast 

Vernon County FFA; sarah ann ray, 

Paris FFA; Zackary ray, Hurley FFA; 

Wendy M. rechterman, Higginsville 

FFA; amanda redden, Northwest 

Technical FFA; Jessica redden, 

Northeast Nodaway FFA; Molly 

reddick, DeKalb FFA; sarah elizabeth 

rehagen, Eugene FFA; leVon reiff, 

Stanberry FFA; erin lynn reynolds, 

Bolivar FFA; Drew richards, Sullivan 

FFA; ross richter, Steelville FFA; 

Jacob riley, Tarkio FFA; Jeffery 

Dalton riley, Tarkio FFA; Whitney r. 

rissler, Marshall FFA; Joe rittman, 

Knob Noster FFA; Mike robinett, 

Eldon FFA; Hilary robinson, Bowling 

Green FFA; Kara roderick, Ashland 

FFA; garrett Marshall roe, Brookfield 

FFA; Kelley rosemann, Warrenton 

FFA; Marc anthony rosenbohm, 

Nodaway-Holt FFA; gage rosier, 

Mound City FFA; Taylor Morgan ross, 

Paris FFA; levin roweton, Weaubleau 

FFA; sawyer rush, Tuscumbia FFA; 

Kirsten sapp, Ashland FFA; Dacoda 

scarlett, Clever FFA; Wyatt schaefer, 

Hermann FFA; eric schaffer, Clopton 

FFA; erin scheiderer, Salisbury FFA; 

alan J. schieber, Jefferson FFA; Cory 

schlueter, Carrollton FFA; Michael l. 

schmidt, Centralia FFA; Craig Wayne 

schneider, Warrenton FFA; Daren 

Michael schneider, Salisbury FFA; 

stephanie schreier, Lex La Ray FFA; 

brody schrock, Milan FFA; sarah 

Kaylynn schumann, South Nodaway 

FFA; Megan schupback, Keytesville 

FFA; olivia schwaller, Eugene FFA; 

sarah schwaller, Eugene FFA; Dentin 

schwartz, Wheaton FFA; emily scott, 

Osceola FFA; Josey scott, 

Koshkonong FFA; stephanie sharp, 

Tarkio FFA; Marie a. shelden, 

Russellville FFA; Kelli shepard, South 

Harrison FFA; ashley sherman, 

Wheatland FFA; Mareta M. sherman, 

Belle FFA; Morgan shipley, Northwest 

Technical FFA; David shively, Monroe 

City FFA; Jacob shrable, Bakersfield 

FFA; Meggan shrank, Silex FFA; 

Kendra silver, Pierce City FFA; William 

simpson, Eldon FFA; garrett sims, 

Centralia FFA; Jessica Dianne sites, 

Memphis FFA; Tyler skipper, 

Chillicothe FFA; David Michael slater, 

Trenton FFA; Troy sloan, Cameron 

FFA; ritnee smiley, Milan FFA; alex 

smith, Willard FFA; austin smith, East 

Prairie FFA; Curtis smith , Elsberry 

FFA; Mason snider, Sweet Springs 

FFA; lance snodgrass, Polo FFA; 

Creston snyder, Hamilton FFA; Cara 

Marie spencer, Northwestern FFA; 

Jordan lynn spradling, Van-Far FFA; 

Katie springer, Pleasant Hill FFA; 

brittany a. stallcup, Houston FFA; 

Cheyanne stark, Eldon FFA; austin 

steele, Miller FFA; MacKenzie steele, 

Dora FFA; The late Cole eugene 

steelman, Odessa FFA; Kip 

stephenson, Milan FFA; Jared alan 

stewart, Clopton FFA; Mariah stiens, 

Northwest Technical FFA; seth strope, 

Linn FFA; Kevin M. strough, Stanberry 

FFA; Jordan sukovaty, Fair Play FFA; 

Tiffany r. sutton, Gilman City FFA; 

ethan Tate, Brunswick FFA; Kyle 

William Tate, Mountain Grove FFA; 

lacey Taylor, Neosho FFA; Quaid C. 

Taylor, Ozark FFA; Kourtney Taylorramirez, 

El Dorado Springs FFA; Clint 

allen Thilking, Wellington-Napoleon 

FFA; Kaitlynn Thompson, Tipton FFA; 

rachel Thornton, Sweet Springs FFA; 

Jessica Tolo, Smithville FFA; Zach 

Tormey, Polo FFA; Jessie Troyer, 

South Shelby FFA; Caleb Tucker, 

Clopton FFA; Dakota Tucker, Lakeland 

FFA; Katarina rae Twenter, Pilot Grove 

FFA; Kathleen elizabeth Tyler, Sweet 

Springs FFA; Wade Tyre, Marshall FFA; 

ethan ulmanis, Koshkonong FFA; 

Justin uptergrove, Eldon FFA; Megan 

Van Dyke, Meadville FFA; eric Van 

Horn, Wellsville-Middletown FFA; Jake 

Vandiver, Richmond FFA; andrew 

Vanschoiack, Savannah FFA; brett 

philip Varner, Odessa FFA; Kelsey 

Vaughn, Pleasant Hope FFA; nick 

Vocks, Linn FFA; Kelli Voris, Halfway 

FFA; Timothy Voss Jr., Koshkonong 

FFA; Kody Wainscott, Butler FFA; 

brett Walker, Stanberry FFA; shyanna 

Wallace, Branson FFA; Joseph 

Walters, Knob Noster FFA; Jordan D. 

Watson, South Shelby FFA; ryan a. 

Watson, Washington FFA; sarah 

Weatherman, Wheaton FFA; Katie 

lynn Wehmeyer, Owensville FFA; 

nathan Westermier, Tipton FFA; 

Carolyn White, Blue Springs South 

FFA; Tony White, Linn FFA; emily 

Whitmarsh, Miller FFA; Karissa 

Wieskamp, Eldon FFA; Issac Daniel 

Wilkins, Northeast Vernon County FFA; 


bryce Williams, East Buchanan FFA; 

Katie Williams, Fair Play FFA; brendon 

Wilson, West Plains FFA; rebecca J. 

Wood, Ozark FFA; erin Woody, Mount 

Vernon FFA; McKinley James Worley, 

Farmington FFA; Denten Wray, 

Jamesport FFA; erin lee Wren, 

Ashland FFA; Caleb r. Wright, Craig 

FFA; sheila Wyrick, Eldon FFA; reine 

niquol Yamnitz, Perryville FFA; Yeng 

Yang, Wheaton FFA; Josie Irene 

Yoakum, Rolla FFA; Cole Young, 

Putnam County FFA; ethan Young, 

Boonville FFA; shelby n. Young, South 

Harrison FFA 

MonTAnA: Thomas bonogofsky, 

Belfry FFA; Kelci boyd, Shields Valley 

FFA; Mark W. boyd, Ruby Valley FFA; 

Chisholm Christensen, Hinsdale FFA; 

sarah e. Combs, Fromberg FFA; Cody 

Donaugh, Park City FFA; Dominic 

eickert, Flathead FFA; Mathias fochs, 

Park FFA; laura frazee, Stevensville 

FFA; Zachary friedrich, Plentywood 

FFA; Megan Jeanne greenwood, 

Sidney FFA; Cassady roseann 

guinnane, Ruby Valley FFA; riker 

Haefs, Park FFA; Jayleen larae 

Harris, Conrad FFA; adam Heggelund, 

Deer Lodge FFA; levi Keith Helmuth, 

Lambert FFA; Kamron Hoffman, 

Shields Valley FFA; Christopher 

Janssen, Broadus FFA; ben Johnson, 

Sidney FFA; Tessa Kern, Joliet FFA; 

logan H. Kotar, Hysham FFA; Joseph 

lombardi, Deer Lodge FFA; Hailey 

Maier, Shields Valley FFA; Michael 

McInerney, Shields Valley FFA; 

nicholas lee Metcalfe, Stanford 

FFA; ethan Moberg, Plentywood 

FFA; Mick Mosher, Shepherd FFA; 

lindsey nelson, Bainville FFA; lane 

Coy nordlund, Fergus of Lewistown 

FFA; Tyler oedekoven, Shepherd 

FFA; Cameron rodriquez, Conrad 

FFA; sydnee M. schneider, Miles 

City FFA; Kristen scott, Shields 

Valley FFA; sarah snow, Park City 

FFA; erin switzer, Richey FFA; 

Katlyn Tomschin, Shields Valley 

FFA; brannin Tyler, Big Timber FFA; 

Justin Wacker, Plentywood FFA; Kylie 

Windecker, Shields Valley FFA; Caitlin 

Zimmerman, Shields Valley FFA 

neBrAskA: nicole Mae allvin, 

Crofton FFA; brady C. ammon, 

Rock County FFA; eric sherman 

anderson, Lyons-Decatur Northeast 

FFA; sean Willard arbogast, York 

FFA; John bader, Centennial FFA; 

Jenny l. birkett, Wilber-Clatonia 

FFA; benjamin blecha, Pawnee City 

FFA; Micaela boardman, Ravenna 

FFA; alex bottolfsen, Hartington 

FFA; lacey brandt, Humphrey FFA; 

lawrence a. burns, Kimball FFA; 

Chelsea l. Christensen, Blair FFA; 

76


Mitchell Cockerill, Greeley-Wolbach 

FFA; Megan Conway, Southwest 

FFA; sarah a. Cooper, Medicine 

Valley FFA; amy Cox, Sutton FFA; 

Jordan Curtis, Milford FFA; Joshua 

Dieckgrafe, Johnson County Central 

FFA; sam Dierberger, Seward FFA; 

alex Dose, Hampton FFA; amanda 

Downey, Dundy County Stratton 

FFA; Kaylee Dump, Hartington FFA; 

Katie eckmann, Bloomfield FFA; 

Devon eggerling, Plainview FFA; 

Jarred Wayne erb, Heartland FFA; 

Tommy france, Gothenburg FFA; 

Collin Michael o. friesen, Hampton 

FFA; Katie fuchtman, Creighton FFA; 

Chelsea K. fullerton, Cody-Kilgore 

FFA; brooke fullner, Wisner-Pilger 

FFA; Casey a. gerdes, Falls City FFA; 

noelle gerken, York FFA; braylon 

gierhan, Centennial FFA; Cory grant, 

Palmyra FFA; Tanner griess, Sutton 

FFA; Hance f. grunden, Medicine 

Valley FFA; shelby r. Hajek, Wilber- 

Clatonia FFA; Thomas W. Hall, 

Palmyra FFA; robin Jean Hamilton, 

York FFA; sydney Hansen, Tekamah- 

Herman FFA; Cody Hegemann, 

Howells FFA; Connor Hiebner, 

Heartland FFA; preston Hild, Sandy 

Creek FFA; amber Himmelberg, Blue 

Hill FFA; KayCe Hollman, Lyons- 

Decatur Northeast FFA; bailey J. 

Horak, Wilber-Clatonia FFA; alec 

Ibach, Sumner-Eddyville-Miller FFA; 

emily Ibach, Sumner-Eddyville- 

Miller FFA; evan W. Ibach, Sumner- 

Eddyville-Miller FFA; Michelle a. Jack, 

Gothenburg FFA; lindee ann Jackson, 

McCool Junction FFA; James M. 

Jarred, Falls City FFA; Travis Jensen, 

Heartland FFA; anastasia Johnson, 

Central City FFA; rebecca Johnson, 

Twin River FFA; grant D. Jones, Dundy 

County Stratton FFA; Jonathan Jones, 

Broken Bow FFA; bill Jordan, Loup 

County FFA; Trevor Kahl, Wheeler 

Central FFA; garrett Kahrs, Franklin 

FFA; Morgan Kauth, Bloomfield 

FFA; Will Keech, Norris FFA; Tyler 

Kinzie, Palmyra FFA; Joe Kirkpatrick, 

Wauneta FFA; Carson Klute, Hampton 

FFA; Kaylee Klute, Hampton FFA; 

Megan Kneifl, Hartington FFA; 

Morgan leigh Kobs, Blair FFA; 

Jennifer Kay laflan, Creighton FFA; 

rebecca laflan, Creighton FFA; ethan 

lang, Sandy Creek FFA; rebecca 

larson, Rock County FFA; Jordyn 

lechtenberg, Ainsworth FFA; paula 

leibbrandt, Imperial FFA; Travis line, 

Sumner-Eddyville-Miller FFA; patrick 

lorens, Dundy County Stratton FFA; 

Kelli luebbert, West Point FFA; 

austin Taylor Mann, Crofton FFA; 

stacia a. McIntosh, Blair FFA; andy 

Method, Tekamah-Herman FFA; 

David Michael Meyer, Scribner- 

Snyder FFA; alex Morrill, Creighton 

FFA; Dillon J. Mortensen, Medicine 

Valley FFA; Danielle M. nichols, 

Wheeler Central FFA; Jana nollette, 

Cody-Kilgore FFA; Johanna e. nutt, 

Medicine Valley FFA; levi W. ochsner, 

Sutton FFA; anders olson, Tekamah- 

Herman FFA; Dakota olson, Boone 

Central FFA; Heather overturf, Sutton 

FFA; alisha pellatz, Plainview FFA; 

brant peters, Pender FFA; Miranda 

Delayne pollock, Centura FFA; Josh 

preister, Humphrey FFA; benjamin 

purucker, Pender FFA; Taylor randall, 

Franklin FFA; brittany anne ratzlaff, 

Heartland FFA; shelby lynn real, 

McCool Junction FFA; paige rebman, 

Wilcox-Hildreth FFA; Katie reichert, 

Bayard FFA; Megan rice, Norris FFA; 

Cory schlichtemeier, Conestoga 

FFA; landon schmidt, Fairbury FFA; 

garrett Kevin schomerus, Nebraska 

City FFA; nicholas schrunk, West 

Holt FFA; Josh severin, Rock County 

FFA; Tyler sheets, Gothenburg FFA; 

Cody ray simms, Kimball FFA; 

Dylan e. smith, Sumner-Eddyville- 

Miller FFA; Jonathan smith, Pender 

FFA; alexis Kristine spath, Waverly 

FFA; peter stahly, Milford FFA; lane 

steinhauer, Sutton FFA; ethan M. 

steinhauser, Rock County FFA; ben 

stingley, Hampton FFA; abigail r. 

sybrant, Rock County FFA; raquel 

Taylor, Medicine Valley FFA; blake 

Thomsen, St. Paul FFA; Zac Thramer, 

Wheeler Central FFA; Kaitlin Thunker, 

Wheeler Central FFA; benjamin T. 

Trampe, Sumner-Eddyville-Miller 

FFA; Darrell e. Traudt, Heartland 

FFA; Jordan Wagner, Creighton FFA; 

Wade Walters, Shickley FFA; lacey l. 

Ward, Superior FFA; Kane e. Warren, 

Blair FFA; Zachary Watson, St. Paul 

FFA; Kelsey Weber, Wheeler Central 

FFA; Kelsey Wetovick, Fullerton FFA; 

Krystal a. Wilke, Kimball FFA; Mollie 

Wilken, Crofton FFA; Kylee Wilmes, 

Creighton FFA; Megan Wolfe, Central 

FFA; beth Wroblewski, St. Paul FFA; 

shelby Yost, Sutton FFA; ethan Zoerb, 

Ravenna FFA 

nevAdA: emma ballard, Wells FFA; 

Jordan brough, Wells FFA; emily 

Damele, Diamond Mountain FFA; 

Kali Casey evanson, Carson Valley 

FFA; Madison Hughes, Silver Sage 

FFA; amanda o’Donnell, Silver Sage 

FFA; shay pawelek, Ruby Mountain 

Elko FFA; aly reynolds, Wells FFA; 

stacie schwandt, Silver Sage FFA; 

MaryJo stoddard, Silver Sage FFA; 

Melora Weeks, Wells FFA; erin Wilker, 

Diamond Mountain FFA 

neW HAMPsHire: Devon farr, 

Much To Do FFA 

neW Jersey: Jenny allen, Warren 

Hills Regional FFA; adam Trevour 

armstrong, Newton FFA; samuel 

Casqueira, Newton FFA; Courtney 

J. Clair, Penns Grove FFA; Katherine 

I. loew, Cumberland Regional FFA; 

alec Mcalarnen, Cape May Tech FFA; 

eric neal nunn, Newton FFA; brett 

Matthew olsen, Newton FFA; bridget 

stewart, Newton FFA; Christina flora 

straway, Newton FFA 

neW Mexico: Taylor avery, 

Artesia FFA; shelby burnett, Artesia 

FFA; shelby Cockerham, Texico 

FFA; Tyler Davis, Moriarty FFA; 

Katherine grandle, Las Cruces FFA; 

Kyra brynn grant, Fort Sumner 

FFA; alyssa Hackett, Moriarty FFA; 

Taysha Ham, Hot Springs FFA; Dylan 

Johnson, Corona FFA; Jenna Klein, 

Artesia FFA; laynee Kuenstler, Hot 

Springs FFA; Tad Menefee, Artesia 

FFA; Keely Muncy, Hot Springs 

FFA; Myra newkirk, Des Moines 

FFA; Joli o’byrne, Animas FFA; 

Joseph ogden, Carlsbad FFA; lyndi 

owensby, Des Moines FFA; Cort 

smith, Hot Springs FFA 

neW york: nicole avery, Tri-Valley 

FFA; brandon boyer, Randolph FFA; 

alana Diane brandon, Greenville 

FFA; Krista Devore, Tri-Valley FFA; 

laura Jean elberth, Tri-Valley FFA; 

Casandra gamble, Indian River 

FFA; regina gillis, Greenwich FFA; 

elizabeth grace goblet, Schoharie 

Valley FFA; rebecca Harrison, 

Cobleskill-Richmondville FFA; Johnny 

Kozak IV, Pioneer FFA; brad Marshall, 

Stockbridge Valley FFA; Michelle 

Mcnutt, Tri-Valley FFA; Michael 

Mickelson, Tri-Valley FFA; Margaret a. 

Murphy, John Bowne FFA; Christina 

neist, Tri-Valley FFA; Jessica Jane 

pfeil, Springville FFA; Melanie a. 

ploetz, Springville FFA; Kenneth 

D. Quick Jr., Granville FFA; aaron 

santangelo, Cuba-Rushford FFA; 

Katlyn M. santangelo, Cuba-Rushford 

FFA; Morgan shaver, Belleville 

Henderson FFA 

norTH cArolinA: Daniel 

Wayne alvey, Madison FFA; Kimberly 

ballance, Pasquotank FFA; Kayleigh 

année barnhardt, Northwest Cabarrus 

FFA; shawn Christopher beam, 

Northwest Cabarrus FFA; Travis J. 

black, Eastern Randolph FFA; Justin 

Douglas boyd, Northside FFA; Will 

brinkley, Ledford FFA; Tiffany brown, 

Chase FFA; brian bulla, Randleman 

FFA; Jessica renee burleson, 

Mountain Heritage FFA; steven lee 

byrd, South Johnston FFA; Matthew 

ryan Cagle, Southwestern Randolph 

FFA; Jillian rose Casey, Rosewood 

FFA; edwin Catalan, Lumberton FFA; 

Matthew Chastain, Sun Valley FFA; 

brandon M. Cheek, Ashe County FFA; 

Jared Douglas Clark, Avery County 

FFA; stevan boyd Cox, Lumberton 

FFA; seth Craven, Eastern Randolph 

FFA; Matthew James Current, North 

Iredell FFA; Matthew alan Currin, 

Knightdale FFA; elizabeth eastep, 

Bartlett Yancey FFA; Courtney elliott, 

Eastern Randolph FFA; Jessica 

fowler, Lumberton FFA; Terri lane 

frazier, Randleman FFA; lizzie 

Morgan gay, Community Christian 

FFA; Jessica gordon, Eastern 

Randolph FFA; John Chadwick 

Hammonds, Lumberton FFA; Justin 

Harden, Randleman FFA; Michael 

auston Harris, North Lenoir FFA; anna 

rebecca Hayworth, Ledford FFA; 

Tara Hughes, Mountain Heritage FFA; 

Madelyn Johnson, North Buncombe 

FFA; Meredith l. Johnson, Lumberton 

FFA; Danielle losh, Lumberton FFA; 

ryan Maupin, Southern Guilford FFA; 


Justin Mcentyre, Crest FFA; alycia 

ann Mclamb, Midway FFA; Kelly 

Mclees, Lumberton FFA; Kelly Diane 

Meadows, J.F. Webb FFA; Keith 

Jacob Mentnech, Croatan FFA; Jacob 

Tyler Miles, North Iredell FFA; Justin 

Milstein, Lumberton FFA; Zack Myers, 

West Rowan FFA; ashley pedersen, 

Rosewood FFA; Coleman phifer, West 

Rowan FFA; rex price, Spring Creek 

FFA; alyssa ramsey, Madison FFA; 

Matt renfro, Mountain Heritage FFA; 

James rice, Lumberton FFA; erika 

scott, West Rowan FFA; amanda 

lynn smedley, South Granville FFA; 

Hannah Jane smith, Providence 

Grove FFA; Jonathon smith, West 

Carteret FFA; phillip stringer, West 

Rowan FFA; Caroline elizabeth Tart, 

Rosewood FFA; Courtney renee 

Wade, Tuscola FFA; olivia Diane 

Watson, Avery County FFA; Jacob 

Welborn, Randleman FFA; Caroline 

elizabeth Yopp, Triton FFA 

norTH dAkoTA: Katie axt, 

McClusky FFA; Corey bittner, Center 

FFA; randy bittner, Center FFA; 

Joel Clifford, Minot FFA; Chelsey 

Doll, John Christian New Salem FFA; 

Heather lynn frank, John Christian 

New Salem FFA; Kelse Hanson, 

Garrison FFA; Danelle Dawn Hoff, 

Hebron FFA; laura e. Hoffert, Rugby 

FFA; Jessica Hummel, Garrison 

FFA; Karissa Jensen, Bottineau FFA; 

Katie Klein, Rugby FFA; brandon 

Koenig, Carrington FFA; emily lasher, 

McClusky FFA; natalie M. laubner, 

Mandan FFA; Waylon leingang, 

Garrison FFA; Mindy lisburg, Central 

Cass FFA; Tyler Jon loll, Wahpeton 

FFA; susie lyons, Lisbon FFA; Christy 

Mattern, Rugby FFA; Taylor Mattson, 

Carrington FFA; Cameron Mcbeth, 

Towner FFA; Kelsey a. Mongeon, 

Rugby FFA; robert neubauer, 

Bottineau FFA; nathan pepple, 

Williston FFA; Heather peterson, 

Bottineau FFA; andrew pfeifer, Rugby 

FFA; brady prellwitz, Towner FFA; 

nicholas priewe, Wyndmere FFA; 

nicole Marie richardson, Hebron 

FFA; Kristin ripplinger, McClusky 

FFA; lucas blaine schmaltz, Rugby 

FFA; samantha seidler, Garrison 

FFA; Jacey shively, Rugby FFA; evan 

sitz, Wahpeton FFA; Tiffany stoppler, 

Minot FFA; Jessie Topp, Carrington 

FFA; Cole Vculek, Oakes Sargent 

Central FFA; Christine Wanner, Wishek 

FFA; Kirsten Welk, Rugby FFA; shyla 

Wettlaufer, Bottineau FFA; Jill Wieser, 

Wahpeton FFA 

oHio: andrea Destiny adams, 

Liberty-Benton FFA; Matthew l. 

albers, Minster FFA; Josh albright, 

Licking Valley FFA; lacy allen, Van 

77


Buren FFA; Cassandra arling, St. 

Henry FFA; Justin bachman, Bloom 

Carroll FFA; Kelsey bailey, Felicity- 

Franklin FFA; brent baker, United FFA; 

Jerica baker, Buckeye Trail FFA; scott 

baldosser, Seneca East FFA; Thomas 

ballash, Hopewell-Loudon FFA; 

Markes banister, Wauseon FFA; Tricia 

bauman, Norwayne FFA; Dawna 

bebout, Meadowbrook FFA; angie 

beekman, Centerburg FFA; libby 

bender, River Valley FFA; arielle 

bergman, Versailles FFA; John 

berkshire, Indian Valley FFA; natalie 

Christine bessman, Pymatuning Valley 

FFA; Kyle bigler, Utica FFA; Clint l. 

bitler, Liberty Union FFA; Mariah 

black, Bloom Carroll FFA; austin bok, 

Fairview FFA; Kelsey bowers, 

Northwestern FFA; Justin earl Monroe 

branham, Teays Valley FFA; ethan 

brautigam, Fairlawn FFA; Jarrett 

bright, Alexander FFA; Kelsey 

brockman, Fort Recovery FFA; 

Mitchell broering, St. Henry FFA; Troy 

broseus, Utica FFA; ronnie bryant, 

Centerburg FFA; Cynthia J. bunch, 

West Holmes FFA; garrett Canfield, 

Mapleton FFA; Deirdre Christy, Carey 

FFA; Cathryn Clark, Northridge FFA; 

rachel Clonch, Lynchburg-Clay FFA; 

seth Coverstone, Miami East-MVCTC 

FFA; albert Cravens, Clyde FFA; 

Kimberly Croft, River View FFA; 

ashley Cross, Plymouth FFA; Melissa 

ann Curry, Genoa Area FFA; emily 

Marie Curtis, Elmwood FFA; Denver 

Davis, Wapakoneta FFA; Jared 

Deatrick, Paulding FFA; nicolette T. 

Decker, Tecumseh FFA; eric Dickman, 

Delphos FFA; aaron Dietz, Botkins 

FFA; addie Dixon, Triad FFA; austin 

Dixon, Triad FFA; austin p. Dorer, 

Buckeye FFA; seth Dotson, 

Ridgewood FFA; eric Downing, 

London FFA; Tammy Jo Dyer, 

Lancaster FFA; Courtney earliwine, 

Union Local FFA; Heather echle, 

Buckeye FFA; Kurt egbert, Botkins 

FFA; Kayla eisenbrown, Buckeye FFA; 

seth erwin, Fayetteville FFA; John 

essman, Westfall FFA; James falgner, 

Fayetteville FFA; brittany farquhar, 

Wayne Trace FFA; Jenna faurot, 

Delphos FFA; Ian fausnauch, Westfall 

FFA; breck finch, Benjamin Logan 

FFA; Kayla Mae finton, Ridgewood 

FFA; anthony Wayne flannery, 

Georgetown FFA; nick ford, Liberty 

Union FFA; Tyler fourman, Tri-Village- 

MVCTC FFA; echo frey, Upper 

Sandusky FFA; Janey fulk, Crestview 

FFA; Tyson l. funderburgh, Triad FFA; 

robert Dean gannett, South Central 

FFA; shelby george, Elmwood FFA; 

Hannah geyer, Botkins FFA; ellen s. 

gilliland, Mohawk FFA; amy 

gobrogge, Otsego FFA; Chad 

gottfried, Upper Sandusky FFA; alan 

graham, John Glenn FFA; sam 

grauer, Crestview FFA; samantha 

grills, Firelands FFA; lindsey C. 

grimes, Hillsboro FFA; Maggie ray 

gurney, Seneca East FFA; Kelly 

guthrie, River Valley FFA; Kelly M. 

gwiner, Lakota FFA; James C. Hadley, 

Wilmington FFA; Mike Hannewald, 

Otsego FFA; blake Harris, Spencerville 

FFA; Megan Heckman, Versailles FFA; 

Tiffany Heiby, Hillsdale FFA; brittany 

Heidenreich, Versailles FFA; Heidi 

Heiss, Fort Frye FFA; Jay Heitkamp, 

Versailles FFA; lindsey Marie Heller, 

Elmwood FFA; Dylan Herd, Fairfield 

Union FFA; sara Herman, Edgerton 

FFA; nathan Herringshaw, Bowling 

Green FFA; lucas Hershberger, Miami 

East-MVCTC FFA; adam g. Heydinger, 

Buckeye Central FFA; Megan 

Hickman, A.B. Graham Ohio Hi-Point; 

earley Cody Hill, Meigs FFA; Tiffany 

Hobson, Fairfield Union FFA; Chad l. 

Hoersten, Delphos FFA; adam scott 

Holland, Georgetown FFA; Chris 

Holter, Southern FFA; nathan 

Holthaus, Fort Loramie FFA; loren 

Hulit, Crestview FFA; gracie Hurley, 

Westfall FFA; Cody Johnston, North 

Union FFA; Deveon Jordan, Benjamin 

Logan FFA; Taylor Justice, Liberty 

Union FFA; Cody Kaiser, Fort 

Recovery FFA; Jennifer Kathleen 

Kasler, Alexander FFA; Chelsey lynn 

Keiser, Versailles FFA; Jeffrey g. 

Keller, Mississinawa Valley-MVCTC; 

Kayla Kelly, Felicity-Franklin FFA; brad 

Keltner, Lynchburg-Clay FFA; erik a. 

Kernell, Western Reserve FFA; ariel 

Kinder, Patrick Henry FFA; Kristy lee 

Klingenberg, Logan FFA; evan 

Klopfenstein, Wayne Trace FFA; 

Colton Kreager, Licking Valley FFA; 

adam Kroeger, Delphos FFA; Ira 

Kuenzli, Mohawk FFA; John robert 

laborie, Elmwood FFA; garth lahna, 

Ridgewood FFA; Devin latham, 

Western Brown FFA; Jacob lefeld, St. 

Henry FFA; Jordon levering, 

Fredericktown FFA; ridge lewis, 

Arcadia FFA; emily limes, Otsego 

FFA; brett lindeman, Northeastern 

FFA; Katie linder, Mt. Gilead FFA; 

Jayson lodwick, Western Brown FFA; 

Derrik long, Elida FFA; Kyle alan 

long, Hardin-Northern FFA; Kade 

Warren louiso, Ohio Valley FFA; Tyler 

Magoto, Fort Loramie FFA; Josh Main, 

Otsego FFA; samantha Manning, 

Felicity-Franklin FFA; Tierney Jo 

Margraf, Arcadia FFA; Kalley Martin, 

Fayette FFA; Kristin Martin, Eastwood 

FFA; nicole Martin, Xenia FFA; 

Danielle nicole Matthews, Parkwa 

FFA; Kaitlyn Mattox, Liberty Union 

FFA; Megan Maurer, Anna FFA; 

Matthew McCarty, East Knox FFA; 

faith McConnell, Northridge FFA; 

Carrie Mcfarland, Cardington-Lincoln 

FFA; Chelsea McIntire, Carrollton FFA; 

Chad W. McKay, Wilmington FFA; 

suzannah McMullen, River View FFA; 

nathan Tyler Meek, Elmwood FFA; 

guy Meinerding, Fort Loramie FFA; 

Justin andrew Metzger, Shelby FFA; 

Jacob Meyer, Fort Loramie FFA; 

amanda Jo Middleton, Wilmington 

FFA; Clayton Miller, Elida FFA; Megan 

Marie Miller, Margaretta FFA; Carolyn 

Moore, Centerburg FFA; Curt 

Muhlenkamp, Minster FFA; ashley 

Marie Myers, Anthony Wayne FFA; 

sara nave, A.B. Graham Ohio Hi- 

Point; ethan nicol, Fairbanks FFA; 

Dustin oates, Fairlawn FFA; payton 

oney, South Central FFA; Monica 

palmer, Mowrystown FFA; Christopher 

paterson, United FFA; Hannah l. 

patton, Hillsboro FFA; Cassey pearce, 

Northmor FFA; eric percel, Miami 

East-MVCTC FFA; sarah pfledderer, 

Fairlawn FFA; lindsey nicole pigman, 

Ridgewood FFA; Mitchell 

pitsenbarger, Versailles FFA; adam 

poeppelman, Minster FFA; beth 

poeppelman, Fort Loramie FFA; Kyle 

poeppelman, Fort Loramie FFA; Hilary 

Kathryn pohlman, Versailles FFA; 

amanda M. porter, Paulding FFA; sam 

potts, Shelby FFA; scott praither, 

Bloom Carroll FFA; lauren prettyman, 

River Valley FFA; eric priest, Wayne 

Trace FFA; James prince, Fairlawn 

FFA; Marcy lynn prushing, Westfall 

FFA; Michael ray, Northwestern FFA; 

Travis reeves, Liberty Union FFA; 

andrew reinhart, Arcadia FFA; Dean 

renner, Delphos FFA; emily lou 

reynolds, Elmwood FFA; richard 

reynolds, Smithville FFA; brooke 

elizabeth riehle, Edgerton FFA; erin 

rife, Upper Sandusky FFA; Josie rine, 

East Knox FFA; Kody roberts, Gallia 

Academy FFA; Callie rollison, River 

Valley FFA; ryan allen rose, Elmwood 

FFA; ryan rosselot, Fayetteville FFA; 

reid Timothy rothenbuhler, Elmwood 

FFA; anthony ruger, Wauseon FFA; 

nathan ruhlen, Hardin-Northern FFA; 

Caitlyn russell, Southern Local FFA; 

pauline russell, Athens FFA; David 

sams, Amanda-Clearcreek FFA; Caleb 

saunders, Elida FFA; Caleb 

scheiderer, Fairbanks FFA; Thomas 

schenkel, Caldwell FFA; Derek 

schlatter, Paulding FFA; Tyler 

schonaurer, West Holmes FFA; ethan 

schroeder, Edgerton FFA; lucas 

schroeder, Tinora FFA; ryan schwab, 

Talawanda-Butler Tech FFA; Kody 

seemann, Patrick Henry FFA; Jenny 

shaw, Edgewood-Butler Tech FFA; 

Katie shaw, Edgewood-Butler Tech 

FFA; Duane shawk, Colonel Crawford 

FFA; Kirsten shellhouse, Mohawk 

FFA; Taylor sherman, Buckeye FFA; 

Karissa shivener, Ohio Valley FFA; Will 

shoemaker, Hillsboro FFA; bo 

shreves, Pymatuning Valley FFA; luke 

shroyer, Botkins FFA; Danielle sims, 

Buckeye FFA; Jared sims, Liberty 

Union FFA; rachel skinner, Ripley 

FFA; andrew smith, Arcadia FFA; 

brooke smith, Harrison Central FFA; 

grant smith, North Union FFA; Jacob 

smith, Southern Local FFA; Jared 

smith, Fairbanks FFA; samantha 

smith, Ridgemont FFA; Derek D. 

snider, Kenton FFA; Kylie austa 

snowden, Elmwood FFA; Hope l. 

spishak, Western Reserve FFA; Krista 

steiner, Shelby FFA; brittany stevens, 

Amanda-Clearcreek FFA; Karri 

stickley, Greenville FFA; Jeffrey 

stimmell, Hillsdale FFA; Martin stoller, 

Wayne Trace FFA; bryan stoltz, 

Fairfield Union FFA; Jacob stout, 

Benjamin Logan FFA; Duane n. 

stutzman, River View FFA; Caleb 

swope, United FFA; Jordan Tabor, 

Ada FFA; Matthew Thompson, 

Ridgewood FFA; Taylor brooke 

Tucker, Cardington-Lincoln FFA; Tyler 

Keith Tucker, Georgetown FFA; Justin 

Twary, South Central FFA; Keith allen 


Van Horn, Liberty-Benton FFA; Tyler 

Van Horn, Amanda-Clearcreek FFA; 

Matthew Vanscoy, Ridgemont FFA; 

David Wagner, Colonel Crawford FFA; 

Jennifer lynn Warrick, Anthony Wayne 

FFA; Mark Wasserman, Penta FFA; 

Melinda Weaver, Carrollton FFA; 

Caroline Weihl, Otsego FFA; Jessica 

Wellert, Northwestern-Wayne FFA; 

Tabitha Wheeler, Peebles FFA; Matt 

Whitacre, Fort Recover FFA; Cassi 

Wibright, Mechanicsburg FFA; ryan 

Williams, Otsego FFA; Makenzie 

Wippel, Westfall FFA; Kayla Wrasman, 

Delphos FFA; Caleb Wright, 

Talawanda-Butler Tech FFA; Jacob 

Wuebben, Xenia FFA; eric Daniel 

Wuebker, St. Henry FFA; Mark 

Wuebker, St. Henry FFA; Jared Wynn, 

Mapleton FFA; Joseph Yates, 

Mechanicsburg FFA; Candice Yockey, 

Eastern Brown FFA; Travis Zartman, 

Wayne Trace FFA; Marisa Zuchowsi, 

Wauseon FFA 

oklAHoMA: Dillon addington, 

Clayton FFA; Jeckie Irene akers, 

Pond Creek-Hunter FFA; Thomas 

reeves allen, Burlington FFA; Jessica 

brooke armstrong, Stratford FFA; 

McKenzie Dawn bailey, Byng FFA; 

David lane bandy, Whitesboro FFA; 

Christa beasler, Wellston FFA; Tucker 

beasley, Hardesty FFA; Dillon beck, 

Stuart FFA; phylli black, Cheyenne 

FFA; rashele Kay blakley, Oologah 

FFA; Mindy blaser, Deer Creek- 

Lamont FFA; Colton blehm, Lomega 

FFA; blade bode, Cimarron FFA; 

lindsey borden, Vici FFA; Cody 

bowen, Kinta FFA; Trindle brueggen, 

Okarche FFA; Cody bryen, Thomas- 

Fay-Custer FFA; aaron buckner, 

Roland FFA; Trent r. burkhead, 

Binger-Oney FFA; elizabeth burns, 

Geary FFA; Darren butchee, Navajo 

FFA; Williams Chase Caid, Granite 

FFA; Heather Campbell, Depew FFA; 

lindsy Campbell, Checotah FFA; 

Jake r. Cantrell, Stigler FFA; David 

Carlile, Hugo FFA; fred a. Chapman 

IV, Dickson FFA; Craig Chappell, 

Webbers Falls FFA; Jayson Chesebro, 

Bixby FFA; amelia Helen Coates, 

Strother FFA; richard Coffey, Davis 

FFA; Cole Collins, Pawnee FFA; 

Kelsey Crane, Wister FFA; Corey 

Crick, Crescent FFA; Zack Crow, 

Cimarron FFA; samantha Danker, 

Wellston FFA; presley Davis, Broken 

Bow FFA; garrett Decker, Blair FFA; 

Dillon DeMuth, Blackwell FFA; patrick 

Darby Driskill, Pauls Valley FFA; 

Cooper eden, Freedom FFA; Kaylee 

edmonds, Morris FFA; reid estes, 

Altus FFA; bronc a. finch, Dewey FFA; 

anthony blake fogle, Caney Valley 

FFA; Kalob levi foreman, Bethel 

FFA; Ilze amanda fritts, Jenks FFA; 

Katelyn golden, Morris FFA; Dakota 

78


Kyle gormly, Weleetka FFA; Kelsey 

Jo grellner, Okarche FFA; Cassandra 

Joann griffith, Indianola FFA; 

Mason groves, Byng FFA; audrey 

gruntmeir, Kingfisher FFA; Jessica 

Jo guinn, Indianola FFA; seth Darrell 

Hankey, Burlington FFA; robert 

Harden, Buffalo FFA; Mikka Harman, 

Mulhall-Orlando FFA; Jennifer Harris, 

Covington-Douglas FFA; Kendall 

Harsh, Crescent FFA; Dillon Tanner 

Hartz, Billings FFA; emry Hasselbring, 

Newkirk FFA; Colton Dale Henricks, 

Verden FFA; preston Hensley, 

Union City FFA; Jacob Hickey, 

Minco FFA; Tyson Hiebert, Fairview 

FFA; Jacquelyn Danielle Higdon, 

Chattanooga FFA; Kayla Marie 

Hill, Bixby FFA; Mikala Hodgson, 

Freedom FFA; Haley Holder, Altus 

FFA; Clayton layne Hurst, Bluejacket 

FFA; Jenny Kay Jasper, Jones FFA; 

brady Jennings, Byng FFA; Marty 

Jones, Owasso FFA; Jeffery a. Joslin, 

Antlers FFA; Jody Kester, Stilwell FFA; 

Kasie Ketcher, Panola FFA; Dusta lee 

Kimzey, Cheyenne FFA; Kendell erin 

Kincade, Strother FFA; Khanaa scott 

Kincade, Strother FFA; Jud Koziol, 

Morris FFA; Haley Kromer, Big Pasture 

FFA; Joshua Thomas lippoldt, 

Kingfisher FFA; Cole lockwood, 

Ringling FFA; Tyler london, Okemah 

FFA; basil Daniel long, Caney Valley 

FFA; Jessie lowrimore, Panama 

FFA; Trevor lucas, Central High FFA; 

riley Marquis, Strother FFA; Jade 

Denise Martin, Granite FFA; Josh 

Martin, Granite FFA; shelby Martin, 

Webbers Falls FFA; garrett lee 

Matlock, Tecumseh FFA; Morgan 

leann Matlock, Tecumseh FFA; 

Hunter Mcalister, Chandler FFA; Katie 

McCauley, Waurika FFA; Madison 

Mcgolden, Fairview FFA; lauren 

Mead, Tushka FFA; ashton nichole 

Mese, Kingfisher FFA; Carmen Miller, 

Chandler FFA; Jordan e. Miller, 

Mulhall-Orlando FFA; amber e. Mills, 

Stratford FFA; Tyler lee Mills, Stratford 

FFA; Miranda Jade Moorman, 

Leedey FFA; Taylor Morley, Choctaw 

FFA; Kyle Mueggenborg, Kingfisher 

FFA; brandon newer, Lomega FFA; 

lacey Jayne newlin, Burlington 

FFA; Tara ann newton, Kingfisher 

FFA; lathan K. nichols, Ringwood 

FFA; Zach novosad, Cimarron FFA; 

ethan paine, Edmond FFA; Clinton 

partain, Afton FFA; Tyler g. patterson, 

Stigler FFA; Taylor payne, Soper 

FFA; bailee pearson, Buffalo FFA; 

Heath peper, Adair FFA; braden 

august petzold, Granite FFA; Holden 

blaine pinkston, Bethel FFA; John 

pinnick, Lindsay FFA; shelby platt, 

Big Pasture FFA; Zachariah prather, 

Boise City FFA; Tyler price, Laverne 

FFA; brooke ramsey, Checotah FFA; 

Justin lane reed, Tishomingo FFA; 

breana reierson, Stratford FFA; Julie 

riner, Dickson FFA; Haley ritter, 

Wister FFA; racheal Marie russell, 

Dover FFA; nikki schuth, Durant 

FFA; Caleb sebo, Spiro FFA; emily 

sewell, Wagoner FFA; Justin sharp, 

Spiro FFA; Trevor shoop, Adair FFA; 

Kimberly brooke shults, Nowata FFA; 

emma siegmann, Dover FFA; levi 

garrett sims, Webbers Falls FFA; 

ashlea nicole smith, Cushing FFA; 

Justin smith, Chandler FFA; Kristen 

lynn smith, Prague FFA; Kyle lynn 

spade, Burlington FFA; austin stacy, 

Fort Gibson FFA; Morgan Danielle 

leigh-anne, Nowata FFA; Michele 

stephens, Newkirk FFA; alexandria 

Tennant, Panola FFA; Taran Threet, 

Wellston FFA; Maverick Thurber, 

Pawnee FFA; stephen Tillinghast, 

Owasso FFA; Charlcey Vinyard, 

Altus FFA; McKenzie Christen Walta, 

Kingfisher FFA; Cody Waugh, Hugo 

FFA; Kurtis Wheeler, Broken Arrow 

FFA; James Dailey White, Indianola 

FFA; Jason White, Yale FFA; Ciera 

Williams, Wellston FFA; Jonathan 

ellis Williams, Kansas FFA; Katie 

Williams, Spiro FFA; andrew Wayne 

Wilson, Bethel FFA; nikki Wilson, 

Rattan FFA; reanna Wilson, Okemah 

FFA; bradley Womack, Madill FFA; 

amber Workman, Weleetka FFA; Cari 

leah Wright, Bixby FFA; Jared Yost, 

Lomega FFA 

oregon: brittney alves, Henley 

FFA; David leonard bade , Forest 

Grove FFA; Wade bernards, Yamhill 

Carlton FFA; Hayden lee bush, 

Tillamook FFA; Mieke deJong, 

Bonanza FFA; ashley Doherty, 

McLoughlin FFA; raena Draper, 

Hood River Valley FFA; Chris Duty, 

Molalla FFA; patrick W. Duyck, 

Hillsboro FFA; stacy erin eash, 

Santiam Christian FFA; Jake a. erceg, 

Phoenix FFA; Kasey erm, McLoughlin 

FFA; bailey Jayne field, Canby FFA; 

Dusty arielle-lynn griffin, Culver 

FFA; ashley Harelson, North Marion 

FFA; Jake Hoffman, Molalla FFA; 

Millie Hutchinson, Hood River Valley 

FFA; Chelsea Imdieke, Molalla FFA; 

Matthew Jansen, Forest Grove FFA; 

Megan Jarell, Elgin FFA; Zack Jordan, 

McLoughlin FFA; Tessa Knight, 

Sutherlin FFA; Kellen Koenig, Bonanza 

FFA; brianna luttrell, Bonanza FFA; 

elizabeth Martin, North Clackamas 

FFA; Katelyn McCoy, Imbler FFA; Kody 

Mcgann, Molalla FFA; Kristy McKee, 

Imbler FFA; Kacie Merrigan, Imbler 

FFA; Christopher p. a. Miersma, 

North Clackamas FFA; alexander 

James Morrissey, Silverton FFA; 

samantha W. odman, McLoughlin 

FFA; Chelsea poe, Imbler FFA; brooke 

roberts, Union FFA; Holly schriever, 

Molalla FFA; anna smith, Willamina 

FFA; ariana snow, Imbler FFA; laura 

stedman, Molalla FFA; McKenzie Tally, 

Imbler FFA; briana nicole Tanaka, 

Union FFA; Carolann Tracy, Crane 

FFA; Katherine Valladao, Bonanza 

FFA; Chance Walter, Days Creek FFA; 

reva rose West, Imbler FFA; Carissa 

Jean Wigget, St. Paul FFA; brittany 

alexa Williams, Henley FFA 

PennsylvAniA: Hannah allford, 

Athens FFA; Jessica g. bauman, 

Manor FFA; Cody J. blood, Linesville 

FFA; Kevin eugene brookhart, 

Greenwood FFA; lainey Martz 

Campbell, Line Mountain Mahantango 

FFA; Caitlin Clarke, Big Spring FFA; 

bradley richard Coughenour, 

Meyersdale FFA; sequoia a. Crytzer, 

Linesville FFA; Jessica Kay DiMarzio, 

Twin Valley FFA; amanda Dobbs, 

Newport FFA; Cortney fenton, 

Newport FFA; abby finkenbinder, Big 

Spring FFA; Kaydee lee gearhart, 

Midd-West FFA; Joel M. geib, 

Manheim FFA; Jillian a. gordon, 

Twin Valley FFA; Dakota Hampton, 

Chambersburg FFA; Derek s. Hanna, 

Manheim FFA; Matthew r. Hauck, 

Midd-West FFA; Joe Herr, Manor FFA; 

Matthew robert Hess, Garden Spot 

FFA; lindsay Hetrick, Tulpehocken 

FFA; Janna Heyler, Cowanesque 

FFA; lukas p. Hindman, Linesville 

FFA; allison Hoover, State College 

Little Lions FFA; Karlie M. Hoy, 

Waynesburg FFA; adrianne nichole 

Huber, Grassland FFA; brittany 

Humphrys-sullivan, Mifflinburg 

FFA; Cierra Johnston, Southern 

Huntingdon FFA; adam r. Kahler, Tri- 

Valley FFA; Jessica Keefer, Solanco 

FFA; layne Kind, Wilmington Area 

FFA; anthony Klejka, Somerset Area 

FFA; billieJo laVan, Marion Center 

FFA; benjamin leCrone, Blue Juniata 

FFA; andrea n. little, Cumberland 

Valley FFA; ryan Martin, Wilmington 

Area FFA; Douglas Masser, Tri-Valley 

FFA; Megan McDanel, Wilmington 

Area FFA; Jessica e. Mills, Standing 

Stone FFA; steven Moore, Wilmington 

Area FFA; Kelsey linn Morgan, 

Southern Huntingdon FFA; shane M. 

raffensperger, Manheim FFA; Matthew 

ryan reutlinger, Cumberland Valley 

FFA; Daniele n. riley, Standing Stone 

FFA; Kasey r. rishel, Mifflinburg FFA; 

Darla J. romberger, Tri-Valley FFA; 

Chris seaman, Northern Lebanon 

FFA; roxanne M. seltzer, Selinsgrove 

FFA; benjamin shughart, Cumberland 

Valley FFA; Meagan n. slates, H. G. 

Parkinson FFA; Kayla sterling, Apple 

City FFA; Travis Thompson, Wilmington 

Area FFA; sara VanDruff, Waynesburg 

FFA; Molly Jo Walmer, Eastern 

Lebanon County FFA; Kerri Wickard, 

Shippensburg FFA; Holly Wilkinson, 

Apple City FFA; Kristin Wilson, 

Wilmington Area FFA 

PUerTo rico: Jason galicia, S. U. 

Epifanio Estrada FFA 

rHode islAnd: Hillary breene, 

Exeter West Greenwich FFA; elizabeth 

laprise, Exeter West Greenwich FFA; 

lauren Woloohojian, Exeter West 

Greenwich FFA 

soUTH cArolinA: Timothy 

seamus Cassidy, Aiken FFA; Holly 

Caughman, Batesburg-Leesville FFA; 

Kerry lee Cox, Latta FFA; Joshua 

Davis nicholson, Saluda FFA; scott J. 

sherard, Calhoun Falls FFA; William C. 

sherard, Calhoun Falls FFA; Katelyn 

nichole simpson, Abbeville FFA; sally 

ruth Yon, Ridge Spring-Monetta FFA 


soUTH dAkoTA: Cody 

abrahamson, De Smet FFA; Taryn 

anne adams, Harrisburg FFA; erik 

anderson, McCook Central FFA; 

Danielle busselman, Elkton FFA; 

spencer Chase, Wolsey-Wessington 

FFA; Tonya ernster, McCook Central 

FFA; Jessica faris, Harrisburg FFA; 

ashley feldhus, Arlington FFA; 

ashley Meagan fritz, West Central 

FFA; brittany gassman, McCook 

Central FFA; Jennifer gunnink, Elkton 

FFA; James Haak, Howard FFA; Zac 

Heumiller, McCook Central FFA; 

andrea l. Hollenbeck, Harrisburg 

FFA; stephanie Howey, West Central 

FFA; Mark Huls, McCook Central 

FFA; Casey Janisch, Clark FFA; 

Caitlin Johnson, Arlington FFA; 

Hannah Johnson, Arlington FFA; 

Joshua C. Johnson, Harrisburg 

FFA; Kiley Kaufman, De Smet FFA; 

autumn Krueger, Harrisburg FFA; 

Thomas lamb, Clark FFA; ryan 

larson, Garretson FFA; Kasie Marie 

lauck, McCook Central FFA; Daniel 

a. long, Harrisburg FFA; Taylor 

osterberg, McCook Central FFA; 

ryan J. penning, Harrisburg FFA; 

Caitlin rachel peterson, Harrisburg 

FFA; Maria sue rausch, Hoven FFA; 

Jessica ronning, Alcester-Hudson 

FFA; Damian schouten, Alcester- 

Hudson FFA; emily schreur, Alcester- 

Hudson FFA; Darin schroeder, 

McCook Central FFA; olivia swanson, 

Tri-Valley FFA; Trent Thompson, 

Harrisburg FFA; elle Tornberg, 

Harrisburg FFA; Melissa VanDerWerff, 

West Central FFA; Zachary Voss, 

Harrisburg FFA; Calista Winter, 

Harrisburg FFA 

Tennessee: gabe adkins, Jo 

Byrns FFA; Melanie aiosa, Paris FFA; 

Todd baker, Dyersburg FFA; andrew 

barding, Jefferson County FFA; Taylor 

barker, Peabody FFA; benjamin 

barnett, Dresden FFA; ashley bates, 

Milan FFA; Joseph blurton, Munford 

“Big Boll” FFA; Tyler bolton, Liberty 

FFA; brooke brasher, Riverside FFA; 

bryan bratcher, Jo Byrns FFA; anna 

brown, Dyer County FFA; Hillary 

brown, South Side FFA; Matthew 

brown, Wilson Central FFA; emily 

bruer, Riverdale FFA; emily buck, 

Wilson Central FFA; Dalton Carneal, 

Liberty FFA; Katherine M. Caves, 

Mount Juliet FFA; Carley Cherry, Halls 

FFA; Tyler Chowning, East Robertson 

FFA; Mac Chrisman, Eagleville FFA; 

rex Climer III, Crockett County FFA; 

logan Coates, Westview FFA; austin 

Cohea, Wilson Central FFA; andrew 

Thomas Collier, Wilson Central FFA; 

Morgan Collins, Watertown FFA; 

Matt Courtney, Jefferson County 

FFA; Deanna Couts, East Robertson 

FFA; Holly Crews, Milan FFA; William 

79


Crosby, Riverside FFA; Whitney 

Desiree Crow, Brighton FFA; Chelsie 

Darnell, Obion County Central 

FFA; Jennifer nicole Deal, Moore 

County FFA; seth Deaton, Halls FFA; 

Jonathan Dendy, Shelbyville FFA; 

leslie Marie Dodd, Gibson County 

FFA; nathan Duke, Oakland FFA; 

Daniel elgin, Oakland FFA; elizabeth 

elliott, Jo Byrns FFA; Jackson 

Caleb ewton, Warren County FFA; 

Clint fanning, Moore County FFA; 

syrena Christine flowers, Liberty 

FFA; Hannah Kai forbes, Watertown 

FFA; ethan foster, Woodbury FFA; 

Chris fulcher, Dresden FFA; allison 

gannaway, Watertown FFA; Kerrie 

garner, Campbell County FFA; Jaylen 

garrett, Dekalb County FFA; blake 

stephen graham, East Hickman FFA; 

Chad graham, Oakland FFA; Taylor 

graham, Stone FFA; adam green, 

Stone FFA; Jeremy Kyle green, Obion 

County Central FFA; becka gregory, 

West Greene FFA; Karen gregory, 

East Robertson FFA; racheal leigh 

gregory, Gallatin FFA; alexandra 

Kate gunter, Riverdale FFA; Victoria 

allyn arethusa Haege, Riverdale 

FFA; Megan Hale, Woodbury FFA; 

Camille franchelle Hall, Covington 

FFA; Joseph Hall, Westmoreland 

FFA; Kameron alan Hall, East 

Hickman FFA; raymond T. Handley, 

Mount Juliet FFA; lindsey Harden, 

Dekalb County FFA; peyton Harper, 

Wilson Central FFA; Kayla Harrell, 

Eagleville FFA; Kody Harvey, Oakland 

FFA; Courtney renae Hill, Franklin 

County FFA; James Hill, Oakland 

FFA; Tyler Hobson, Watertown FFA; 

Cory Huckaby, Mount Juliet FFA; 

William Jennings, North Greene FFA; 

Jesse Jewell, Eagleville FFA; amber 

Johnson, Riverdale FFA; Colleen 

Johnson, Wilson Central FFA; Whitney 

lashay Judd, White County FFA; 

emily Keeton, Riverside FFA; adam 

Kellum, Covington FFA; samantha 

Kelso, Liberty FFA; John King, Sullivan 

East FFA; Jessica Knox, Mount Juliet 

FFA; nicole laney, South Side FFA; 

Jake lay, Riverside FFA; Janice 

lengphounpraseut, Riverdale FFA; 

aubrey long, Johnson County FFA; 

Metina longmire, Jefferson County 

FFA; Carrie Major, Watertown FFA; 

Kendall elizabeth Martin, Siegel FFA; 

Jonathan Mason, Wilson Central FFA; 

Cayce McDonald, Beech FFA; Heath 

Mclean, Dyer County FFA; Tyler 

Meeks, Dresden FFA; Kylee lorese 

Millard, Moore County FFA; briana 

Miller, South Side FFA; stephen 

Miller, Peabody FFA; amber Christine 

Millsaps, Moore County FFA; lila 

Moore, North Knox FFA; raymond 

Murby, McNairy Central FFA; Drew 

nash, White House Heritage FFA; 

Dylan neely, Meigs County FFA; 

ashley neisler, Peabody FFA; sarah 

anne norman, Page FFA; Kristi leigh 

oakley, Woodbury FFA; sarah orr, 

West Greene FFA; Maddie overall, 

Covington FFA; Julie ozburn, Page 

FFA; ashley padgett, Horace Maynard 

FFA; lynleigh rianna parker, Scotts 

Hill FFA; Colleen e. perkins, Dresden 

FFA; Morgan perkins, Paris FFA; Joey 

pillow, Woodbury FFA; gabrielle ellen 

pope, Liberty FFA; Holly Christine 

Quillen, Loretto FFA; C. W. reed, 

Woodbury FFA; Matthew reed, 

Watertown FFA; Caitlin rogers, 

Perry Co. FFA; Chelsea C. rogers, 

East Robertson FFA; Katy russell, 

Jo Byrns FFA; Kaine s. savage, 

Horace Maynard FFA; John schultz, 

Dyersburg FFA; shelby searcy, East 

Robertson FFA; Tyler selph, Crockett 

County FFA; ben J. sexton, Horace 

Maynard FFA; Mallory shanks, 

Eagleville FFA; samantha noel 

sharp, Horace Maynard FFA; Deanna 

shepler, North Knox FFA; Taylor Mae 

shultz, East Robertson FFA; Cary 

e. smith, Dyer County FFA; Collin 

gray snoddy, Lincoln County FFA; 

Kevin spain, East Robertson FFA; 

Jack stafford, White House Heritage 

FFA; amber l. stewart, Mt. Pleasant 

FFA; briana leigh stewart, Lincoln 

County FFA; austin nicole pattillo 

Taylor, Dekalb County FFA; Curtis 

glenn Taylor, Cookeville FFA; seth 

Daniel Tennant, Gallatin FFA; nathan 

Tenpenny, Riverdale FFA; Cortney 

Thompson, Jo Byrns FFA; rebekah 

faye Tinsley, Warren County FFA; 

landon Cole Tipton, Daniel Boone 

FFA; Myra nicole Tramel, Dekalb 

County FFA; andrew b. Tucker, North 

Greene FFA; lee-allen Turner, Warren 

County FFA; Chelsea Vaughn, Warren 

County FFA; Joseph C. Vickers, 

Dekalb County FFA; Taylor Wadley, 

South Side FFA; Westlee Walker, 

Cumberland Gap FFA; Dustin Warren, 

South Side FFA; garrett briggance 

Weidner, Gallatin FFA; brian West, 

Westview FFA; Daniel Wiggins, 

Crockett County FFA; Mary ellen 

Wilson, Munford “Big Boll” FFA; Jessie 

nicole Womack, Woodbury FFA; 

bethanie s. Wood, Lexington FFA; 

Cassandra D. Woodward, Gallatin 

FFA; D.W. York, Oakland FFA; Jessi 

Young, Jefferson County FFA; sarah 

Katherine Young, Giles County FFA 

TexAs: Chelsea adams, Bryan 

FFA; Tanner adams, Sanger FFA; 

aaron arnold, Chisum FFA; ashlee 

arnold, Salado FFA; James ash, 

Academy FFA; abraham aviles, East 

Chambers FFA; Zachary barta, Terry 

FFA; brandon boerner, Pilot Point 

FFA; blake bosch, Weimar FFA; 

Chelsea braune, Bellville FFA; Jacob 

brock, Barbers Hill FFA; Kylar bursey, 

Quanah FFA; laurie byrd, Round Top 

Carmine FFA; patrick Joseph byrne, 

Eagle Pass FFA; anna Calhoun, 

Blooming Grove FFA; erica Carpenter, 

Covington FFA; Drew Casey, Peaster 

FFA; andy Christensen, Clear Brook 

FFA; Jerrett Cobb, Barbers Hill FFA; 

shelby Collins, Chico FFA; Jacy 

Coston, Chisum FFA; lacohn Cox, 

Ponder FFA; Tyler Crafton, Henrietta 

FFA; Jessica Crecelius, Burleson FFA; 

Kyla Criswell, Poteet FFA; Donovan 

Davis, Boles FFA; James Dean, Gilmer 

FFA; Dimitri Delarosa, Bloomington 

FFA; lindsey Donaho, Gilmer FFA; 

Kevin Doonan, Caldwell FFA; James 

Truitt Duncan, Avinger FFA; Kevin 

edwards, Academy FFA; alex english, 

Gilmer FFA; Dalton ervin, Weimar FFA; 

Camry farhat, Plano East FFA; Dakota 

fleming, Troy FFA; lesli garrett, 

Canton FFA; Chloe geye, Brownwood 

FFA; Meagan ghormley, Madisonville 

FFA; Maegan gibson, Boles FFA; 

Colt gresham, Garrison FFA; bryce 

groves, Crowley FFA; brent Hale, 

Dayton FFA; Justin Hale, Northwest 

FFA; Taylor Hope Haliburton, Waco 

Midway FFA; Josh Hardcastle, 

Wheeler FFA; Makenzie Hardy, 

Peaster FFA; Cody Harris, Smithson 

Valley FFA; Tamil Harris, Gilmer FFA; 

Heather Kay Harvey, Iola FFA; Terra 

Hausenfluck, Bryan FFA; Colton Hay, 

Lovelady FFA; shelby lee Heffernan, 

Pleasanton FFA; rylee Hobbs, 

Barbers Hill FFA; Mallorie Hohlt, 

Burton FFA; Tiffany paige Holland, 

Cross Plains FFA; andy Hounsel, New 

Diana FFA; ryan Hubbert, Floresville 

FFA; Caleb Hughes, Brenham FFA; 

emily Jackson, Bosqueville FFA; J. 

storme Jannise, Hamshire-Fannett 

FFA; garrett Jennings, Simms FFA; 

leslie Johnson, S and S Consolidated 

FFA; patrick Johnson, Falls City FFA; 

Darren Jones, Lovelady FFA; Kyle 

Keahey, Grand Saline FFA; ashley 

nicole Keen, Gilmer FFA; Jennifer 

Kirkland, Cotton Center FFA; brittney 

Klein, Bellville FFA; Michelle Knox, 

East Central FFA; Clayton Krause, 

Smithson Valley FFA; Mackenzie 

langemeier, Marion FFA; preston 

langhoff, Weimar FFA; Meredith 

larson, Pilot Point FFA; Madison 

leiker, Lago Vista FFA; logan 

leschper, Anson FFA; gavin luckett, 

Valley FFA; shelly Maldonado, Cotulla 

FFA; Valerie Manning, Mabank FFA; 

Matthew March, Terry FFA; shelby 

Markwardt, Carmine FFA; shelby 

McCollum, Krum FFA; sydney 

McCollum, Krum FFA; lauren Mcniel, 

Peaster FFA; D. J. Melancon, Vidor 

FFA; rode Merryman, Clyde FFA; 

Dylon Miller, Academy FFA; Travis 

Miller, Booker FFA; Zachary Miller, 

Seymour FFA; John Moczygemba, 

Falls City FFA; Tyler Moon, Academy 

FFA; allison Moore, East Central FFA; 

Timothy Morris, Harmony FFA; sloan 

Ty Moss, Chisum FFA; sheridan 

Mulkey, Northwest FFA; Jason url 

Muller, Bryan FFA; bianca Muriel, 

Cotulla FFA; Clint neill, Orange Grove 

FFA; sabrina ozio, Madisonville FFA; 

Mason parish, Caney Creek FFA; 

Caitlin powers, Katy FFA; Jacob price, 

Gilmer FFA; Justin pulley, Livingston 

FFA; Jacob l. reese, Cotulla FFA; 

reagan richter, Bloomington FFA; 

Josh romines, Chico FFA; audrianna 

sands, Clear Lake FFA; Kolby 

scardino, Weimar FFA; Kurt scardino, 

Weimar FFA; Jared schubert, Bellville 

FFA; David schwarz, Hempstead 

FFA; lauren seales, Whiteface 

FFA; allison sestak, Weimar FFA; 

Zackary skrabanek, Academy 

FFA; alex smith, Mayde Creek FFA; 

Kameron soules, Aledo FFA; Caroline 

spencer, Harmony FFA; Jonathan 

spiess, Bellville FFA; shelby stall, 

Klein Forest FFA; Katherine stroud, 


Bryan FFA; Cody sutton, Pilot Point 

FFA; Jordan symon, Pearland FFA; 

shelby Thomas, Gilmer FFA; Jonathan 

Treptow, Weimar FFA; annie ullrich, 

Plano East FFA; ashleigh Vanderveer, 

Troy FFA; sealy Vardell, Ponder FFA; 

Jessica Walker, Salado FFA; Chelsea 

Walters, Weimar FFA; austin Webster, 

Plano West FFA; Chelsea Weisinger, 

Livingston FFA; brandon Whitten, 

Tomball FFA; Kelsey Wiley, Charlotte 

FFA; William Wingo, Bellville FFA; 

UTAH: Jon Thomas anderson, 

Pleasant Grove FFA; Karson 

anderson, Woods Cross FFA; Wade 

W. anderson, Pleasant Grove FFA; 

Weston asay, Springville FFA; Dylon 

baker, Riverton FFA; Josh barnett, 

Fremont FFA; swade bartlett, 

Springville FFA; Dalton beck, Lehi 

FFA; brandon beckstead, Lehi FFA; 

Matt brocious, Pleasant Grove FFA; 

Jordan W. bunderson, Bear River 

FFA; Kolten angus Christiansen, 

Gunnison Valley FFA; adam Clark, 

Emery FFA; Charly Cortese, Lehi FFA; 

Kameron Crane, Gunnison Valley FFA; 

Wade Donaldson, North Summitt 

FFA; Michael l. Dow, Tooele FFA; 

Jaboe garrett, Mt. Nebo FFA; alisia 

giles, Spanish Fork FFA; Jessica 

aspen gosar, Manila FFA; Crystal 

Mary gruber, Clearfield FFA; Tait D. 

gurney, North Sevier FFA; Jacob 

allan Hadfield, Lehi FFA; Dillan lynn 

Hansen, Box Elder FFA; Kimball 

Harley, American Fork FFA; niccole 

l. Haslam, Morgan FFA; shane b. 

Holm, Springville FFA; Kiersten lee 

Holmes, Uintah FFA; Jakob Jones, 

Lehi FFA; W. Tate Jones, Spanish 

Fork FFA; amy Kleinman, Lone Peak 

FFA; Josh Kresser, Pleasant Grove 

FFA; shalae larue, Fremont FFA; 

nicole lochhead, Riverton FFA; 

Colton Curtis Marble, Box Elder 

FFA; Tyler r. McClimans, Tooele 

FFA; sam McIntyre, Cedar FFA; 

Kyle Mitchell, Spanish Fork FFA; 

natasha lyn Morgan, Lehi FFA; steele 

Muggelberg, Manila FFA; alle Muir, 

Manila FFA; Cameron leon nelson, 

Box Elder FFA; Kyle niesporek, 

South Summit FFA; Colter C. noyes, 

Box Elder FFA; Justin olsen, Manila 

FFA; fred openshaw, Payson FFA; 

shyanne ovard, North Summit FFA; 

Jailee pace, Spanish Fork FFA; Tyrel 

Joseph prior, Spanish Fork FFA; 

amanda pulham, Lehi FFA; Kristi Jo 

rasmussen, Lehi FFA; Jared reed, 

Manila FFA; Kashlie roath, North 

Summit FFA; Jeffrey rowley, Payson 

FFA; Jacob savage, Richfield FFA; 

sarah schoonover, Lehi FFA; K. C. 

scown, Lehi FFA; shaylyn skinner, 

Pleasant Grove FFA; luke slagowski, 

Manila FFA; Colter smith, Manila FFA; 

80


Josh smith, Lehi FFA; Trevor smith, 

Sky View FFA; brayden Jay spencer, 

Springville FFA; shelby stauffer, 

Riverton FFA; J. brock stubbs, 

Cedar FFA; alexis sweat, Wasatch 

FFA; Courtney Taylor, Salem Hills 

FFA; Klayton Thompson, American 

Fork FFA; Whitney Trapp, Lehi FFA; 

Wacey Trujillo, Lehi FFA; Chaleesa 

Warren, Spanish Fork FFA; Kendell T. 

Wilde, South Summit FFA; samantha 

Williams , Fremont FFA; Cassidy l. 

Williamson, Box Elder FFA; James b. 

Wolfe, Fremont FFA; Chelsy Young, 

Box Elder FFA 

virginiA: andrew Jackson 

arrington IV, Holston FFA; Dale 

baumgardner, Holston FFA; Justin 

blair, Fort Chiswell FFA; ashlea 

bowers, Buffalo Gap FFA; emily 

bruce brown, Randolph-Henry 

FFA; Carla Jean brubaker, Franklin 

County FFA; Timothy Caldwell, 

Floyd County FFA; Will Callender, 

Turner Ashby FFA; rebecca sue 

Carter, Nelson County Senior FFA; 

benjamin Cluxton, Floyd County 

FFA; C. C. Coffey, Fort Chiswell 

FFA; Julia rae Collett, James 

Wood FFA; Christy aleene Craun, 

Turner Ashby FFA; brian Cromer, 

Buffalo Gap FFA; Jacob D. Cutlip, 

Strasburg FFA; Carson Daughtrey, 

Lakeland FFA; Kathryn Dunsmore, 

Fort Defiance FFA; Jamie leigh 

Durden, Lakeland FFA; Willie elgin, 

Central FFA; Daniella faith gaulden, 

Appomattox Senior FFA; John 

Wyatt Hall, Giles FFA; Jonathan lee 

Hayden, Massaponax FFA; sarah 

Hoover, Strasburg FFA; anne Howell, 

Lakeland FFA; bryan Jennings, 

Carroll County FFA; ray Justice, 

Floyd County FFA; andrew Kibler, 

Strasburg FFA; Wes Kline, Turner 

Ashby FFA; Matthew Knonenborg, 

Strasburg FFA; gabrielle r. linkous, 

Floyd County FFA; Kelsey logan, 

Turner Ashby FFA; Cassidy gail 

Miller, Floyd County FFA; lynne 

Miller, Turner Ashby FFA; Trampus 

Mitchell, Holston FFA; sabrina nicole 

Montgomery, Franklin County FFA; 

brittaney elaine nelson, Broadway 

FFA; Travis D. nester, Floyd County 

FFA; bly addison patterson, Fort 

Defiance FFA; Valerie alyce peters 

, Carroll County FFA; andrew 

phillips, Fort Defiance FFA; ricky 

phoenix, Lord Botetourt FFA; adam 

powell, Fort Defiance FFA; Curt 

pulley, Lakeland FFA; amanda 

ellen Quesenberry, Floyd County 

FFA; laura Kate reeves, Buffalo 

Gap FFA; Chelsey renee rickard, 

Strasburg FFA; emma Catherine 

rion, Spotswood FFA; Jessica rion, 

Spotswood FFA; Jonathan ritenour, 

Strasburg FFA; James franklin 

rockwell II, Sherando FFA; blake 

rogers, Turner Ashby FFA; ashley 

Dakota rubush, Fort Defiance FFA; 

Jillian sellers, Massunetten Technical 

Centerspencer a. shanholtz, 

Sherando FFA; brianna nichole 

shanholtzer, James Wood FFA; brent 

shelton, Chatham FFA; aaron smith, 

Spotswood FFA; esther renee smith, 

Spotswood FFA; Hobie stone, Carroll 

County FFA; savanna Danielle Turner, 

Clintwood FFA; Chris Tusing, Central 

FFA; Kristen ulmer, Broadway FFA; 

Kyle Vanlear, Fort Defiance FFA; 

sheldon Waldron, Buffalo Gap FFA; 

Danielle Warden, Holston FFA; andy 

Wilcox, Holston FFA 

WAsHingTon: austin Micheal 

bast, Deer Park FFA; John Thomas 

bloss, Deer Park FFA; lamont 

gavette, Lynden FFA; Dakota Jones, 

Omak FFA; William Johnson Keifer, 

Pullman FFA; Zachary C. Kincaid, 

Pullman FFA; alayna Kramme, Lynden 

FFA; Cody l. lacy, Pullman FFA; 

andrew lampe, Omak FFA; garret 

pfaff, Garfield-Palouse FFA; arlie 

reeves, Pullman FFA; Zac sandum, 

Chelan FFA; brent stadt, Lynden 

Christian FFA; olivia TenKley, Lynden 

FFA; Trent VanDyken, Lynden Christian 

FFA; olivia anne Wall, Yelm FFA; 

Taylor Marie Welter, Pullman FFA 

WesT virginiA: robert Z. bane, 

Jefferson FFA; andrew bourgeois, 

Ripley FFA; samantha Carney, Ripley 

FFA; alyssa Jayne White Carpenter, 

Ripley FFA; Isaac C. Carr, Pendleton 

County FFA; Melissa Dawn Cox, 

St. Marys FFA; robby Currey, 

Doddridge County FFA; Mike Davis, 

Nicholas FFA; Kelly flesher, Tyler 

Consolidated FFA; george Hilvers, 

Tyler Consolidated FFA; Kenneth 

Cole Karickhoff, Buckhannon Upshur 

FFA; Tiffany Mantz, Jefferson FFA; 

Catherine May, Shady Spring FFA; 

Marcy Myrick, Doddridge County 

FFA; shawn neel, Jefferson FFA; 

Dustin riner, Hedgesville FFA; lacey 

J. sims, Wirt County FFA; leah K. 

Vance, Greenbrier East FFA; Charles 

a. Wilfong II, Pocahontas County FFA; 

Katharine Wolf, Jefferson FFA 

Wisconsin: Johanna alling, Unity 

FFA; Janelle andersen, Johnson 

Creek FFA; Candace anderson, 

Melrose-Mindoro FFA; Charmayne 

anderson, Melrose-Mindoro FFA; 

samuel l. arndt, Beaver Dam FFA; 

Jens arneson, Stoughton FFA; lee 

athey, Oconto Falls FFA; McKenzie 

baecker, Cochrane-Fountain City 

FFA; Kaitlyn beaty, Milton FFA; 

bradley beaumier, Oconto Falls FFA; 

samantha becker, Mondovi FFA; 

Cara biely, Reedsville FFA; Codey 

bisek, Independence FFA; Kally sue 

bockenhauer, Melrose-Mindoro FFA; 

landon boelter, Waupaca FFA; Keith 

a. bollinger, Cochrane-Fountain City 

FFA; benjamin borgardt, Oshkosh 

West FFA; Tiffany born, Plymouth FFA; 

Cody borresen, Luck FFA; Joshua 

bredlau, Neillsville FFA; blake broehm, 

Brillion FFA; Cory l. brown, Belleville 

FFA; Kelly C. bucholtz, Weyauwega- 

Fremont FFA; Melissa Kay ann 

Carstensen, Big Foot FFA; Joseph 

C. Cash, Orfordville-Parkview FFA; 

Kaci Cassidy, Pecatonica FFA; Isaac 

K. Christenson, Amery FFA; Cody 

Clements, Cashton FFA; Matthew 

Colle, Luxemburg-Casco FFA; eileen 

Collins, Reedsville FFA; alex Cullen, 

Weyauwega-Fremont FFA; Kacie 

Cullen, Weyauwega-Fremont FFA; 

Michele M. Czarnecki, Waterford 

FFA; lauren Dailey, Weyauwega- 

Fremont FFA; brandon Davis, Big Foot 

FFA; anthony Dempsey, Omro FFA; 

Kevin g. eibergen, Granton FFA; reid 

s. ewing, Waupaca FFA; brandon 

fay, Waupaca FFA; Jacob J. fidler, 

Denmark FFA; Courtney foulker, 

Monticello FFA; ashley fritz, Waupaca 

FFA; Courtney geier, Cashton FFA; 

Morgan D. gerlach, Neillsville FFA; 

ethan e. giebel, Mauston FFA; 

Chelsea glass, Randolph Cambria- 

Friesland FFA; Justin goninen, 

Mineral Point FFA; steven greeler, 

Neillsville FFA; Jennifer greenfield, 

Waupun FFA; nicole griffiths, 

Pecatonica FFA; Jacob gronemus, 

Cashton FFA; Jordan frederick 

Haelfrisch, Reedsville FFA; Jesse 

Hartrick, Weyauwega-Fremont FFA; 

Hannah e. Hasz, Granton FFA; Justin 

T. Hasz, Granton FFA; Jason Jay 

Heberlein, Fennimore FFA; Desiree a 

Heck, Neillsville FFA; allen D. Heidt, 

Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA; 

Daniel Heiman, Neillsville FFA; sarah 

Henderson, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau 

FFA; eldon s. Henthorne, Adams- 

Friendship FFA; leeann Hitsman, 

Howards Grove FFA; alicia Hodnik, 

Big Foot FFA; ann M. Hoffmann, 

Amherst FFA; Tina M. Holst, Chilton 

FFA; nathan Horack, Johnson Creek 

FFA; Curtis Horsens, Gillett FFA; 

Chelsea Hottenstine, Bonduel FFA; 

Joshua D. Huber, Adams-Friendship 

FFA; rachal K. Jensen, Denmark FFA; 

ashley Johnson, Amery FFA; brandon 

Johnson, Waupaca FFA; Derek John 

Johnson, Colby FFA; Kasey Johnson, 

Luck FFA; stuart Johnson, Waupaca 

FFA; Craig W. Karlen, Neillsville FFA; 

Jordan Karpinski, Waupaca FFA; 

Tonya Kasper, Weyauwega-Fremont 

FFA; Ivy Kasten, Reedsville FFA; 

alyssa Keller, Weyauwega-Fremont 

FFA; Megan Kelly, Holmen FFA; 

Wade T. Kessenich, De Forest FFA; 

Jessica Klinkner, Cashton FFA; skylar 

Kraemer, Plymouth FFA; rachel 

Kroeplien, Sheboygan Falls FFA; 

stacey Marie Kunde, Winneconne 

FFA; Tiffany langteau, Medford FFA; 

beau larsen, Weyauwega-Fremont 

FFA; Julia larsen, Unity FFA; Kaitlyn 

M. linder, Pecatonica FFA; Teyanna 

M. Marx, Sauk Prairie FFA; brooke 

McClurg, Viroqua FFA; Clayton 

McCullough, Big Foot FFA; Dakotah 

Meyer, Tri-County FFA; Melissa ann 

Meyer, Tri-County FFA; Zachariah 

K. Mielke, Weyauwega-Fremont 

FFA; Jake M. Mitte, Neillsville FFA; 

brittany Mumbrue, Weyauwega- 

Fremont FFA; Kelsey Murphy, Viroqua 

FFA; stephanie M. nagel, Valders 

FFA; Kayla naparalla, Pulaski FFA; 

Chelsey neal, Brillion FFA; Charisse 

orth, Fennimore FFA; Julie laurean 

orth, Fennimore FFA; Timothy D. 

ostrowski, Amherst FFA; Jacob 

pagel, Weyauwega-Fremont FFA; 

skylar papcke, Elkhorn FFA; roby 

l. parsons, Antigo FFA; Casey lynn 

peacock, Shullsburg FFA; anna 

peissig, Colby FFA; eric peterson, 

Cashton FFA; patrick peterson, 

Amherst FFA; paul peterson, Amherst 

FFA; nicholas pues, Bonduel FFA; 


amanda J. rettinger, Antigo FFA; 

Cara a. robinson, Manawa FFA; 

ethan C. rzentkowski, Amherst FFA; 

Heidi sabel, Chilton FFA; Jill school, 

Suring FFA; bronson schultz, Tomah 

FFA; brad schwanz, Amherst FFA; 

nik schwartz, Pulaski FFA; Tylor 

schwartz, Watertown FFA; William 

J. seidler, Suring FFA; Mary pat 

speerstra, Whitehall FFA; shanen 

stainer, Menomonie FFA; bradley 

sternweis, Marshfield FFA; Tayton 

stolee, Argyle FFA; abby Tauchen, 

Bonduel FFA; Krystal Thorman, 

Watertown FFA; andrew Timm, 

Reedsville FFA; Caleb Tiry, Stanley- 

Boyd FFA; Taylor Tomaszewski, 

Weyauwega-Fremont FFA; Katie Tone, 

Glenwood City FFA; Derek Tonn, 

Randolph Cambria-FrieslandFFA; 

Kori Trescher, Cashton FFA; Josef 

allen Treu, Omro FFA; adam 

Trybula, Neillsville FFA; Derek roman 

urmanski, Tomah FFA; elizabeth 

Valenta, Denmark FFA; Keturah 

Vangen, Rio FFA; Kyra a. Warner, 

Jefferson FFA; brianna Wavrunek, 

Denmark FFA; rodger Williams, Rio 

FFA; stephanie Wilsmann, Neillsville 

FFA; Michael Wolfe, Monroe FFA; 

Trevor Yager, Mineral Point FFA; 

renae Zimmerman, Augusta FFA; 

ryan M. Zimmerman, Randolph 

Cambria-FrieslandFFA; savannah 

Zuehlke, Waupaca FFA 

WyoMing: amy andreen, Casper 

FFA; sara banning, Powell-Shoshone 

FFA; John Tate bauman, High Plains 

FFA; samuel luke bethea, Bearlodge 

FFA; susan button, Saddle & Sirloin 

FFA; Micah Christensen, Frontier FFA; 

William W. Clark, Rock Creek FFA; 

erica elizabeth David, Pinedale FFA; 

Wyatt James Hill, Stewart McPhaiI 

FFA; Kaleb larson, Jim Bridger FFA; 

Courtney lynn Mathews, Saddle & 

Sirloin FFA; Michelle Mullins, Paintrock 

FFA; scott a. Mustain, Rock Creek 

FFA; odessa r. oldham, Lander 

FFA; Michael owens, Casper FFA; 

Troy randall, Pine Bluffs FFA; Keylee 

sayler, Casper FFA; Jacob schneider, 

Chief Washakie FFA; elizabeth shaffer, 

Pinedale FFA; Kyle Thoman, Wind 

River FFA; Kaycee Vollmar, Casper 

FFA; Courtney r. Yelton, Snowy 

Range FFA; Chay Youngberg, Jim 

Bridger FFA 

2009 AMericAn degree 

AWArd reciPienTs 

idAHo: Cory loveland, Cambridge 

FFA; Holder ray McKee, Cambridge 

FFA 

81

HonorarY aMerICan Degree reCIpIenTs 

TeAcHer 

ArkAnsAs: Mr. patrick Breeding 

cAliForniA: Mr. Daniel 

Crookham, Mr. sal richard 

Jacobsen, Mrs. Jodi evans, 

Ms. lisa piehl, Mr. Jim shanks, 

Ms. sherri freeman 

connecTicUT: Ms. bonnie Kegler 

georgiA: Mr. Danny Carter, 

Mr. Herbert Teague 

idAHo: Mr. Troy s. Wright 

illinois: Mr. gary blankenship 

kAnsAs: Mr. Daniel stehlik 

MicHigAn: Ms. Cynthia Walker 

MissoUri: Mr. scott stone, 

Ms. leda schreiner, Mr. Corey 

scott, Mr. Michael Wayne Keilholz, 

Mr. Joseph a. robinson, Ms. Dana 

Kimmons, Mr. Michael Wayne 

aldrich 

neW HAMPsHire: Ms. sarah M. 

Ward 

neW Jersey: Mr. Joel s. 

rudderow 

neW york: Ms. Michele sutton, 

Ms. elizabeth foote 

norTH cArolinA: Mr. David 

overcash, Mr. fred J. Mcpherson 

norTH dAkoTA: Mr. gary a. 

Wald, Mr. Cameron Young 

oHio: Mr. Tom Holton, Mr. Dan 

shell 

oklAHoMA: Mr. robert “Chip” 

laubach, Mr. Michael stuckey, 

Mr. Cody nelson 

soUTH cArolinA: Mr. barry 

Hawkins 

soUTH dAkoTA: Mr. bill lehman 

Tennessee: Mr. Dale b. Tucker, 

Ms. ann Johnson, Mr. Don o. 

Willoughby, Mr. bryan Cole, 

Mr. richard louis ros 

TexAs: Mr. gary W. adams, 

Mr. Johnny r. Willeford, Mr. r. H. 

rodriguez, Mr. brent Wicker 

virginiA: Ms. Teresa lindberg, 

Mr. Champ Hardie, Mr. Jay Jarrett 

WesT virginiA: Mr. gregory 

Huffman, Ms. Deanna 

ammons, Mr. Jason Miihlbach, 

Mr. Christopher l. VanDyne sr., 

Ms. Mary e. phillips 

Wisconsin: Ms. Cheryl steinbach 

WyoMing: Mr. Justin bailey 

oTHer 

AlABAMA: Mr. ben gore, 

Mr. brandon Moore, Mr. philip 

paramore, Mr. Douglas Thiessen, 

Mr. phillip Williams 

AriZonA: Ms. Karen geldmacher 

ArkAnsAs: Mr. greg Cole, 

Ms. Cynthia s. edwards, Mr. gary 

Kinder, Mr. glen Manchester, 

California: Dr. Michael spiess 

delAWAre: Dr. patricia s. barber 

FloridA: Mr. bobby beagles, 

Mr. Cameron o. Dakin, Ms. pam 

Walden, georgia: Mr. John “Chip” 

bridges, Mr. bobby Carrell, 

Mr. Jefferson fariss. baxley, 

Mr. Mark latimore, Mrs. Martha 

White, Idaho: Mr. J. Y. Hummel 

kAnsAs: Mr. John niemann 

loUisiAnA: Dr. paul D. Coreil 

baton rouge, Mr. William Dwight 

landreneau baton rouge, 

Dr. William b richardson baton 

rouge, Maryland: Mr. Christopher 

burch, Mr. Matthew Koerner, 

Mr. george Mayo, Michigan: Ms. 

Megghan Honke, Mr. Mike Wenkel, 

Mr. Wayne Wood, Minnesota: Mr. 

Kevin Dahlman, Mr. bill 

Januszewski, Mr. Kevin paap, 

Mr. george peichel, Ms. Julie Tesch, 

Missouri: Mr. leon busdieker, Dr. J. 

arley larson, Ms. Donna Vaught 

nATionAl sTAFF: Ms. linda 

addaman, Ms. Michele adkins, 

Mr. blake alexandre, Mrs. stephanie 

alexandre, Mrs. Melody alford, 

Mr. Jeff allsup, Comm. Karen 

arnett, Ms. Jana ash, Mr. James 

a. bernau, Mrs. Mary M. bernau 

altoona, Mr. allen bollinger, 

Mrs. Dorothy bollinger, Ms. Melanie 

Cassetty, Mr. Jeff Collier, 

Mrs. Melodie Collier, Ms. Karen 

Crawford, Mr. greg Curlin, Mrs. Kim 

DeJong, Mr. Miles DeJong, 

Ms. Wendy Dykes, Mr. John 

eilertson, Mrs. nancy eilertson, 

Mr. Douglas flatt, Mrs. Tawana flatt, 

Ms. sheridan gilchrist, Mr. Douglas 

goeckel, Mrs. Teryl goeckel, 

Mrs. beverly Hankey, Mr. rick 

Hankey, Mrs. Kimberley sue Henry, 

Mrs. Marcia Hills, Mr. steve Hills, 

Mr. Thomas Holt research Triangle 

park, Mr. John Hutto, Mrs. Kenna 

Hutto, Ms erin Ice, Capt. Dave 

Kelley, Ms. ruth Kimmelshue, 

Mr. Terry King, Mr. Walter Kinzie, 

Ms. leigh loughead Yuma, 

Mr. steve Meredith, Ms. rita 

Milandri, Ms. Mickie Miller, 

Mr. Craig Morton, Mr. brian Myers, 

Mr. William J. newell, Ms. linda 

r. noble, Mr. David ray norris, 

Mrs. lori louise norris, Mrs. Christi 

pagett, Mr. Wade pagett, Capt. 

fred pervine, Mr. lee pletcher, 

Mrs. peggy lou pletcher, Mr. neil 

reynolds, Mrs. brenda rice, 

Mr. Daniel rice, Mrs. Cheryl 

rogers, Mr. David rogers, 

Mr. richard roller, Mr. Dewayne 

rose, Mrs. Joann rose, Mr. John 

saveley, Mr. anthony allan 

schaffert, Mrs. Terri lynn schaffert, 

Mr. Kevin schebil, Mrs. Juliet 

scrivano, Mr. philip scrivano, Mr 

brian solomon, Mr. brian spiro, 

Mrs. Juanita swallers, Mr. Dave 

Teepe, Ms. Judy Thomas, 

Mr. John Turner, Mrs. Terri Turner, 

Mr. brian Vculek, Mrs. Julie Vculek, 

Ms. Marlyce Webster, sarg. Todd 

Wells, Mr. Kerry Werst, Ms. Diane 

Whitsitt, Mr. Chad Wilke 

neW HAMPsHire: Mr. emery 

booska 

neW Jersey: Dr. nancy Hudanich, 

Dr. William sciarappa, Mr. William 

Walker, new Mexico: Mrs. Melody 


Kay gaines, Mr. Michael gene 

gaines, new York: Mr. Chip 

pratt, Ms. Julie suarez, north 

Carolina: Mr. richard brooks, 

Dr. george naderman 

norTH dAkoTA: Ms. Jackie 

buckley, Ms. renae Korslien 

oHio: Mr. Michael lynch 

oklAHoMA: Mr. Jamie Church, 

Mr. rusty gosz, Mr. Mike Kastl, 

Dr. edwin Miller, Mr. Jim pilkington 

PennsylvAniA: Mr. george 

greig, Mr. patrick J. Kerwin, Mr. C. 

lehman Metzler, Mrs. amy Morton 

soUTH cArolinA: Mr. ray T. 

Johnson, Mrs. Charlotte swafford, 

soUTH dAkoTA: Mrs. alicia 

Knutson, Mrs. Tiffany sanderson, 

Mr. Dave VanderWal, Mr. Marvin 

Wastell 

Tennessee: Mr. William Dorris 

Cook, Mr. Jerry a. Cooper, Hon. 

Julius Johnson, Mr. stephen J. 

Mcneil, Mr. lacy upchurch 

TexAs: Mr. gary Clayton, Mr. Jim 

looney, Dr. Douglas r. ullrich 

virginiA: Mr. alvin Wilson blaha, 

Mrs. nina atkinson blaha, The late 

Mrs. andrea lohr, Mr. Dave Winston 

WesT virginiA: Mr. Jack Cain, 

Mr. eugene friend, Mr. paul 

McCutchan, Dr. Jeff skousen 

Wisconsin: Ms. Darlene arneson, 

Mr. David erickson, Mr. Wilbert “bill” 

Holler, Mr. Michael J. Kawleski, The 

late Mr. Donald Wipperfurth 

WyoMing: Mrs. Therese Coxm, 

Mr. scott McDonald, Mrs. linda 

pulse 

82

innovAtivE cHAptErs 

ffa CHapTers WIn Top Honor 

During the 84th National FFA 

Convention, chapters across 

the nation competed for the 

honor of being a Model of 

Innovation winner. The chapters 

competed for the honor in three main 

divisions: chapter development, student 

development and community development. 

A top middle school chapter was 

also named. The chapters who received 

the honors received a plaque in an onstage 

ceremony during the convention’s 

second general session. 

The Models of Innovation awards are 

sponsored by John Deere. It is one of the 

many ways FFA members accomplish 

the FFA mission and succeed in making 

a difference in their communities and the 

lives of others. 

chapter development 

The ridgemont ffa Chapter in 

ridgeway, ohio, was named Model 

of Innovation winner in chapter 

development. 

Members of the Ridgemont FFA 

wanted to celebrate International Education 

Week by teaching cross-cultural 

traditions to students of all grade levels. 

The members exceeded their goals, creating 

puppet shows, writing experiences 

and music classes for young students 

and by using lunch periods to build 

cultural awareness through a variety of 

activities for older students. Their efforts 

concluded with an assembly about life in 

Albania; they also won a civic education 

contest for their international efforts. 

student development 

The lemoore ffa Chapter in California 

was named Model of Innovation winner in 

student development. 

Members of the Lemoore FFA Chapter 

raise and socialize guide dog puppies 

for the blind. At the International Agriculture 

Expo in Tulare, Calif., members 

are given the opportunity to educate the 

public about service dogs. Demonstrating 

service in the school, the members plan 

and serve a breakfast at back-to-school 

activities for the entire school district 

staff. 

community development 

The Wilson ffa Chapter of Kansas was 

named Model of Innovation winner in 

community development. 

Members of Wilson FFA realized 

that even in their rural community, youth 

weren’t proficient in agricultural knowledge. 

The chapter members decided to 

create “Ag Day on the Farm,” an event 

that featured learning sessions in eight 

agricultural areas for more than 60 local 

fourth grade students. Partnering with 

the local farm bureau and extension 

office, members led a session about dairy 


production, which also helped the general 

public become more aware of food 

systems and other related agricultural 

issues. 

outstanding Middle school 

The bell Middle ffa Chapter in florida 

was named the Outstanding Middle 

School Model of Innovation winner. 

Members of the Bell Middle FFA may 

be young, but they’re no rookies in building 

their chapter—one event at a time. 

One of the chapter’s most important programs 

last year was called “International 

Candy Bar.” Chapter officers and members 

emphasized agriculture’s impact by 

discussing the ingredients of a candy bar 

with elementary school students. They 

also visited a local nursing home, bringing 

cookies with corn gold and national 

blue frosting for the residents to decorate. 

Members had the opportunity to 

hear stories about when nursing home 

residents wore the blue corduroy jacket 

decades earlier.

VIp CITaTIon 

Twelve individuals were 

selected this year by the 

national FFA Organization to 

receive a special VIP citation. 

The VIP citations recognize individuals for 

making significant contributions to agricultural 

education. It is one of the most 

prestigious awards a person may receive 

for supporting FFA and its programs. 

Those selected were honored during an 

onstage presentation at the 84th National 

FFA Convention. Awards such as the VIP 

Citation recognize that FFA contributes 

to the mission of success through the 

hard work and cooperation of dedicated 

individuals. Without such strong and 

outstanding commitment, FFA would not 

be able to help build strong individuals of 

character in their members, who in turn 

build strong families, communities and 

industries. 

Dr. Deborah boone of Morgantown, 

West Virginia,started her professional 

career as a 4-H extension agent serving 

Marion County, Kentucky, working 

with local agricultural education teachers 

and both 4-H and FFA members at 

local fairs and festivals. After graduating 

from Ohio State University in 1988 with a 

Ph.D. degree, she joined the agricultural 

and extension education faculty at West 

Virginia University. She became actively 

involved in providing services to members 

of the West Virginia FFA Association. 

Boone also coordinates the seventhand 

eighth-grade agriscience career 

development event for FFA, designed 

to promote the growth of knowledge of 

FFA members within the various areas of 

agriculture. 

belinda Chason of Tallahassee, Fla., has 

a career in agricultural education that 

dates back to 1970, when she joined the 

Florida Department of Education as a 

staff assistant. In 1990 she was named 

Executive Secretary of the Florida FFA 

Association, where she held that post for 

three years. In 1993, as student organizations 

moved outside of the Department 

of Education, her position was changed 

to Curriculum Specialist for Agricultural 

Education. In February of 1996, Chason 

became the State Supervisor for Agriculture, 

Food & Natural Resources and 

the State FFA Advisor. Chason was the 

first female to serve on the National FFA 

Board of Directors. She was instrumental 

in organizational changes, including the 

relocation of the National FFA Convention 


from Kansas City, Mo., to Louisville, 

Ky., and the relocation of the National 

FFA Center from Alexandria, Va. to 

Indianapolis. 

ana Cordero of San Juan, Puerto Rico, 

Cordero is the supervisor of agricultural 

education programs in Puerto Rico, and 

she has worked tirelessly to develop and 

promote FFA curriculum and programs 

within the territory. This includes the 

development of handbooks for teachers 

in developing instructional material. 

Cordero has also been influential in the 

development of career pathways activities 

for students. She has also developed 

and presented workshops for agricultural 

educators. 

John Davidson of Conway, Ark., has 

a career in agricultural education that 

spans five decades, dating back to his 

first job as an agriculture instructor in the 

Sheridan school district. In addition to 

instruction, Davidson served as principal 

in the Lead Hill school district and later 

in Eureka Springs. Through the 1990s 

Davidson served as director of Fayetteville 

High School West Campus Technical 

Center, which is considered a model 

program for meeting the diverse needs of

vip citAtion continuEd 

high school students. Davidson has been 

with the Arkansas Department of Career 

and Technical Education since 1999. 

eva fletcher of Hot Springs, Ark.,has welcomed 

generations of FFA members and 

agriculture instructors to the Arkansas FFA 

Association’s Camp Couchdale for more 

than 40 years. In 1970 she came to the 

camp as the cafeteria manager, and she 

became famous throughout the state for 

her chocolate gravy. For the past 25 years 

Fletcher has served as the camp’s manager. 

Her efforts have been recognized 

not only by FFA, but also by several state 

organizations. In addition, the American 

Red Cross recognized Fletcher for her 

service to those misplaced by Hurricane 

Katrina in 2005. 

Dr. Maynard fosberg of Moscow, Idaho, 

is renowned throughout the Pacific 

Northwest for contributions to soil science 

and education. Now 90 years old, 

Fosberg still offers soil science workshops 

for agriculture educators. For more 

than 30 years, Fosberg coordinated 

regional and state FFA career development 

events. He has received both the 

Idaho Honorary State FFA Degree as well 

as the Honorary American FFA Degree for 

his contributions. 

Vern Hawkins of Greensboro, N.C., has 

served on the National FFA Foundation 

Sponsors’ Board. His term included one 

year as board chairman. In addition, 

he served on the Foundation Board of 

Trustees. Hawkins has also been a driving 

force as an executive with Syngenta. 

He developed a retail partner program to 

provide FFA members with official jackets. 

Hawkins also developed an individual 

giving program for Syngenta employees 

to show their support for FFA. 

ron Hays of Oklahoma City, Okla., has 

enjoyed a career in farm broadcasting 

for five decades, spending almost all 

of his career in Oklahoma. In 1977 he 

was named Farm Director of Oklahoma 

Agrinet, where he served as an advocate 

for FFA and agriculture for 30 years. In 

2006, Hays accepted a new challenge, 

becoming director of farm programming 

for the Radio Oklahoma Network. Hays 

is involved with the production of the 

Oklahoma FFA Convention each year, in 

addition to attending national convention 

to report on the accomplishments of 

Oklahoma FFA members and chapters. 

Hays has been recognized by his peers 

as National Farm Broadcaster of the 

Year and is a member of the Oklahoma 

Broadcasters Hall of Fame. In 2009 he 

was honored with the Oklahoma FFA VIP 

award, and he has received both state 

and American Honorary FFA degrees. 

Dr. Terry Heiman of Jefferson City, 

Mo., has an FFA career that spans six 

decades, beginning with his FFA membership 

at Salisbury High School in 

Missouri. Heiman was state FFA president 

during the 1966-67 school year. 

He taught agricultural education at three 

different high schools before joining the 

Agricultural Education staff at the University 

of Missouri. Heiman was named 

Director of Agricultural Education in 1984. 

Since then, enrollment in agricultural 

education classes increased from 13,000 

students to more than 26,000, and FFA 

membership in Missouri has reached an 

all-time high. Heiman has also been a 

member of the National FFA Organization’s 

board of directors and a trustee to 

the National FFA Foundation. 

Dr. alan McDaniel of Blacksburg, Va., 

has been a professor of horticulture 

for more than 25 years at Virginia Tech 

University. He served for many years 

as the coordinating counselor in the 

university’s Department of Horticulture 

and excelled as academic advisor to 

numerous students. He has taught floral 

design, controlled plant environment and 

vegetable crops and has served as the 

lead contact for FFA competitions held 

each year at both Virginia Tech and at 

the Virginia State Fair. McDaniel has also 

organized career development events 

for FFA members for the last 20 years 

and served as a judge for national FFA 


competitions. 

rhedona rose of Columbia, Tenn., 

is chief lobbyist for Tennessee Farm 

Bureau, where the monitors and helps 

with legislation important to the state’s 

FFA program. She has worked closely 

with lawmakers in securing passage of 

legislation to retain 12-month teaching 

contracts for agricultural teachers 

and secure line-item budget funding for 

the Tennessee FFA Foundation that has 

exceeded $2.25 million over the past 

four years. Rose has also worked with 

government officials to gain continued 

support of FFA Camp Clement, the oldest 

FFA camp in the nation. Rose is a 

member of the Maury Alliance board of 

directors, the Maury County SASA board 

and the Tennessee Lobbyist Association 

board of directors. She was named one 

of the top 10 lobbyists in Tennessee, 

selected as a recipient of the Southern 

Crop Production Association, named 

a distinguished agriculture graduate of 

Tennessee Tech University School of agriculture 

and named an outstanding young 

alumnus of Tennessee Tech University. 

Dr. larry Watson of Mannington, W.Va., 

first contributed to agricultural education 

and FFA through the development of the 

first four-year, comprehensive pre-veterinary 

program in the U.S. in 1994. Today, 

the program has evolved and teaches 

students the principles of advanced animal 

anatomy, hematology, microbiology, 

parasitology, DNA extraction, electrophoresis 

and urinalysis. The program is 

recognized as one of the top four agriscience 

programs in the nation. 

Watson has served as secretary, vice 

president and president of the West 

Virginia Association of Agricultural Educators 

and has served on the state’s 

Agricultural Task Force to help raise more 

than $1.3 million to sponsor FFA supervised 

agricultural experiences in West 

Virginia.

distinguisHEd sErvicE citAtion 

InValuable parTnersHIps HonoreD 

During the national FFA convention, the 

National FFA Organization recognized 

clubs, agencies and organizations that 

have greatly contributed to agricultural 

science education and FFA programs 

through the Distinguished Service Citation. 

Awards such as the Distinguished 

Service Citation recognize FFA makes a 

greater impact on students through the 

cooperation of the entire community. FFA 

and agricultural science education programs 

have helped millions of students 

achieve extraordinary success for 84 years 

because of this remarkable dedication. 

Cargill was honored at the 84th National 

FFA Convention for their contributions 

in advancing agricultural education. The 

National FFA Organization selected the 

company to be a recipient of its special 

Distinguished Service Citation that recognizes 

clubs, agencies and organizations 

that have greatly contributed to agricultural 

education and FFA programs. A representative 

from Cargill accepted the award 

during an onstage presentation at the convention 

in Indianapolis. One Distinguished 

Service Citation was awarded this year. 

Cargill has supported FFA for 51 years. 

The company was one of the founding 

partners of the Life Knowledge scholarship 


program in 1990 and is one of the largest 

FFA scholarship sponsors. Cargill has 

been the major sponsor of BLAST OFF 

and has helped develop and sponsor such 

innovations as the BLAST OFF Convention 

Enrichment Experience. 

Last year, Cargill became a sponsor of 

the National FFA Agriscience Fair. To compliment 

this sponsorship, the company 

initiated an agriscience state grant program 

to encourage improved agriscience 

instruction and increased fair participation. 

The company also became one of two 

Platinum sponsors of the National FFA 

Foundation.

anD, CHorus anD TalenT 

BAnd 

Alabama: Amanda Currie 

Arkansas: Austin Hall, Ashton 

Martin, Lensey Watson 

Arizona: Ben Stapley 

california: Gabrielle Celaya 

colorado: Melissa Danielson 

iowa: Skylar Hosch 

illinois: Becky Duchow, 

Garrett Heidenreich, Matt 

Keppen 

kansas: Lane Hess 

Michigan: Emma Blough, 

Hannah LaJoye, Taylor Tesch 

Minnesota: Kayla Nuese, 

Rachel Shaffer 

cHorUs 

Arizona: Kaitlin Faires, Tanner 

Kemp, Cheyanne Livingston 

colorado: Chelsee 

Bruggeling, Katelyn 

Dovenbarger, Kaylee Gardner 

connecticut: Andre 

Toussaint 

iowa: Hanna Hillyard, 

Chad Knoblock, Samuel 

Nunnikhoven, Abby Peterson, 

Nathan Skallerup, Ashley 

Smeby 

illinois: Mitchell Barton, 

Murphy Bolt, Emily Crowcroft, 

Allison Mclane, Jessica Ronat, 

Emily Wenneborg 

indiana: Annaliese Hillman, 

Andrew Thieme 

TAlenT 

Alabama: Colby Cooter, 

Emily Davis, Lance Grantham, 

Emily Hester, Mariah Horton, 

Josh Knight, Joseph Markel, 

Matt Montgomery, Justin 

Saxon, Dawn Turner, Courtney 

Walker, Sky Warganich 

Arkansas: Victoria Taylor, 

Lindsey Triplett 

Arizona: Shantaya Begay, 

Tyrin Begay 

california: Raeann Magill 

Missouri: Harley 

Baumgartner, Travis Black, 

Tessa Chambers, Wyatt 

Eikermann, Haley Heil, Aaron 

Hill, Bryce Kleithermes, 

Samuel McDonald, Nick 

Neumann, Olivia Shanks, 

Nazow Tarakai, Nathan Taylor, 

Elizabeth Warren, Grace 

Young 

Mississippi: Christian 

Rodriguez 

Montana: Mckensie Keller, 

Evan Koch 

north carolina: Timothy 

Brown 

Michigan: Elizabeth Hale, 

Kaylee Kessler, Alicia Risk, 

Caitlin Weathers 

Minnesota: Colee Jennissen, 

Andrew Steiner 

Missouri: Susan Bishop, 

Savannah Clay, Christopher 

Fimple, Caleb Gilmore, Jerri 

Lynn Henry, Cavin Joesting, 

Jessie Knox, Ashleigh Lutz, 

Lacey Mayne, Austin Reedy, 

Kenneth Swope, Beth Zipprich 

north dakota: Brittany 

Lasher 

nebraska: Abigail Bechtel, 

Garrett Bowder, Scott Hild, 

Jazmine Hinkle, Matt Ideus, 

Bennett Lamplot, Johnathan 

georgia: Chandler Bell, 

Madison Giddens 

illinois: Elizebeth Boollin, 

Nathan Kabat, Trevor May 

indiana : Daniel Epperson 

kansas: Braidyn Rucker 

Missouri: Mikiah Zumalt 

Montana: Daris Wichman 

north carolina: Samuel 

Adams (Jr.), Mayson Briggs, 

Andy Buckner, Matthew Ray 

north dakota: Justin 

Bartholomay 

nebraska: Taylor Cooper, 

Cody Gugel, Leo Haselhorst, 

Jayle Hinkle, Claire 

Richardson, Jordan Schut, 

Celia Timms, Gerrit Vanengen 

new Mexico: Noah 

McCullough 

ohio: Kenneth Grady, Sierra 

Miller 

oklahoma: Elise Amundson, 

Kade Blakley, Cullen Duran, 

Baxter Heinrich, Lia Hillman, 

Jessie Jenses-Buie, Blaise 

Newman, Rachelle Severn, 

Daniel Smith, Chaisey Wellden 

Neil, Jalee Pilkington, Kendall 

Renken, David Shuler, Adam 

Umland, Katie Umland, Jeffery 

Wallman 

new Mexico: Andrew Kelly 

nevada: Clarissa Johnson 

new york: Phillip Fargo, Tracy 

Kokell, Amanda Rhodes 

ohio: Noelle Goodson, Scott 

McDermott, Tanner Mick, 

Sarah Peterson 

oklahoma: Caleb Baker, 

Cade Baldwin, Trico Blue, 

Charlie Dinkens, Ashley Harris, 

Chrystal Patton, Malory Scott, 

Lauren Walsh, Caleb Wehunt 

oregon: Sheri Bash 

nebraska : Kelli Green, Dillon 

McCroden, Halle Stephens, 

Morgan Tracy 

new Jersey: Hannah Wyckoff 

nevada: Deanna Damele, 

Melissa Damele, Kelsey 

Mears, Kasey PLaskett 

new york: Josue Ramos 

ohio: Madison Buck, Julya 

Faulkner 


south dakota: Leah Buller, 

Abigail Flanders, Katelyn 

Loutsch, Kourtney Peterson, 

Lacey Quail 

Texas: Travis Blackwell, Collin 

Hancock, Lacey Nichols, 

Taylor Nichols, Ethan Schmidt, 

Justin Schwartz, Cheyenne 

Stowers 

Wisconsin: Shannon 

Adkins, Stephanie Crescio, 

Jake Hoesly, Leah Jaynes, 

Alexandra Klapoetke, 

Gretchen Klefstad, Elizabeth 

Lacenski, Shawn Laursen, 

Camille Mulrooney, Allison 

Nohre, Rachel O’Leary, Briana 

Schwartz, Sarah Wanek 

Pennsylvania: Danielle Bean 

Puerto rico: Nicolle 

Corchado, Heather Velez- 

Wharton, Jose Luis Soto 

south dakota: Natasha 

Borah, Collin Christiansen, 

Jesse Kluin 

Tennessee: Jessie Belton 

Texas: Shelby Bruner, 

Elizabeth Conner 

Utah: Melissa Lucas 

virginia: Tanner Martin 

Wisconsin: Taylor Anderson, 

Jaron Frederick, Erin Hanson, 

Jenna Kontney, Will Larson, 

Joshua Perronne, Kyle 

Tollefson, Harley Rhodes 

oklahoma: Shandee Allen, 

Mikayla Jo Balderas, Bailey 

Gilbert, Wyatt HArtsfield, Kylee 

Horn, Kaitlyn Horn, Kalyn 

McKibben, Mark Spampinato 

oregon: Garrett Kitamura, 

Olivia Wichman 

Tennessee: Kevin Robertson 

Utah : Colin Crozier 

Washington: Chelsey 

Heidenreich, Savanna Woods 

Wisconsin : Christy 

Gilbertson, Sarah Hankins, 

Paige Ruhland

dElEgAtEs 

MeMbers ConDuCT offICal busIness 

committEE issuEs 

CoMMITTee for 

InCreaseD MIDDle sCHool opporTunITIes 

Whereas, currently sixth grade students are not recognized as 

members of the National FFA Organization; and, 

Whereas, there is a current lack of conferences for middle school 

students at the national level; and, 

Whereas, there is a need for competitive events for middle 

school students at the national level; therefore, 

be it resolved that, the National FFA Organization gives state 

associations the option to recognize sixth grade students as 

members of the National FFA Organization; and, 

be it further resolved that, the National FFA Organization create 

national leadership conferences exclusively for middle school 

students; and, 


be it further resolved that, the National FFA Board of Direcotrs 

and/or the National FFA Executive Management Committee identify 

current Career Development Events that could be modified for 

middle school member competition or, create potential competitions, 

which could include: Quiz Bowl, Opening Ceremonies, and 

Online Contests. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Charlie brown, Florida FFA Association 

Committee Chair

committEE issuEs continuEd 

CoMMITTee for an 

agrICulTural experIenCe prograM 

Whereas, National FFA does not have a 

multi-regional, production agriculture-based 

conference; therefore, 

be it resolved that, the National FFA Organization 

create an annual, regional, agricultural 

experience for active, non-post-secondary 

members, which focuses on United States 

production agriculture and gives members the 

opportunity to expand their knowledge and 

experience in the areas of agricultural production; 

and, 

be it further resolved that, this program focus 

on technology, use of chemicals and antibiotics, 

management practices, agribusiness, 

processing, and trends with curriculum that is 

based upon the diversified agricultural industries 

of each region; and, 

be it further resolved that, the experience 

include an optional career show at the end 

of the conference focused on Agricultural 


Production companies, farms, and colleges; 

and, 

be it further resolved that, the experience 

have a scholarship/grant opportunity for members 

to further their supervides agricultural 

experience program; and, 

be it further resolved that, the conference will 

be facilitated by local farmers, national facilitators, 

and agricultural stakeholders and consist 

of two experience levels for high school members 

only; and, 

be it resolved that, an application process be 

implemented to make best use of the time and 

money invested in the conference. 


ryan Kelly, Oregon FFA Association 

Committee Chair 

CoMMITTee for THe 

CreaTIon of CollegIaTe ffa CoMpeTITIVe eVenTs 

Whereas, the National FFA currently offers few collegiate opportunities; 

and, 

Whereas, collegiate students are dues paying members; and, 

Whereas, the pros outweigh the cons, due to new opportunities, 

potential alumni, partner involvement, increase in American 

degrees, and increased diversity; and, 

Whereas, there needs to be more discussion around interference 

with other organizations, funding, and logistics; therefore, 

be it resolved that, the National FFA Organization pursue the 

creation and implementation of collegiate FFA competitive events; 

and, 

be it further resolved that, collegiate FFA competitive events 

should be funded both nationally and through participant entry 

fees; and, 

be it further resolved that, these events be promoted by visits 

from National Collegiate Agriculture Ambassadors to both two 

and four-year institutions and the National FFA website; and, 

be it further resolved that, events be leadership based, sciencebased, 

technical-based, and production-based; and, 

be it further resolved that, any Collegiate FFA dues-paying 

member be eligible to compete in Collegiate FFA events representing 

an established chapter and/or individually; and, 

be it further resolved that, collegiate FFA competitive events 

offer rewards and incentives such as scholarships, internships, 

and job offers; and, 

be it further resolved that, sponsors be sought from related 

industries for increased potential for networking opportunities. 


adam powell, Oregon FFA Association 

Committee Chair

committEE issuEs continuEd 

CoMMITTee for THe 

ConTInuaTIon of THe 

florICulTure CDe 

Whereas, floriculture, a $35 billion industry, is an important part 

of an ever growing and diverse agricultural community; and, 

Whereas, many FFA members from a wide spectrum of backgrounds 

have an interest in the Floriculture Career Development 

Event; and, 

Whereas, National FFA is already working towards solving problems 

to make the contest more fiscally responsible and industry 

relevant; and, 

Whereas, more than forty-five associations participate annually in 

this event at a national level; therefore, 

be it resolved that, National FFA continue to explore new sponsorship 

opportunities, reevaluate the cost effectiveness and 

industrial relevance of practicums, explore alternative methods 

to recognize students, and to encourage State and National FFA 

Foundations to identify and reach out to individuals and businesses 

who may help support the event financially; and, 


be it further resolved that, the Floriculture CDE contine regardless 

of Category Four status. 


Courtney Yelton, Wyoming FFA Association 


CoMMITTee for 

reConsTruCTIon of THe DelegaTe proCess 

Whereas, the committee believes that changes need to be made 

to the delegate process; and, 

Whereas, changes include modifications to prepare delegates; 

and, 

Whereas, SPC attendees need to be educated on all submitted 

issues before attending SPC so that they are able to engage fully 

in the issue selection process; and, 

Whereas, the current process for preparing Committee Chairs 

does not fully prepare Committee Chairs prior to National Convention; 

and, 

Whereas, preliminary reports are currently required to be submitted 

prior to public hearings and testimonies; therefore, 

be it resolved that, there will be an interactive curriculum 

designed by the National FFA Organization such as a webinar or 

video online with a possibility of questions following it to better 

prepare delegates for the the delegate process; and, 

be it further resolved that, there will be an interactive curriculum 

such as a webinar or video online with a possibility of questions 

following it designed for states to train their delegates on the 

issues passed specifically at SPC; and, 

be it further resolved, that there will be information provided to 

the states about all of the issues that are submitted by states to 

SPC, allowing states to prepare SPC attendants to ensure they 

are educated about voting for which issues will make it to committee 

and the delegate process at National Convention; and, 

be it further resolved, that the current process for the allocation 

of delegates remains the same; and, 

Be it further resolved, that the National FFA Organization will 

examine the qualifications of Committee Chairs and potentially 

provide additional chair training with an emphasis on parliamentary 

procedures; and, 

Be it further resolved, that all public hearings and all testimonies 

be held before committees are required to submit their preliminary 

reports. 


Kendall Mallory, Kentucky FFA Association 

Committee Chair

dElEgAtEs continuEd 

CoMMITTee for 

alTernaTIVe DelIVerY 

MoDels for leaDersHIp 

DeVelopMenT 

Whereas, current leadership delivery models inhibit participation by 

all FFA members; therfore, 

be it resolved that, the National FFA Organization research and better 

utilize technology to enhance leadership development at various 

levels; and, 

be it further resolved that, the National FFA Organization provide 

more facilitators and curriculum for state events other than the curriculum 

that is currently provided; and, 

be it further resolved that, the National FFA Organization develop 

curriculum that states can purchase to reach all membership levels 

in addition to currently available curriculum; and, 

be it further resolved that, the National FFA Organization increase 

advertisement of leadership development, not only to state staff, but 

to members through social media and current FFA publications. 


Jessica shanahan, Ohio FFA Association 


pArticipAting dElEgAtEs 

Continuation of the 

Floriculture CDE 

Aaron Miller, Ohio 

Adam Heggelund, Montana 

Alex Jacks, Texas 

Alexis Albertie, Georgia 

Amber Daughtny, Texas 

Angie Lowery, Arizona 

Ansley Akin, Georgia 

Ashleigh Schlewitz, Wisconsin 

Austin Calvert, California 

Bethany Blackburn, Nebraska 

Bradley Coleman, Louisiana 

Brianna Roberts, Georgia 

Brittany Long, Arkansas 

Brittney Gunter, Georgia 

Brittny Bommarito, Michigan 

Brooke Milican, Texas 

Caleb Behme, Illinois 

Chandler Fryar, North Carolina 

Cody Jones, Missouri 

Courtney Yelton, Wyoming 

Danielle Hyatt, California 

Darien Cooke, Alaska 

Devin McQueen, Texas 

Dustyn Nelson, Connecticut 

Garth Wireman, Kentucky 

Holton Westbrook, Texas 

Jacquelyn Lee, Texas 

Jake Lake, Idaho 

James Ferguson, New Jersey 

James Rockwell, Virginia 

Jamie Flint, South Dakota 

Jessica Gambrel, Kentucky 

Jim Tobin, Illinois 

Jodi Boe, North Dakota 

John Littlefield, Missouri 

Jordon Bien, Texas 

Julia Morgan, Florida 

Kaitlyn Donaghy, Florida 

Katie Lukens, Virginia 

Kelsey Koss, Texas 

Kristal Williams, Oklahoma 

Lauren Evoy, North Carolina 

Lauren Friend, California 

Lyndee Charles, Colorado 

Marie Arnold, Ohio 

Marshall Hay, Iowa 

McKehna Thiem, Nebraska 

McKena Woolstenhulme, Utah 

Megan Bloemer, Illinois 

Megan Saunders, Alabama 

Michael Valencia, California 

Misti Adams, California 

Mollie Enright, Massachusetts 

Mychaela Lunney, Maine 

Nathan Laudan, Kansas 

Nicole Billington, California 

Nikki Hayden, South Carolina 

Rachel Cantu, Texas 

Raynette Johnson, Tennessee 

Ross Newton, Indiana 

Sara Raschein, Wisconsin 

Sara Riddick, California 

Shelbie Thames, Texas 

Tiffany Pemberton, Missouri 

Tyler Claypool, Pennsylvania 

Tyler Menane, California 

Tyler Warren, Minnesota 

Victoria Maloch, Arkansas 

Vince Pellegri, California 

Zach Tennant, West Virginia 

Reconstruction of the 

Delegate Process 

Adam Tarver, Georgia 

AJ Helterbrand, Ohio 

Alyssa Spruill, Texas 

Amanda Bacon, Arkansas 

Andrea Tomschin, Minnesota 

Andrew Aldridge, Oklahoma 

Angelica Aldana, California 

Anna Jo Smith, Vermont 

Asher Markworth, Wyoming 

Bailli Douthitt, Georgia 

Ben Bennett, Georgia 

Benjamin Somers, Delaware 

Billy Hatfield, Illinois 

Bracken Marburger, Texas 

Brady James, Missouri 

Brian Guza, Wisconsin 

Bryanna Diller, Texas 

Caleb Forcier, Oregon 

Caleb Moore, Texas 

Cameron Earlywine, Kentucky 

Cassidy Gilliard, Georgia 

Catelyn Sanders, Nevada 

Chris Hudson, California 

Clayton Carlson, California 

Cory Johnson, Nebraska 

Daniel Deck, North Dakota 


Destiny Stephens, Texas 

Diego Dow, New Mexico 

Dylan Hankins, Tennessee 

Emily Janowski, California 

Emily Rudder, Colorado 

Hannah Nelson, Washington 

Heston Heller, Texas 

Jackson Harris, Alabama 

Jacob Meisner, Illinois 

Jacquelyn Wilson, Texas 

James Sharpe, Florida 

Jason Mendes, California 

Jed Ward, Arizona 

Jemaris Martes, Puerto Rico 

John Salazar, Texas 

John Stewart, North Carolina 

Jon Black, Missouri 

Jordan Pieschl, Kansas 

Josh Ovard, Utah 

Julie Schellhase, California 

Justin Turner, Oklahoma 

Kathryn Ray, Alabama 

Katie Jo Gentner, Michigan 

Katie McNab, Minnesota 

Katy Gaede, California 

Kayla Hack, Wisconsin 

Kelly Kundratic, Maryland 

Kendall Mallory, Kentucky 

Kristen Bishop, Mississippi 

Kyle Strachila, Washington 

Lane Howard, Missouri 

Lia Van Egmond, California 

Lindsey Anderson, California 

Logan Layne, South Carolina 

Makana Agcaoili, Hawaii

dElEgAtEs continuEd 

Mareta Sherman, Missouri 

Marty Wines, North Carolina 

Melissa Dighans, Montana 

Michelle Stover, New Hampshire 

Nicole Leslie, Massachusetts 

Nina Miller, Virginia 

Patience Trickett, Connecticut 

Peyton Graham, Tennessee 

Ryan Roberts, Ohio 

Sarah Kessler, Pennsylvania 

Shelby Birelay, North Carolina 

Stephanie Tarlowe, New Jersey 

Steven Brockshus, Iowa 

Summer Anderson, Louisiana 

Taylor Cooper, Texas 

Taylor Koski, Rhode Island 

Travis Olinske, Indiana 

Valerie McKee, Florida 

Zachary Harrison, Louisiana 

Increased Middle School 

Opportunities 

Aaron Zimmerman, Wisconsin 

Alissa Milonczyk, Wisconsin 

Augstin Hinojosa, Texas 

Beverly Hampton, North Carolina 

Brennan Costello, Nebraska 

Brian Walsh, Virginia 

Britany Dady, Alabama 

Brittany Spann, North Carolina 

Caitlin Pell, Michigan 

Cameron Dale, California 

Casie Conley, Indiana 

Charlie Brown, Florida 

Clay Sapp, Florida 

Cobey Hendry, Louisiana 

Cole Smith, Kansas 

Courtney Walker, Tennessee 

Dalton Horn, Texas 

Darren Riskedal, Illinois 

Desiree Lavallee, Maine 

Diana Stacy, Ohio 

Elizabeth James, Texas 

Ethan Thomas, Arkansas 

Evan Grusenmeyer, Missouri 

Gina Locke, Tennessee 

Grace Wildhaber, Oregon 

Grayer Sherrill, North Carolina 

Hannah Beeler, California 

Hannah Nemecek, Oklahoma 

Hillary Kletscher, Minnesota 

Hillery Reeves, Georgia 

Hunter Scroggins, California 

Jacob Townsend, New Mexico 

Jacob Vazquez, California 

Jacquelynne Garcia, California 

Jake Hilliard, Illinois 

Jake Todd, Georgia 

Jessica Wilkinson, Mississippi 

John Coffey, Arkansas 

John Modrow, Florida 

Katherine Torres, Texas 

Katlin McQueen, Texas 

Kellie Wong, California 

Kelsey Gauss, Delaware 

Kelsie Jones, California 

Kirstie Willis, Kentucky 

Kristi Tonnessen, North Dakota 

Kyle Clark, New Hampshire 

Leah Gibson, California 

Logan Worden, Iowa 

Lydia Urick, Alabama 

Marshall Perkins, Indiana 

Matthew Dodson, Pennsylvania 

Meagan Green, Missouri 

Morgan Smith, Georgia 

Morgan Wade, Ohio 

Naomi Gonzalez, Puerto Rico 

Nate Lundquist, New York 

Nathan Box, Texas 

Newt Gilman, Georgia 

Olivia Siglin, South Dakota 

Paige Wilson, Kentucky 

Perry Loftis, South Carolina 

Peyton Gilbert, Texas 

Rachel Albritton, Texas 

Samuel Mercado, California 

Sawyer Peacock, Utah 

Sheldon Franks, Texas 

Skyla Leporis, Texas 

Stacey Kunde, Wisconsin 

Taylor Kirby, Arizona 

Tierra Permann, Idaho 

Tori Avvenire, Virginia 

Trina Stumpe, Missouri 

Zac Tucker, Arizona 

Agricultural Experience 

Program 

Aaron Wetzel, Illinois 

Abbie Baker, Wisconsin 

Alex LaPrise, Rhode Island 

Alexis Wingerson, Kansas 

Alyssa Fee, Tennessee 

Amie Wilcox, Arkansas 

Andrew Miron, Minnesota 

Anna Pratt, Idaho 

Ashley Howlett, Vermont 

Ashley McLeod, Florida 

Ben Granholm, California 

Ben Nething, Ohio 

Brad Evenson, Minnesota 

Brady Johnson, Montana 

Brandon Russell, Alabama 

Brittany Richert, Arkansas 

Caitlin Walton, Delaware 

Caitlyn Black, Ohio 

Caroline Weihl, Ohio 

Casey Eicholtz, California 

Cassie Olson, Wisconsin 

Chelsea Daugherty, Kentucky 

Chisum Kirby, Illinois 

Christy Poirrier, Washington 

Clay Kruse, California 

Cody Beard, Louisiana 

Cody Nedbalek, Texas 

Colton Fritz, Texas 

Courtney Miller, California 

Delegate Name, State 

Emily Keeton, Tennessee 

Emily Renfro, Texas 

Hannah Russell, North Carolina 

J.W. Allen, New York 

Jenna Holt-Day, Texas 

Jennifer DeClerg, Michigan 

Joshua Conaway, Oklahoma 

Joshua Williams, Alabama 

Kaley Sproul, Nevada 

Katie Dalton, Kentucky 

Katie Garrett, Texas 

Kaylee Bohn, California 

Keely Snyder, Texas 

Kellie Mancino, California 

Kenisha Singh, California 

Kerry Elbel, Missouri 

Klayton Bearup, New Mexico 

Kristina Raley, Georgia 

Kyle Largent, Washington 

Kyle Schimdt, Texas 

Logan Jones, Utah 

Luke Sinclair, Georgia 

Maggie Moran, Virginia 

Malone Thomason, Georgia 

Mason Mariner, North Carolina 

Megan Mayfield, Missouri 

Michael Mardesen, Iowa 

Mike Shively, Illinois 

Nicholas Walker, Louisiana 

Nicole Patterson, Iowa 

Patrick Halde, Colorado 

Preston Gilderhus, North Dakota 

Rachael Liberty, Connecticut 

Rachel Schmitt, Indiana 

Raney Lovorn, Texas 

Ryan Kelly, Oregon 

Ryan Powell, Georgia 

Sarah Correll, Indiana 

Sarah Graves, California 

Sarahbeth Bourland, Arizona 

Shaniel Smith, Iowa 

Shelby Burney, Texas 

Shelby Oesterreicher, Florida 

Shelby Peters, Nebraska 

Tanner Nauta, Wyoming 

Taylor Shackelford, Texas 

Trevor Stamey, South Carolina 

Tyler Schaeffer, Pennsylvania 

Zach Grossman, Missouri 

Creation of Collegiate 

Competitive Events 

Aaron Dilorio, Texas 

Abby Prause, Texas 

Adam Powell, Oregon 

Adam Thibodeaus, Louisiana 

Addie Spolyar, Michigan 

Alisha Mikell, Georgia 

Amanda Buus, South Dakota 

Amantha Hons, Texas 

Ashely Surman, Texas 

Beth Boss, California 

Billy Cameron, Kentucky 

Brandon Baumgarten, Oklahoma 

Brent Stammen, Ohio 

Caroline Tart, North Carolina 

Casey Hall, Pennsylvania 

Clay Miller, Colorado 

Clayton Carley, Illinois 

Cody Bishop, South Carolina 

Cody McDougald, California 

Corey Hudson, Missouri 

Dani Gaulden, Virginia 

Darian Sinclair, Georgia 

Dustin Smith, Minnesota 

Elissa McLerran, Tennessee 

Elizabeth Bracken, New York 

Else Stuart, California 

Emilia Woeppel, Nebraska 

Emily Hawkins, Arkansas 

Emma Cannon, North Carolina 

Erin Curry, Idaho 

Ethan Giebel, Wisconsin 

Haley Paradis, New Hampshire 

Haley Webb, Florida 

Harrison Lang, Mississippi 

Jacob Dickey, Illinois 

Jacob Mattox, Indiana 

Jenna Moser, Pennsylvania 

Jeremy Baker, Georgia 

Jessica Vazquez, California 

Jodi Cockrell, Texas 

Joey Temperly, Georgia 

Justin Watson, Florida 

Kaitlyn Enticknap, California 

Kaleigh Lynch, Oklahoma 

Karli Quinn, California 

Katie Cauthen, North Carolina 

Katie Dreier, Wisconsin 

Katie Gaskins, Ohio 

Kaylee Paul, Texas 

Keili Summey, Arizona 

Kollen Chapman, Missouri 

Kristen Jendrusch, Texas 

Kurt Lockwood, Kansas 

Lauren Gray, Alabama 

Lindsay Calvert, Iowa 

Mackenzie Campbell, Nevada 

Madison Yandell, Texas 

Mallory Harrison, California 

Mary Palisi, Louisiana 

Mary Steves, California 

Morgan Peterson, Utah 

Nicole Petrie, Wisconsin 

Olivia Fernandez, Tennessee 

Patrick Diedrich, Iowa 

Paula Rincon, Hawaii 

Reed Huelster, Texas 

Ron Snyder III, Texas 

Sammi Jo Cool, Washington 

Sarah Goetsch, New Mexico 

Sarah Ray, Missouri 

Sierra Jepsen, Ohio 


Taylor Friesz, North Dakota 

Wiley Bailey, Alabama 

Zeke Green, Kentucky 

Alternative Delivery 

Models for Leadership 

Development 

Abi Yount, Louisiana 

Abigail Jensen, Wisconsin 

Adam Birk, Missouri 

AJ Baginski, Maryland 

Alec McAlarnen, New Jersey 

Alex Russel, Illinois 

Alexis Cain, California 

Alyssa Ramsey, North Carolina 

Alyssa Tabor, California 

Amanda Ball, New Mexico 

Ariana Kaminski, New York 

Ashley DeCosta, Massachusetts 

Ashlyn Nunley, Virginia 

Becca Gulliver, Michigan 

Blake Vineyard, Texas 

Brian Welch, Kentucky 

Brittaney Hudson, Colorado 

Caitlin Cole, Texas 

Caleb Gillispie, Arizona 

Cara Pantone, Idaho 

Casey Erickson, California 

Chelsea Vilchis, Minnesota 

Chris Steppig, Illinois 

Christy Chicas, Tennessee 

Clayton Dumesnil, Texas 

Clayton Harlan, Arkansas 

Cody Pettit, Delaware 

Colton Lammons, Texas 

Courtney Maye, Oklahoma 

Curt Berry, South Carolina 

Delegate Name, State 

Devon Alexander, Ohio 

Edward Moore, Georgia 

Elise Stoddard, Florida 

Ellen Earl, Alabama 

Ellie Bolt, Washington 

Gabrielle Franke, California 

Gianna Hartman, Indiana 

Haley Cobb, Tennessee 

Hunter Winsauer, Texas 

Isaac Christenson, Wisconsin 

Jessica Payne, Georgia 

Jessica Shanahan, Ohio 

John Brian Kirksey, Arkansas 

Jonathan Morris, Mississippi 

Justin Miller, Alabama 

Justine Dlabal, Kansas 

Kaid Panek, Utah 

Katie Pippins, Georgia 

Kaylyn Morrill, Connecticut 

Kelli Neuman, Texas 

Kelsey Forqueran, Missouri 

Kenna Lewis, California 

Kenzie Moore, Texas 

Krysti Kelley, Texas 

Madeline Minchillo, Texas 

Miranda Medrano, California 

Morgan Barbour, North Carolina 

Nicole Lane, Oregon 

Nolan Miles, Kentucky 

Paul Dybedahl, South Dakota 

Rayna Nelson, Alaska 

Riley Quinn, California 

Samantha Whittaker, Missouri 

Sarabeth Royer, Pennsylvania 

Sarah Burk, Montana 

Sarah Davis, Missouri 

Sarah Doese, Iowa 

Shelby Faulkner, Ohio 

Shelby Young, Texas 

Stacey Springob, Wisconsin 

Sydney Stone, Florida 

Taylor Helton, California 

Vance Heyer, Nebraska 

Wes Davis, West Virginia 

Zachary Gerrells, Georgia

2011 naTIonal ffa offICer CanDIDaTes, 

noMInaTIng CoMMITTee 

national officer candidates: 

Mike norton, Ark. 

Jared biciolis, Ariz. 

samuel Doty, Calif. 

shelby McCracken, Colo. 

Victor salazar, Conn. 

lindsey bethard, Del. 

Caitlyn prichard, Fla. 

Cain Thurmond, Ga. 

benjamin Zelle, Iowa 

seth pratt, Idaho 

amie burke, Ill. 

Morgan gadd, Ind. 

sara schifferdecker, Kan. 

Joenelle futrell, Ky. 

sarah Dyson, La. 

Jasper Cunningham, 

Mich. 

Jason Troendle, Minn. 

nominating Committee: 

Travis Martin, Ind. – Chair 

Zach Wakeman, Va. 

Mike Hannewald, Ohio 

Casey Zufelt, Idaho 

Katelyn perry, Texas 

elizabeth eastep, N.C. 

lindsay “nicole” liles, Fla. 

Joshua Deines, Colo. 

Maria skogland, S.D. 

samantha Warner, Mo. 

lane nordlund, Mont. 

Caroline Yopp, N.C. 

ryan best, N.M. 

aly reynolds, Nev. 

Kenneth Quick, N.Y. 

amy frost, Ohio 

stephen Tillinghast, Okla. 

nicholas West, Ore. 


Caleb Wright, Pa. 

gabriela nazario, Puerto 

Rico 

Katelyn simpson, S.C. 

rebecca naasz, S.D. 

Camilla McDonald, Tenn. 

andrew gresham, Texas 

amberley snyder, Utah 

brandon Monk, Va.

MeeT Your 2011 naTIonal offICers 

Ryan Best 

president 

age: 21 

birthdate: Oct. 4, 

1990 

Hometown and state: 

Portales, N.M. 

parents: Kent and 

Sherri Best 

siblings: Heidi Best, 

Halee Goff, Reavis 

Best 

FFA stats 

Chapter: Elida FFA Chapter 

enterprise: Sheep Production, Diversified 

Livestock 

state office: District IV President/Vice 

President, 2008-09; President, 2009-10 

college stats 

Year: Junior 

Major: Agricultural and Extension Education 

school: New Mexico State University 

College activities: Collegiate FFA, National 

Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA), Collegiate 

Wool Judging team, 

future Career goal: To become an agricultural 

education instructor. 

Alicia Hodnik 

Central region Vice 

president 

age: 21 

birthdate: Oct. 15, 

1990 


Walworth, Wis. 

parents: Fred and Deb 

Hodnik; Sharon and 

Kimi Weber 

siblings: John Hodnik, Keri Hodnik 


Chapter: Big Foot FFA Chapter 

enterprise: Agricultural Education, Small Animal 

Care and Production, Agriscience Research 

state office: Secretary, 2009-10; President, 

2010-11 

college stats 

Year: Freshman 

Major: Agricultural Education and 

Biotechnology 

school: University of Wisconsin – River Falls 

College activities: Ag Ed Society 

future Career goal: To work in a laboratory 

researching genetics in aquaculture in either 

the private or public sector. After developing 

rapport, possibly begin teaching as an 

agricultural education instructor. 

Jason 

Troendle 

secretary 

age: 20 

birthdate: Aug. 18, 

1991 


St. Charles, Minn. 

parents: Fred and 

Sandra Troendle 

siblings: Adam Troendle, Rachel Troendle 


Chapter: St. Charles High School FFA Chapter 

enterprise: Diversified Agriculture – Production 

state office: President, 2010-11 

college stats 

Year: Sophomore 

Major: Economics and Environmental Studies 

school: Bethel University 

College activities: Suite church, jazz band, 

Welcome Week staff 

future Career goal: To become a life-long 

teacher in agriculture, economics or ministry. 

To work in an agriculture business helping 

to develop people and making the business 

more efficient while reducing its impact on the 

environment. 

Seth Pratt 

Western region Vice 

president 

age: 20 

birthdate: June 13, 

1991 


Blackfoot, Idaho 

parents: Mark and 

Wendy Pratt 

siblings: Callie Pratt, 

Anna Pratt 


Chapter: Blackfoot FFA Chapter 

enterprise: Beef Production – 

Entrepreneurship, 

Beef Production – Placement 


college stats 


Major: Agricultural Science, Communication 

and Leadership 

school: University of Idaho 

College activities: Alpha Gamma Rho, Student 

Alumni Relations Board, Collegiate FB 

future Career goal: To pursue a career in 

agribusiness for five to eight years and be an 

advocate for agriculture. Eventually return home 

to the family ranch to raise cows and a family. 


Kenneth 

Quick Jr. 

eastern region Vice 

president 

age: 19 

birthdate: June 15, 

1992 


Granville, N.Y. 

parents: Kenneth and 

Diane Quick 

siblings: Karaline Quick, Lindsey Depew 


Chapter: Granville FFA Chapter 

enterprise: Dairy Entrepreneurship 


college stats 


Major: Interdisciplinary Studies (focusing on 

International Agriculture and Rural Development 

and Agribusiness) and Agricultural Education 

school: Cornell University 

College activities: Collegiate FFA, Alpha 

Gamma Rho, Outdoors Club 

future Career goal: To work with policy 

regarding international agricultural issues 

and develop strong partnerships for global 

agricultural needs throughout government and 

industry. 

Cain 

Thurmond 

southern region Vice 

president 

age: 21 

birthdate: Sept. 27, 

1990 


Jefferson, Ga. 

parents: Phil and 

Susie Thurmond 

siblings: Caleb Thurmond 


Chapter: Jefferson City FFA Chapter 

enterprise: Beef Production, Diversified Crop 

Production, Agricultural Education 

state office: Vice President, 2008-09 

college stats 

Year: Junior 

Major: Agriculture and Applied Economics 

(Agricultural Economics) 

school: University of Georgia 

College activities: First Baptist Church of 

Jefferson, ABAC Alpha Gamma Rho, ABAC 

National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) 

future Career goal: To serve as an advocate 

for agriculture through agribusiness, policy 

setting and contribute to its future through 

agricultural education. As a second career, run 

a Black Angus Cattle operation.

CanDIDs 









The ffa Mission: ffa makes a positive difference in the lives of students 

by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and 

career success through agricultural education. 

The agricultural education Mission: agricultural education prepares 

students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the 

global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems. 

© 2011 national ffa organization

2011 Proceedings - National FFA Organization

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