Ben Arteman, 2008-09 Illinois FFA State Reporter.
If you’ve ever been to an Illinois FFA State Convention, chances are you’ve seen Ben Arteman — though maybe not in the spotlight. These days, Ben makes sure everyone else gets there. For Arteman, serving others isn’t just a motto; it’s a habit that started with his first experience in FFA and has grown into his lifelong mission.
Today, Arteman serves as both the backstage manager for every Illinois FFA State Convention and as a member of the Illinois FFA Alumni Council. In both roles, he’s constantly working to support the state officer team and strengthen alumni programs across Illinois.
Arteman began his FFA journey at the Blue Ridge FFA Chapter in Section 16. Growing up a farm kid, he knew that his exploratory class would without a doubt be agriculture. It was just as quickly as he knew to take the class that he found a passion for FFA. “I got really involved right away,” he said. “I did pretty much every CDE every year. It didn’t really matter what it was — I just did it”.
Staying involved throughout high school, Arteman got to serve on Illinois’ FFA State Officer Selection Committee, and he went on to become Section 16 president. After that, he decided to throw his hat in the ring and run for Illinois FFA state office. Later that year, he would be elected Illinois FFA state reporter for 2008-09.
Arteman’s state officer team was known for one important thing: having fun. He said, “We got along really well, so we had a lot of fun all the time, everything we did was fun, [and] we did a lot together.” That sense of closeness made it easy for Arteman and his teammates to make sure everyone around them shared such a fun experience.
Even after his time as a state officer ended, Arteman continued to help wherever he could. He quickly realized that serving as an alumnus was an excellent way to keep giving back to Illinois FFA. “You need a group of people to rely on — to have your back. That’s what the alumni do,” he said. Through the Illinois FFA Alumni Council, teachers and members can find support that reaches far beyond their local chapters.
Alumni programs are pivotal for providing support to chapters across the state, and Arteman knows well the value that they bring. “Obviously, alumni members wanna be supportive,” he said. “If we can empower students to do what they want to do, instead of telling them what they should do, that is the best thing possible”.
Whether he’s providing alumni support at the state level or working behind the scenes to keep events running smoothly, Arteman’s service didn’t end when he took off the blue jacket for the last time. Through every role he fills, he proves that “Living to Serve” isn’t just a motto — it’s a way of life.
