Q: Part of what makes FFA special is its people. Tell us about someone who’s impacted your journey in the blue jacket.
“My agriculture teacher, Caleb Wood, absolutely changed the course and trajectory of my life. He pushed me out of my comfort zone to show up at the [Oklahoma FFA] Alumni Leadership Camp. We got super close with everyone, and those three days were transformative. This is the reason I’m serving FFA today, and the power of the blue jacket — the people who surround you in it.”
— Trey Myers, National FFA President
“Maze Gusa was state vice president when I served as state secretary, and she supported me through it all. No matter the ups and downs — from serving as a state officer together to going through this entire national officer process — she’s been a phone call away, an encouraging voice and a listening ear. Find your people like that in FFA because they will get you so far. I’m eternally grateful for her.”
— Lilly Nyland, National FFA Secretary
“My agriculture teacher, Dr. Matt Wood, is a charismatic guy who brought me [into FFA] and treated me with a smile and kindness. I planned to go to college and play soccer, but ended up getting really sick and decided that I couldn’t play anymore. I had given up on myself, my dream and everything around me, but Dr. Wood and my chapter officer team didn’t give up on me. I want every person I interact with this year to know they are valued, too.”
— Joey Nowotny, Eastern Region Vice President
“During my state’s FFA convention, Tom Rutledge took the time to write an email and tell me that he wanted me to run for national office. I wouldn’t have ran without him and the encouragement he provided when I was in serious doubt. I was humbled, and felt like there was a reason and a purpose that I was called to. I couldn’t have told you what that was at the time, but here I am, in a role I never imagined myself in.”
— Jael Cruikshank, Western Region Vice President
“Two weeks into my freshman agriculture science class, my advisor, Emily Haley, handed me an FFA officer application filled with terms like “CDEs” and “SAEs” that meant nothing to me. I gave it back, saying I’d focus on basketball. After a tough practice, she found me, handed it back and said, “Fill this out — it’ll change your life.” She was right. For five years, she’s guided every step of my FFA journey.”
— T. Wayne Williams, Southern Region Vice President
“My dad was active in Nebraska FFA, and even applied to be a state officer. Although that wasn’t his path, he encouraged me to get involved and supported me through every activity, competition and trip. When I became a state officer, he continued to push me and offer honest advice. His guidance and perspective have kept me grounded and motivated, and he’s someone I truly look up to every day.”
— Claire Woeppel, Central Region Vice President
