This is Cole Baerlocher's 2022 retiring address as 2021-22 National FFA President, delivered at the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo. Using clothing and the FFA blue jacket as metaphors for self-expression and identity, Baerlocher shares personal stories—including hand-me-down jackets, feelings of being an imposter at the National FFA Center, and a transformative small group experience at summer camp—to explore themes of authenticity and belonging. He encourages members to embrace their own stories, release expectations, appreciate the present moment, and create space for others to belong.
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Retiring Addresses
T. Wayne Williams – Making a Life Count
This is T. Wayne Williams's 2026 retiring address as 2025-26 National FFA Southern Region Vice President, titled Making…
17:27
Retiring Addresses
Trey Myers – The Long Surrender
This is Trey Myers's 2026 retiring address as 2025-26 National FFA President, titled The Long Surrender. Drawing on…
20:37
Retiring Addresses
Lilly Nyland – Will You Live Alive
This is Lilly Nyland's 2026 retiring address as 2025-26 National FFA Secretary, titled "Will You Live Alive." Drawing…
18:41
Retiring Addresses
Claire Woeppel – Toward the Light
This is Claire Woeppel's 2026 retiring address as 2025-26 National FFA Central Region Vice President. Using the metaphor…
