John Colquitt Puts People First
John Colquitt claims he is good at one thing: “finding good people.” While John is definitely skilled at much more than that, he has certainly found some good people throughout his time in FFA. An alum of the Wetumpka FFA Chapter, John has spent 27 years as an agriculture educator in Alabama, and his students have been nothing short of successful. Former students include Major League Baseball pitcher and Olympian Brandon Dickson, National Football League defensive end Dewayne White, nine students who went on to become state FFA officers and many other incredible students.
Colquitt joined FFA in eighth grade and was heavily influenced by his advisor, C.S. Bazemore. Mr. Bazemore, a World War II veteran, was the FFA advisor for both Colquitt and his father, and Bazemore’s careful leadership led Colquitt to his calling; he knew by his freshman year that he wanted to be an ag teacher. He reached that calling, and his FFA connections have led to some incredible opportunities.
In addition to serving as an ag educator and FFA advisor, Colquitt was the pastor at a local church for 15 years. He has officiated over 80 weddings for past FFA members and advisors, as well as led around a dozen funerals for FFA connections.
He has also hosted numerous foreign exchange students and captured videos of them reciting the FFA Creed in their native languages. So far, Colquitt’s family has hosted students from all over Europe and recorded the Creed in Italian and French, and his current foreign exchange student will translate the Creed into Norwegian.
Today, Colquitt still teaches middle school agriculture courses and works on the Alabama FFA state staff. With a career full of meaningful connections, he advises current FFA members to say yes. “Take advantage of the opportunities that are there,” he says. “Students are often quick to dismiss something that could really change their life.”
Strengthen Your Network
Looking for ways to connect with interesting FFA members and Alumni like John Colquitt? Check out the Forever Blue Network, a free networking site that connects FFA members, Alumni and supporters with one another. From career and internship opportunities to resume support and much more, the Forever Blue Network is a great way to connect with others, give back to your FFA community and expand your personal and professional network.
