The Washington FFA Association is committed to providing the highest quality educational, leadership and career development opportunities for students. Through effective classroom education we develop minds for future opportunities and critical thinking. Through competitive, career-based activities we prepare students for objective problem-solving. And through team-based leadership experience we build a better tomorrow.
Four of our Washington State FFA Officers recently traveled to China as part of the International Leadership Seminar for State FFA Officers last month. State Treasurer Hannah Nelson was recently interviewed by KayDee Gilkey for the Northwest Farm & Ranch Report on AgInfo.net.
Written by State President Sammi Jo Cool and State Vice President Kyle Strachila
Click to view all National Convention photos!When the time came for the 84th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana a few weeks ago, the Washington state officer team was eager to arrive and start their week of activities. National Convention is a major highlight of the FFA year. This was an opportunity for each of the officers to attend and experience it from a different point of view.
For Sammi Jo, Kyle L., Hannah, and Ellie, National Convention was a favorite FFA event they experienced in high school. For Kyle S. and Christy, the Nationals experience was brand new. As a whole, the team enjoyed a unique opportunity to represent Washington as delegates and serve as the voice of Washington FFA on major national issues.
Kicking off on Monday the 17th, the state officers took part in social media training to help them become stronger advocates of American agriculture and the National FFA Organization by utilizing numerous social media sites and methods. Without skipping a beat, the team got down to business serving as delegates on the following issues: reconstruction of the delegate process, alternative delivery models for leadership development, floriculture CDE, agriculture experience program, creation of competitive collegiate FFA events, and increased middle school involvement. Beginning on Tuesday the 18th and ending the ninth and final session of convention, the WA FFA officers were proud to represent Washington FFA members whether they were debating, creating proposals during committee meetings, attending public delegate hearings, or holding a seat to debate and vote on issues during delegate business sessions. Experiencing the business side of convention was a new experience for all of the state officers which they enjoyed immensely.
Despite their busy schedule, the Washington state officers also enjoyed the fun side of convention. They sang their hearts out at the Blake Shelton concert Wednesday night and took in some rodeo action at the Bulls and Broncs Rodeo Thursday night. It was a great week spent in Indianapolis and an experience they won’t soon forget.
The state officers would like to congratulate all the teams and individuals who “brought it” to the National CDE competitions: “Washington State is proud of you and we thank you for representing us in such fine fashion. Congratulations also go out to the chapter and individual award winners in National Chapter, Proficiency, Agriscience Fair, and the Delo Tractor Restoration award programs.”
The 2011-2012 state officers are currently out on the road doing chapter visits right now and look forward to seeing you along the FFA highway!
One May 15th, 2011, six students were elected to serve the Washington FFA Association for the 2011-2012 school year. Learn more about the current state officer team and stay tuned as their inspirational theme is announced in the coming weeks!
Congratulations to State VP Kyle Strachila who was recently featured for his post-graduation activities with the Washington FFA Association. Click below to read the complete article:
Between serving as FFA chapter president, Associated Student Body president, taking honors classes, playing varsity sports and raising pigs, the 18-year-old lifelong Whatcom County resident didn't have much down time.
And Strachila, who graduated from Mount Baker on Wednesday, June 8, likely won't be sleeping much the next year, either. Starting this summer, he will spend a year working as the state vice president of FFA, a national organization that promotes students following their agricultural dreams, whether it's through business, science, art or the actual acts of growing plants and raising produce.
As vice president, Strachila will work on state and national FFA issues, as well as travel to FFA chapters around the state, helping to teach lessons and promote the organization.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 11:04AM
