2023-2024 Держ

I am proud to once again have the opportunity to serve Alaska’s members as the State President. This year I am looking forward to working closely with our chapters so that we can lay the foundation for the next life-changing chapter of our association’s history. Having not been raised on a farm myself, my favorite thing about FFA has always been how the organization seeks to educate all students about agriculture, not only the traditional farmer and rancher. And only because of this mission of education, am I where I am today and am proud to be able to advocate for the agricultural industry and all of its amazing work accomplished by all of its amazing people.

I’m beyond excited to continue serving Alaska’s members this year. FFA has given me incredible friendships, opportunities, and a passion for agriculture and leadership that continues to shape who I am every day. One of the things I love most about FFA is the sense of belonging it creates. It’s more than an organization, it’s a family. A family that pushes people to grow, lead, and find confidence in themselves. I’m most excited to connect with members and chapters and help create moments that people will carry with them long after they hang up the blue jacket. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization that has truly changed my life, and I cannot wait to see what this year holds for Alaska FFA.

The chance to serve Alaska FFA is once in a lifetime and I plan to take full advantage of it by serving members to the best of my ability. My SAE is breeding and raising market lambs for the Alaska State Fair. The people, knowledge and responsibility it’s helped me learn has grown my passion for advancing agriculture in our state. I am most excited to connect with people from all over the state and to have the opportunity to learn from their experiences to better improve Alaskan agriculture. I love FFA because its gives every member the same opportunity to grow as a leader in agriculture despite their background or passion.

 FFA is an organization that helps people, that grows people, and one that builds a stronger community in agriculture. FFA changed my life, and I don’t say that in exaggeration, I mean that fullheartedly, and I know many that can say the same. That is why I love FFA, an organization that can touch the lives of so many students, communities, and the community in agriculture. The leadership and the personal development in the FFA is truly something that impacts someone for the rest of their life. The knowledge, hands on learning, and advocacy for agriculture that lies in the FFA, is something special. I hope to help every member find the growth that I found in the FFA and the rich knowledge it has to offer. My favorite LDE is FFA Creed Speaking, because it shows the true base of our organization. There are so many kids that start their FFA journey with the creed. I was a freshman, shaking in front of the class, trying to spit out the creed for a grade, the creed that I can now recite without panic 3 years later, that I live by everyday. The creed is a staple in our organization, reminding us of our morals, missions, and the start of so many members' journeys. FFA is a truly impactful, and unique organization, and I am beyond grateful for my FFA journey, and what it gave me in my own life. Such as now serving the very organization that helped me grow out of the limits I set for myself.

 I am excited to begin a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) focused on agricultural education because I am passionate about helping others learn and grow through agriculture. FFA has already helped me develop leadership, confidence, and communication skills that I know will help me succeed in that experience. While I do not have a favorite CDE or LDE to compete in, my favorite event to watch is Prepared Public Speaking because I admire the confidence, passion, and skill it takes to stand in front of a crowd and inspire others through words. As a future state officer, I am looking forward to traveling across the state, meeting new members, and encouraging others to find their place within FFA just as I have found mine. What I love most about FFA is that it feels like a family, an organization that pushes students to step outside their comfort zones, become leaders, and build friendships and memories that last a lifetime.