Meet the 2009-10 Arizona FFA State Officer Team
From left to right: Cheyenne Robinson, State FFA Vice President; Connor Eyherabide, State FFA Vice President; Kalea Taylor, State FFA Reporter; Ben Menges, State FFA Vice President; Brandon Walker, State FFA Vice President; Justin Williams, State FFA Vice President; Jared Biciolis, State FFA President; Mariah Hall, State FFA Vice President; Tricia Schooler, State FFA Secretary; Heather Chumbley, State FFA Vice President; Josh Moore, State FFA Vice President;
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Jared Biciolis, State FFA President
Home Chapter: Peoria FFA
One of the greatest abilities a person can perform is an act of kindness. Even the smallest act of kindness is appreciated by all. A simple “Good Morning” can make the difference and brighten someone’s day. One of the most important acts of kindness is Service. Service is what I believe makes the world go around. Therefore, I am driven to continue to serve wherever I can. When I was introduced to FFA State Office I knew that it was a tremendous opportunity to serve.
The opportunity to serve as an Arizona FFA State Officer would be the genuine chance to give back to the organization that I owe almost all my success throughout high school to. The FFA Organization has driven me to an amount of success and personal growth, that the chance to provide service for the FFA does not even require a second thought.
To serve as an Arizona State Officer would be the opportunity of a lifetime. To give a year of service to the Arizona FFA would be an outstanding chance to spread the passion for FFA and it would also be a great chance to provide service to the organization, which I am so passionate about.
My passion for the FFA Organization is so strong that I can not resist spreading it to members across the entire state. The opportunity to spread that strong passion lies in Arizona FFA State Office.
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Heather Chumbley, State FFA Vice President, San Tan District
Home Chapter: Desert Ridge FFA
I remember my first year in Agriculture when the state officers came to Desert Ridge High School. These state officers told me all about FFA and what it meant to be in FFA. The state officers were so inspiring and passionate about FFA and that is when I told myself that is what I want to be…An Arizona FFA State Officer. I want to be a State Officer because I believe that I can make a positive influence in the lives of FFA members. I desire to be a State Officer because I want to be a role model for members of the FFA and community. I desire to be a State Officer because I am very passionate about the FFA and I am a leader inside and out. I want to share what FFA has done for me and recruit other members to see what FFA can do for them. Every year the new state officer team gets me more excited about FFA and the excitement about one day sharing my passion and love for the FFA. I desire to be a State Officer to influence that one member that thinks they are a nobody, and sharing with them that in FFA you are a part of something that makes you feel welcomed and loved. I desire to inspire that one FFA member to be the next State CDE winner or the next State FFA President. I desire to be that State Officer that is an Inspirational Leader.
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Connor Eyherabide, State FFA Vice President, Estrella District
Home Chapter: Millennium FFA
I desire to be a State FFA Officer, because I can benefit the Arizona State Association. I have been active in agriculture and in leadership roles throughout my entire life, and the experience that I have gained through these experiences can be put towards State FFA Officer so that they may benefit others. Another reason that I desire to be a State FFA Officer is that I believe in this organization. FFA has helped me to become who I am and I want to help the next generation become leaders just like I have become. The past State Officers have been excellent role models for me in the past years, and now it is my turn to help lead the Arizona Association and be a model for the new FFA students this next year. My third reason for desiring to be a State Officer is that it will benefit me when I become an Agriculture teacher to tell my students of the experiences that I gained throughout my year of service, and the more experience that I gain in FFA the more enthusiastic I will be when encouraging others to run. My final reason for wanting to become a State Officer is that I have been around past State Officer from many years ago and I have seen how successful they have been throughout their lives. I also wish to be that successful and it shows me how FFA directly relates to their success in their businesses and lives.
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Mariah Hall, State FFA Vice President, At-Large
Home Chapter: Kofa FFA
A State FFA Officer carries more than just a title; each officer holds a great deal of accountability and responsibility. For many years I have looked forward to the opportunity to serve as an Arizona State FFA Officer and assist in the directing and planning of state activities. Last year I was given the opportunity to serve my chapter as secretary and this year I was able to take on a larger leadership role as president. In retrospect, I believe a great deal of my work was not done for personal gain, but for the members and community; from our charity golf tournament, to helping with SAE’s, and even giving moral support to those with personal struggles. A position of leadership, if used correctly can have a positive and lasting impact on many people, which is why I desire to serve as a State FFA Officer. I know there will be numerous opportunities to support, encourage, and enlighten members and supporters I will have the privilege of meeting. I have spent countless hours working on FFA paperwork, personal visits, writing thank you notes, running errands for our chapter activities, creating agendas, making phone calls, and juggling daylight hours to work on my SAE projects. I can think of no better way to share what I enjoy the most by “living to serve”, which is why I desire to serve as a State FFA Officer in the Arizona Association.
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Ben Menges , State FFA Vice President, Gila Southern District
Home Chapter: Safford FFA
I would like to be a State Officer because I have enjoyed helping and leading others thus far, and I believe that I can make a large impact as a State Officer. I have enjoyed FFA all through high school, and I would like to continue to serve this organization for one more year. There is no greater joy to me than helping others, and I believe that I can do so most efficiently by serving as a State Officer. I enjoy the chance to meet new people, and would like to continue to take advantage of opportunities to introduce myself to FFA members that I may not know.
FFA is not just what I do, it is what I am. I have lived on a ranch my entire life, and agriculture has become my primary interest. There is nothing more important than feeding the nation, and I believe that I can reach out to fellow agriculturists within the state, as well as those who know nothing about the agriculture. I would be deeply honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve this great organization for another year.
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Joshua Moore, State FFA Vice President, Yuma District
Home Chapter: Parker FFA
Agricultural traditions run deep in my blood. From my days as a four year old learning to irrigate to my freshman year when I first successfully recited the FFA Creed, a passionate thirst for knowledge and understanding of agriculture has held my character captive. The first time I had ever met an FFA State Officer, I was in awe. This elite class of FFA Members was someone I wanted to become. They were courteous, respectable, educated, and altogether heroes. As I came into more and more contact with these wonderful beings called officers, I began to see a different side of them. I learned that not only are they glorious, but they also loved the program and its members. They were servant leaders, solely for the benefit of all FFA enthusiasts. Throughout my years as a Chapter Officer, I have learned to find joy in every aspects of public office. I have found that the pride and joy of my life, is in the success and happiness of all my FFA members and friends. For the next year, I hope I get the chance to serve this powerful program that has given me so much. My heart, mind, and soul are embedded with the love of Agriculture and FFA. “Living to Serve” is why I desire to become a State Officer.
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Cheyenne Robinson , State FFA Vice President, Black Canyon District
Home Chapter: Mingus Union FFA
Service is the best gift because it gives back in both directions; those who receive service feel the joy of being cared for while those who are giving the service develop a love for whom they serving. It’s through service that we gain support and courage to be extraordinary individuals. The FFA has assisted me to step up and stand out as a courageous youth, and truly develop a love of life. It is my desire to serve Arizona FFA as a State Officer to serve as a leader, and forwarding the members self-worth. Too often we over look the impact one small action might have in our environment. In the world today we can not take a grandiose approach to inspire those around us, but little changes in our daily life will make a difference. I have seen the change a smiling face, a caring word, and the gift of unconditional service to others has made an impact. The thankfulness I have witnessed while serving is beyond measure, whether I am helping a fellow officer with a project, refilling a drink for a community member at the Zeke Taylor BBQ, or giving my thoughts, as a student, on who would fill the school superintendent opening the best. It is not necessary the blue jacket I wear that illustrates my altruism, but rather the gold standard I live through it.
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Tricia Schooler, State FFA Secretary
Home Chapter: Millennium FFA
FFA has changed my life. From the moment I entered this organization I have been surrounded by endless opportunities, everlasting memories, and a love for agriculture that I never knew I had. The people in this organization with all their encouragement, passion, and dreams have pushed me to do things I never thought possible. I desire to be a State FFA Officer because I want to be an ambassador for the FFA and serve the members however I can. I want to pass on the knowledge I have gained and the opportunities that I have had on to others. I would like to work with a team of people who have similar interests, passions, and goals as me because together I know we can accomplish anything. I want to help make important decisions that preserve the integrity of the FFA Organization. I desire the challenge of something new and exciting that will help me grow as a person. The FFA is a lifestyle and I desire to continue that lifestyle throughout my life. I do not know where I would be without the FFA organization, but I do know that my blood will always run blue and gold. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”. It is my desire and dream to be a State FFA Officer because State Officers represent the future of the FFA.
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Kalea Taylor, State FFA Reporter
Home Chapter: Highland FFA
I desire to serve as an Arizona FFA State Officer because I believe that I am a true representation of the Arizona FFA. FFA has shown me a new outlook on life; I have enjoyed every aspect of the FFA, practicing for CDE’s, discovering SAE’s, chapter meetings, friends, trips, and most of all finding my true passion, agriculture. I have the desire to be a leader in the FFA, to show other members how FFA has effected me personally, teach the future members the same lessons the past state officers taught me by organizing events, such as CDE’s, conferences, and leadership workshops. I would like to be an integral part of what makes the FFA function. I have the aspiration to succeed in everything I do, make it the best of what it can be, and I believe my passion and desire can be a true attribute to this years state officers. The past FFA officers have made a positive impact on my life, I would be honored to have the same opportunity to affect people’s lives the way they have. I would like to connect with the members and fellow officers, making relationships that will last a lifetime, working with Arizona Association officers and National officers. I would like to learn more about the agriculture industries across the state and experience the variety and diversity we have in Arizona. I will always put the FFA and its members in high regards to my life; it will be my highest priority to be the positive image of the FFA everywhere I travel. No matter what my future holds, FFA will always be true and dear to my heart.
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Brandon Walker, State FFA Vice President, Superstition District
Home Chapter: Red Mountain FFA
I believe I can bring multiple things to the Arizona State FFA Organization. I am able to voice my opinion in any situation that arises, I will be able to be an advocate of the FFA and convince people to the best of my ability why FFA is such a great origination. I have seen chapters fall apart due to lack of support of the school and will help in any situation so that any school can have the privilege to have an FFA chapter. I have the ability to get a meeting done and still have a fun time, anyone who has met me knows I love having fun. I have a passion for FFA and Ag. Education, which I will continue on in my life after high school as I work on being an Ag. Teacher. I am a fun loving guy but also have the ability to lead at any position, and I can bring that to the State origination. I will also be a friend to any FFA member, a person they can call and ask any question they need to or even to play a game of football. I will try to inspire members to come out of their comfort zone and make sure they have a fun time with the group. The above reasons are why I desire to serve as an Arizona FFA State Officer.
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Justin Williams, State FFA Vice President, At-Large
Home Chapter: Basha FFA
I want to be one of your next FFA Arizona State Officers. FFA has been such a positive influence in my life and I have witnessed first hand the difference it can make in a young persons life. I want the opportunity to share with other members the great experiences and opportunities that I have had, and help them experience the personal growth that FFA can provide.
Through FFA I have learned many important lessons. From developing skill and confidence in public speaking, to being a contributing member on a successful team, or raising and evaluating plants or livestock, members learn the values of hard work, perseverance, and believing in one’s self. I will pass along the experiences I have had, to other members because I love meeting new people, I believe in this organization, and its ability to shape tomorrow’s leaders.
I have learned the importance of paying back for the good things that others have done for me. I’ve had a chance to pay back by doing conservation work, community service, and helping others in areas where I have expertise. Whether it’s working on a project, sharing my experiences, conducting effective workshops, or spreading the word about opportunities for personal growth and development in FFA, I will work to help FFA and my fellow members be successful. Give me the chance to be a strong leader for Arizona FFA and I will pay back to this organization and its members for everything it has done for me.
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Thank you to the sponsors that help support the Arizona FFA State Officer Program
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The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation
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The Otto and Edna Neely Foundation
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Arizona Cotton Growers Association
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Carhartt, Inc.
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