By MEGGIE I. FOSTER
Associate Editor WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — In an effort to motivate and inspire Hoosier FFA members, the Indiana FFA Organization recently elected an enthusiastic new president in Casie Conley, of Knightstown, Ind.
Bringing a breath of fresh air and an undeniable energy into FFA, Conley recently spoke with Farm World about how she hopes to make a difference in the lives of Indiana FFA members.
But Conley won’t do it alone. She will be joined by her fellow new state officers including Secretary Sarah Correll, of North Miami FFA; Northern Region Vice President Rachel Schmitt, of Tipton FFA; Southern Region Vice President Jacob Mattox, of South Decatur FFA; Treasurer Gianna Hartman, of Warsaw FFA; Reporter Ross Newton, of Hoosier Hills FFA and Sentinel Travis Olinske, of Carroll at Fort Wayne FFA.
The 2011-12 officer team was inducted by Indiana FFA members during the final session of the 82nd annual Indiana FFA State Convention June 15 on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.
“We all want to impact lives – we’re devoted and dedicated to the FFA and its membership,” she said.
Conley went on to discuss a key goal established by the new 2011-2012 state officer team including increasing membership.
“We know how much it can change lives because it has changed all of our lives dramatically. We want to offer that same opportunity to others,” Conley explained, adding that she joined FFA because “it sounded fun.” “It means the world to me to even have the opportunity to give back to other students in this role. And to be only the tenth girl to be president since 1928 - that is pretty awesome.”
Elected on June 15 during state convention, Conley and the officer team hit the ground running with three days of Blast-Off training, a leadership camp facilitated by past state officers, and this week they will be in Atlanta, Ga. for the National Leadership Conference for State Officers. When they return home to the Indiana FFA Leadership Center in Trafalgar, Ind., they will dive right into planning for the Indiana FFA Center.
“It has been super busy, but I’m excited to see what’s in store for us in the coming year,” said Conley.
But being elected to the state officer team certainly didn’t come easy.
According to Conley, the process to become a state officer is quite involved and to some extent – exhausting.
After submitting the formal application in March of the election year, which includes recommendations, a transcript and résumé, the applicant must fulfill requirements to receive the state Hoosier FFA Degree.
After meeting the initial application requirements, 16 of the top Hoosier candidates were selected and proceeded to endure 20-plus hours of interviews, writing activities and presentations the Sunday before the Indiana FFA State Convention.
Specifically, candidates must present a five- to seven-minute stand-and-deliver speech; two writing activities; a group facilitation round; complete an FFA knowledge test; and participate in two ag issues debates and an ag education round, in which candidates were asked to prepare and make a formal presentation.
All interviews, debates and presentations take place in front of a nine-member selection committee. From that point, the committee formulates a seven-member officer slate. According to Conley, all officer candidates were presented an envelope with the proposed slate enclosed on Tuesday, June 14.
“They select the best seven people to work together as a team, and then the slate is presented to the delegates for its final vote,” explained Conley.
“Every one takes their envelope and goes to a special spot to open it. I had a spot picked out and had my family and friends surrounding me. When I opened it and found out that I was slated as president – I was in shock - it was total happiness.”
And happily for Conley and the officers, the slate passed the following day and the gavel was passed onto the new team. “Together as a team, we hope to do what’s best for Indiana FFA,” she said. “So far, we’ve had a blast. They picked seven people that they felt would work best together. I’m not anxious at all, I am excited. These are not seven strangers, but already seven friends that feel like family. We’re looking at an exciting year ahead.”
To follow the state officers throughout the year, visit http://ffaindiana.blogspot.com |
