For Leah (left) and Cameron Addington (right), FFA is a family affair. Photo courtesy of Cameron Addington.
Most kids don’t grow up surrounded by state officers and convention stages, but for Cameron Addington, a member of the Canon Falls FFA Chapter, FFA wasn’t just an organization; it was part of his family’s legacy.
After wrapping up her term as the 1997-98 Minnesota FFA president, Leah Addington worked for the state association as its leadership development coordinator. “Cameron went to his first state convention at three weeks old,” she says. “[FFA] is in his blood.”
Cameron Addington sports his first blue corduroy jacket. Photo courtesy of Cameron Addington.
Some of Cameron Addington’s first memories are at the Deep Portage Learning Center, where Minnesota FFA hosts summer camps and state officer trainings. Still, joining FFA and running for state office were actions he chose to do on his own accord.
“It felt like a natural choice to join right away in seventh grade with my local chapter,” Cameron Addington says. “Having family members who were there to support me and the opportunity to influence and interact and hear stories — that’s really why I wanted to run.”
Like many FFA members, Cameron Addington didn’t grow up on a farm. Still, he took every opportunity to learn by showing livestock at the county fair and working for local farmers. “Don’t ever short yourself the opportunity to learn new skills and try new things,” he says.
Luckily for Cameron Addington, his mom has been there for his entire journey. When he placed third in the National FFA Prepared Public Speaking Leadership Development Event, she proudly supported him. From her perspective, watching Cameron’s hard work and preparation pay off was one of the most meaningful moments in his FFA career. Years earlier, Leah Addington had been the one delivering speeches in the blue jacket. Now, she’s watching her son follow a remarkably similar path, right down to the state president title.
Twenty-eight years after his mom held the role, Cameron Addington was elected as a state FFA president. Photo courtesy of Cameron Addington.
But Cameron Addington is making the office his own. He and his team of state officers have three main goals for Minnesota FFA in the coming year:
- Support Minnesota’s regions and chapters.
- Prioritize social media outreach.
- Break down the barriers of traditional and nontraditional FFA backgrounds.
As Cameron Addington carries forward his family’s legacy, he’s demonstrating that FFA isn’t just about where you come from — it’s who you choose to become and the lives you impact along the way.
Cameron Addington (third from right) and his teammates are spending a year representing members, advisors and chapters across their state. Photo courtesy of Cameron Addington.
Everyone Starts Somewhere
Do you dream of becoming a state FFA officer? Draw inspiration from these six leaders and their journeys in the blue jacket.
