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 of shadows and light, she reflects on how comparison took root in her from a childhood moment of feeling judged about her small home and followed her through Irish dancing, state office interviews, and her national officer year. Drawing on a powerful conversation with Texas area officers who shared their own struggles, Claire encourages FFA members to stop letting their shadows lead them and instead turn toward the light, believing they were made for more.