Youth Leadership, State Officers encourage members to ‘Ride for the Brand’

Cheyenne – After four days of convention, the Wyoming FFA Association elected a new slate of officers, handed out a variety of awards and celebrated the success of Wyoming FFA over the past year. 

State officer goals

The 2013-14 Wyoming State FFA Officers focused on the Code of the West, theming their convention, “Ride for the Brand.” 

As a team, they commented, “Our officer team looks forward to seeing old friends and making new ones over the course of this year’s convention.”

They continue, “State Convention is the culminating event of the year through our Career Development Events, award ceremonies, leadership workshop and industry tours.”

The team encouraged Wyoming FFA members to enjoy the results of their hard work and dedication during the week.

Ride for the Brand

“Over the last year, our theme – ‘Ride for the Brand’ – has been a constant reminder to each of us to be true to ourselves and the FFA organization,” the 2013-14 State FFA Officer Team adds. “Continue working toward your goals. We encourage you to think of what you stand for and your brand.”

They encouraged FFA members to advocate for agriculture and FFA and to share ideas.

2013-14 Wyoming FFA President Brett Roth says, “Take the chance and miss no opportunities.” 

Roth notes he is impressed with the investment that chapters make in their communities and the support they receive in return, as well as the dedication of members.

With an inspirational and productive convention complete, Roth and his teammates retired on April 10, turning their positions over to a new set of young adults to lead the Wyoming FFA Association.

State officers

As a highlight among the excitement, a new slate of state FFA officers were elected.

The State Officer Selection Process is a rigorous series of interviews where three senior FFA members, one past state officer, two business and industry representatives and a committee supervisor vetted candidates.

After the three days of interviews, the Nominating Committee commented, “We had an outstanding set of candidates. Reaching a final decision and selecting only nine state officers wasn’t an easy task.”

As president of the association for the next year, committee members selected Quade Palm of the Bow River FFA Chapter in Hanna/Elk Mountain. Joining Palm as vice president is Heather Loraas of the Casper FFA Chapter. Second Vice President Tyler Clemetson comes from the Shoshoni FFA Chapter, and Kyle Webber of Powell was selected as third vice president.

Ten Sleep FFA’s Lacy Nelson will serve as secretary over the next year, and Austin Burkett of Burns was selected to fill the treasurer position. 

Another Powell student, Baxter Heinert, will hold the reporter position, and Caleb Green of the John B. Kendrick FFA Chapter in Sheridan will represent Wyoming FFA as sentinel.

Rounding out the slate of officers is Jess Oldham of Lander, who will serve as parliamentarian over the next year.

“We are confident that these nine ladies and gentlemen have what it takes to lead Wyoming FFA through the next year,” the Nominating Committee added. “They are a bright, dedicated and passionate group of young adults, and we see nothing but a bright future for the Wyoming FFA Association.”

Other winners

Also recognized throughout the week were a wide variety of students from across the state for their performance in a number of career development events (CDEs).

Additionally, state stars, proficiency winners and honorary degree recipients were recognized for their work with the Wyoming FFA Association. 

Look for more information on winners in next week’s edition of the Roundup!

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.