Skip to main content
Category

2012 Convention

Florida FFA Association Elects 2012-13 State FFA Officers

ORLANDO, Fla. – Members of the Florida FFA Association recently elected eight individuals to lead their organization for the next year at the group’s 84th Florida FFA State Convention.

The 2012-13 Florida FFA State Officer team includes:

  • President – Clayton Willis, South Lake FFA
  • Secretary – Matthew Cantrell, Baker County FFA
  • Area I Vice President – Shelby Calloway, Malone FFA
  • Area II Vice President – Sarah Trimm, Bronson FFA
  • Area III Vice President – Justin Watson, Pine Ridge FFA
  • Area IV Vice President – Katie Hutchinson, West Orange FFA
  • Area V Vice President – David Walden, Durant FFA
  • Area VI Vice President – Ashley Hassan, Okeechobee Brahman FFA

The primary responsibility of a state officer is to serve the Florida FFA Association, Agricultural Education and Agriculture as an ambassador in local, state and national activities in a way that will inform, motivate and inspire FFA members, advisors and others to embrace and uphold the FFA mission.

FFA members elect their own officers and plan and conduct activities with supervision from their chapter advisors. Eight state officers, all recent high school graduates taking a year off of college, play a key role in sharing FFA and agriculture’s message, traveling more than 300 days of their year of service.  State Officers present workshops and deliver presentations focused on the importance of agriculture and leadership development.

About the Florida FFA State Convention

The annual state FFA convention is truly a week that absolutely everybody should experience.  FFA members come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.  Honoring past and present accomplishments, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni, parents and supporters, will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders for the future.

About the Florida FFA Association

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with 16,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state.  FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

###

John Robert Trimm, Jr. recognized as State Star Greenhand

Orlando, Fla. – The winner of the State Start Greenhand is John Robert Trimm, Jr. of the Bronson FFA Chapter. Trimm was recognized at the 84th Annual Florida FFA Sate Convention.

Trimm has worked diligently to be profitable in his Supervised Agricultural Experience project. Trimm has started his own business, growing and selling caladium bulbs and plants.

Trimm was proud of his ability to become financially independent getting the business started.

“I grow caladiums for wholesale, and most FFA members borrow money from their parents in order to get their business started,” he said, “but I borrowed a loan from the United States Department of Agriculture.”

Receiving the State Star Greenhand award has not stopped Trimm from making plans to continue and expand the business.

“I signed some contracts with 17 different grocery stores in my area, and next year I am going to get into a larger corporation in the Southern states with about 3,000 locations,” Trimm said.

Trimm said he would like to tell FFA members just beginning their SAE projects, “It doesn’t matter if your funds are limited or if your land use is limited. You can find a way to work it out, and you can make something of yourself even if everyone else doesn’t think you can.”

Trimm hopes to attend the University of Florida to pursue degrees in horticulture and business.

Students must apply for the State Star Greenhand award by submitting applications to the Florida FFA Association. Candidates are then visited by a panel of judges who select one star in each degree category: Discovery, Greenhand, Placement, Agribusiness, Agriscience and Farmer.

Other candidates for the State Star Greenhand were Landon Smith of the Bronson FFA Chapter, Austin Lenn Davis of the Bunnell FFA Chapter, and Harold Tillis of the Chiefland FFA Chapter. This award is sponsored by Walpole, Inc.

About the Florida FFA State Convention

The annual state FFA convention is truly a week that absolutely everybody should experience.  FFA members come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.  Honoring past and present accomplishments, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni, parents and supporters, will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders for the future.

About the Florida FFA Association

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with 16,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state.  FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

###

Catherine Bowman announced as State Star Farmer

Orlando, Fla. – The winner of the State Star Farmer is Catherine Bowman of the Santa Fe FFA Chapter. Bowman was recognized at the 84th Annual Florida FFA State Convention.

Bowman has a diverse and well-rounded Supervised Agricultural Experience project. From working with her goat production and equine science SAEs to her forage production and armyworm agriscience research project. Bowman recognizes that agriculture is hard work and time consuming, but extremely rewarding.

With her goat production operation, Bowman has increased her herd size from six to 170 and continues to show her goats across the country at shows in New York, South Carolina and Kentucky. She strives to make her goats more “meaty” for her buyers and those who also show her goats.

But Bowman enjoys her equine science SAE the most.

“I have been riding horses since I was 7,” she said. “I love showing hunter jumpers, and one day I want to do the big Grand Prix jumper shows. I just love everything about the equine lifestyle.”

In addition to showing her horses, Bowman also trains younger horses.

With her forage production SAE, Bowman works on an 80-acre hayfield farm cutting coastal Bermuda grass for square and round bales.

Bowman’s armyworm research project has saved 10 local farmers a combined $617,000 in fertilizer and crop loss costs. By predicting the reproduction cycle of the armyworms in costal hay, Bowman was able to help farmers cut potential crop loss costs by establishing an effective method to kill the worms before they could harm the crops. She plans on reaching more farmers through her local extension agent.

With the knowledge Bowman has gained, she hopes to one day share it with her children and “keep the farm in the family.”

Bowman plans on attending Santa Fe College in Gainesville, with the potential to transfer to the University of Florida to attend veterinary school.

Students must apply for the State Star Farmer award by submitting applications to the Florida FFA Association. Candidates are then visited by a panel of judges who select one star in each degree category: Discovery, Greenhand, Placement, Agribusiness, Agriscience and Farmer

Other candidates for the State Star Farmer were Morgan Edwards of the South Sumter FFA Chapter, Benjamin Glass of the Suwannee FFA Chapter, and Michael Holder of the Williston FFA Chapter. This award is sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Florida.

About the Florida FFA State Convention

The annual state FFA convention is truly a week that absolutely everybody should experience.  FFA members come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.  Honoring past and present accomplishments, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni, parents and supporters, will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders for the future.

About the Florida FFA Association

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with 16,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state.  FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

###

Melissa Ritter recognized as State Star in Agriscience

Orlando, Fla. – The winner of the State Star in Agribusiness is Melissa Ritter of the Brooksville Sr. FFA Chapter. Ritter was recognized at the 84th Annual Florida FFA Sate Convention.

FFA members in this program have dedicated many hours of research to advance agriculture.

Students must apply for the State Star in Agriscience award by submitting applications to the Florida FFA Association. Candidates are then visited by a panel of judges who select one star in each degree category: Discovery, Greenhand, Placement, Agribusiness, Agriscience and Farmer

The others candidate for the State Star in Agriscience were Allison Coelho, Marissa Mancillas, and Shayanne Mumma, all of the Brooksville Sr. FFA Chapter. This award is sponsored by the Mosaic Company.

About the Florida FFA State Convention

The annual state FFA convention is truly a week that absolutely everybody should experience.  FFA members come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.  Honoring past and present accomplishments, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni, parents and supporters, will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders for the future.

About the Florida FFA Association

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with 16,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state.  FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

###

Matthew Cantrell recognized as State Star in Agribusiness

Orlando, Fla. – The winner of the State Star in Agribusiness is Matthew Cantrell of the Baker County FFA Chapter. Cantrell was recognized at the 84th Annual Florida FFA Sate Convention.

FFA members in this program own a business before graduating high school.

Students must apply for the State Star in Agribusiness award by submitting applications to the Florida FFA Association. Candidates are then visited by a panel of judges who select one star in each degree category: Discovery, Greenhand, Placement, Agribusiness, Agriscience and Farmer.

The other candidate for the State Star in Agribusiness was  were Landon Smith of the Bronson FFA Chapter, Austin Lenn Davis of the Bunnell FFA Chapter, and Harold Tillis of the Chiefland FFA Chapter. This award is sponsored by Walpole, Inc.

About the Florida FFA State Convention

The annual state FFA convention is truly a week that absolutely everybody should experience.  FFA members come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.  Honoring past and present accomplishments, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni, parents and supporters, will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders for the future.

About the Florida FFA Association

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with 16,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state.  FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

###

Kinsey Ward Honored as State Star Discovery for Supervised Agricultural Experience Program

Orlando, Fla. – Kinsey Ward of the Chiefland Middle FFA Chapter was honored as the “best of the best” as State Star Discovery for the Supervised Agricultural Experience Program. Ward was honored at the 84th Annual State FFA Convention.

Ward is involved in many activities that qualify her for the Discovery Star Award, including bookkeeping and pecan farming. But Ward said showing pigs was her favorite because of the competition, socializing and traveling opportunities.

“It’s life for me,” she said. “I mean living on a farm, it’s stuff I have to do everyday.”

“Some advice I’d have for future FFA members would be to keep at it,” she said. “Don’t give up.”

Since she joined FFA in the sixth grade, Ward said she’s wanted to run for subdistrict, district and state office. She said if she gets elected to state office she would run for national office as well. She wore her Uncle James’ 1950s national state officer ring to convention.

She hopes to attend the University of Florida to become either a veterinarian or an agriculture teacher.

Students must apply for the State Star awards by submitting applications to the Florida FFA Association. Candidates are then visited by a panel of judges who select one star in each degree category: Discovery, Greenhand, Placement, Agribusiness, Agriscience and Farmer.

Other finalists for the State Star Discovery were Jonathan Gaylard of the Branford Middle FFA Chapter, Quin Johnson of the Chiefland Middle FFA Chapter and Anna Beth Conrad of the Tomlin FFA Chapter. The award is sponsored by William E. Hamm & Associates, Inc.

About the Florida FFA State Convention

The annual state FFA convention is truly a week that absolutely everybody should experience.  FFA members come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.  Honoring past and present accomplishments, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni, parents and supporters, will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders for the future.

About the Florida FFA Association

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with 16,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state.  FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

###

John Burnsed Honored as State Star in Agricultural Placement for Supervised Agricultural Experience Program

Orlando, Fla. – John Burnsed of the Baker County Sr. FFA Chapter was honored as the “best of the best” as State Star in Agricultural Placement for the Supervised Agricultural Experience Program. Burnsed was honored at the 84th Annual State FFA Convention.

Burnsed’s home sits on 40 acres in rural Baxter, Fla. A portion of the land wasn’t being used, so he and his father thought they should put it to use.

“Me and my dad thought maybe we could make this golf course, and we can give the youth something to do out there that would be productive,” he said.

He said the 9-hole golf course they built is unique because it’s the only course within 40 miles.

Burnsed is enrolled at Florida A&M University. Six years from now, he said he hopes to have a doctorate degree in pharmacy. Along with the pharmaceutical courses, he wants to take golf course management and environmental courses.

“I will return and keep working on this golf course to make it more and more environmentally friendly and keep it open,” he said. “It’s something that I really enjoy doing.”

He said that the ideas that surprise you could turn out to get you an award. Burnsed’s advisor was hesitant of the golf course idea at first.

“Nothing is out of bounds,” he said. “Nothing is out of your reach.”

Students must apply for the State Star awards by submitting applications to the Florida FFA Association. Candidates are then visited by a panel of judges who select one star in each degree category: Discovery, Greenhand, Placement, Agribusiness, Agriscience and Farmer.

Other finalists for the State Star in Agricultural Placement were Marisa Crowhurst of the Pine Ridge FFA Chapter, Laura-Kaitlyn Boatright of the Suwannee FFA Chapter and Drew Land of the Suwannee FFA Chapter. The award is sponsored by William E. Hamm & Associates, Inc., and Richard and Yolanda Joyner.

About the Florida FFA State Convention

The annual state FFA convention is truly a week that absolutely everybody should experience.  FFA members come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.  Honoring past and present accomplishments, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni, parents and supporters, will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders for the future. 

About the Florida FFA Association

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with 16,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state.  FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

###

Cassidy Hasting recognized as winner of middle school Prepared Public Speaking CDE

Orlando, Fla. – The winner of the middle school Prepared Public Speaking Career Development Event is Cassidy Hasting of the Turkey Creek Middle School FFA Chapter. Hasting was recognized at the 84th Annual Florida FFA State Convention.

Turkey Creek FFA member Cassidy Hasting has spent countless hours over the last couple of months preparing and memorizing her speech. By participating in this contest, Hasting has continued to develop agricultural leadership by being able to speak in front of an audience on current agricultural issues.

Participants may choose any current agricultural subject for their speeches, which may include agriscience and technology, agribusiness, agrimarketing, international agricultural relations and agricultural communications. Participants then have six to eight minutes to present their speeches, followed by five minutes of questioning.

Other finalists in the Prepared Public Speaking CDE were Jarrett Douglas of the Bell FFA Chapter, Kinsey Register of the Altha FFA Chapter, Bailey Knowles of the Galaxy FFA Chapter, and Madison Mahoney of the Osceola FFA Chapter. The top five finalists received their awards, sponsored by Ed and Susie Osborne. The top team also received a Prepared Speaking CDE Travel Award, sponsored by the Florida Association of Agricultural Educators.

About the Florida FFA State Convention

The annual state FFA convention is truly a week that absolutely everybody should experience.  FFA members come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.  Honoring past and present accomplishments, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni, parents and supporters, will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders for the future.

About the Florida FFA Association

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with 16,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state.  FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

###

Tomlin FFA Chapter announced as winner of the middle school Parliamentary Procedure CDE

Orlando, Fla. – The winner of the middle school Parliamentary Procedure Career Development Event is the Tomlin FFA Chapter. Team members were recognized at the 84th Annual Florida FFA State Convention.

The Tomlin FFA Chapter is comprised of team members Clay Joyner, Meredith DelCastillo, Anna Conrad, Ethan Parrillo, Parker Killebrew, Colten Smith and advisors Jason Steward and Emily Petrilli. Participating teams must conduct a proper business meeting using parliamentary law demonstrating realistic debate on motions, and record complete and accurate minutes.

Other chapter finalists in the middle school Parliamentary Procedure CDE include the Lafayette FFA Chapter, the Dunnellon FFA Chapter and the Lake Butler FFA Chapter. The top finalists received their awards, sponsored by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. The top team also received a Parliamentary Procedure CDE Travel Award, sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

About the Florida FFA State Convention

The annual state FFA convention is truly a week that absolutely everybody should experience.  FFA members come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.  Honoring past and present accomplishments, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni, parents and supporters, will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders for the future.

About the Florida FFA Association

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with 16,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state.  FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

###

Mariah Alvarez announced as winner of the middle school Extemporaneous Public Speaking CDE

Orlando, Fla. The winner of the middle school Extemporaneous Public Speaking Career Development Event is Mariah Alvarez of the Hills Gustat FFA Chapter. Alvarez was recognized at the 84th Annual Florida FFA State Convention.

Hills Gustat FFA member Mariah Alvarez knows what it is like to prepare a speech in a very limited amount of time. The Extemporaneous Public Speaking CDE is designed to help students gain the ability to present remarks about a given subject without having prepared or rehearsed the material in advance. Gustat also knows that keeping up with current agricultural topics is a necessity. Contestants draw three topics from a pool of twelve, 30 minutes prior to the event, and then must present to a panel of judges.

Other finalists in the middle school Extemporaneous Public Speaking CDE were Ali Baker of the Tomlin FFA Chapter, Tara Henderson of the Suwannee FFA Chapter, Zachary Ernst of the Gray FFA Chapter, and Lizza Mae Roson of the Kennedy FFA Chapter. The top five finalists received their awards, sponsored by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. The top team also received an Extemporaneous Speaking CDE Travel Award, sponsored by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation.

About the Florida FFA State Convention

The annual state FFA convention is truly a week that absolutely everybody should experience.  FFA members come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.  Honoring past and present accomplishments, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni, parents and supporters, will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders for the future.

About the Florida FFA Association

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with 16,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state.  FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

###

Close Menu

All rights reserved. Florida FFA Association.