FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Meet the 2012 State Officer Candidates

Candidates listed alphabetically by district, chapter and last name:

Black Canyon District

Donald Coon, Paradise Valley FFA Chapter

Tanner Kemp, Paradise Valley FFA Chapter

Estrella District

McKinley Reed, AAEC-Paradise Valley FFA Chapter

Tori Summey, AAEC-Paradise Valley FFA Chapter

Kayla Kerr, Buckeye FFA Chapter

Joshua Fisher, Millennium FFA Chapter

Kayla Kelley, Millennium FFA Chapter

Summer Miller, Millennium FFA Chapter

San Tan District

Brooke Lloyd, Basha FFA Chapter

Brooke Griggeory, Campo Verde FFA Chapter

Charlene Andazola, Chandler FFA Chapter

Bianca Moncada, Chandler FFA Chapter

Thomas Butters, Gilbert FFA Chapter

Superstition District

Alex Canez, Red Mountain FFA Chapter

Yuma District

Kelsie Grimsley, Yuma FFA Chapter

 

Candidates listed alphabetically by district, chapter and last name:

_________________________________

Donald Coon, Paradise Valley FFA Chapter

I desire to serve as an Arizona State FFA Officer because I want to give back to the organization that made me the person I am. All the State Officers I have met were amazing. Each State Officer was always pushing me to be all that I could be, offering support, and impacting my FFA career and my life. I want to do the same next year as a State Officer for all of FFA's members. There is no better way to say thank you for everything than to give a year to serve the organization I love. I am not doing this like I am paying off a debt; I am doing this to show how dedicated to FFA I am. Serving as a State Officer would be one of the greatest honors I can imagine.

_________________________________

Tanner Kemp, Paradise Valley FFA Chapter

To dream is to desire, and I dream that one day I will serve as an Arizona State officer. I first realized that I wanted to be a state officer during my sophomore year. I saw how average people like myself can change a life. I had just gotten out of the hospital and was diagnosed with spondylosis (fractures in the spine). Everything I was passionate about was over as result of that injury. I lived for the game of football! Football was going to take me to college and help me get my education. The doctors told me to take a year off and heal. In doing so, God opened the door for me to go to FFA State Camp. I was having a hard time because I was limited, and one night I broke down. That night, Wyatt Carpenter took me aside and shared that he had a similar experience and he knew the pain I was going through. My life was changed because of Wyatt. When we were talking he told me, “ The past is the past, and a new door will open for me.” After our talk, I realized a new door was opened. FFA. It was then I recognized that a state officer is always willing to lend a hand. If I have the opportunity to represent Arizona as a state officer I will be able to inspire and influence students like I was. I would be honored to pay it forward.

_________________________________

McKinley Reed, AAEC-Paradise Valley FFA Chapter

I’ll admit when I first started high school I had no idea what FFA was, but by the end of freshman year I was hooked. As I became more involved, I realized how great FFA was and I decided I had to give back to this great organization. My passion truly became FFA and all that it represents.  Because of FFA, my life has taken a whole new direction and I couldn’t be more excited. I have grown individually, developed as a leader, and gained knowledge about the agriculture industry. I have met new people and gained new skills. Being a state officer means that I can take all of the lessons I learned combined with my passion for agriculture and use that mix to share all the opportunities FFA has to offer with other members. 

As a state officer, I will serve the members and strive to encourage everyone to reach their full potential. I will be enthusiastic about my service and encourage all members to become involved so that they can see all of the opportunities that are available to them.  I will advocate for agriculture, the FFA, and education. I know that I will be a positive role model for members, students, and the community. I want to give back to the FFA members, FFA organization, and agriculture industry in any way that I am asked.  I can achieve this goal by serving as state officer.

_________________________________

Tori Summey, AAEC-Paradise Valley FFA Chapter

Growing up, my curiosity for agriculture was never satisfied. I knew as much about agriculture as anyone else living in a suburban household.  It wasn’t until my sister’s freshman year in high school and seeing her come home happy and excited about what she had learned in FFA that I wanted to find out more about agriculture.  I even decided to join FFA because of her enthusiasm.  Since then, and through my own involvement in FFA, I have developed a deep passion not only for agriculture, but all those involved in agriculture.

My concern for others and genuine love for people are part of what ignites my desire to run for state office. I find the prospect of connecting with agriculture lovers across the state energizing.  I want to be a state officer because I would cherish the opportunity to be a servant leader for the organization that means so much to me and so many others. I love the lifelong principles instilled by the FFA organization and am excited at the opportunity of teaching important character building traits such as integrity, hard work, leadership, and dedication. I would find no greater pleasure than helping members find their place in the FFA and developing those lifelong skills. If given the opportunity to be State Officer, I would not only do everything in my power to help members grow, but would also advocate for agriculture and follow the passion that has grown exponentially all through high school.

_________________________________

Kayla Kerr, Buckeye FFA Chapter

Being a State FFA Officer has been a dream of mine since I was in junior high. After hearing the stories from my relatives and seeing the influence that the officers have, I knew that serving as a state officer was something that I had to be a part of. My position as a chapter officer gave me the opportunity to improve both my speaking skills as I had to run both chapter and community events and my sense of responsibility as I planned chapter activities. Taking part in many CDE teams gave me skills, such as meat judging and parliamentary procedure, that I would not have developed otherwise and increased my contacts around the state. Being a part of a large family and numerous programs outside of school has pushed me to think of others' needs and wants before my own to perform the task at hand. All of these and more have helped me prepare for serving as a State FFA Officer. The experiences I had and tasks that I performed as a Buckeye FFA chapter member will be more meaningful as a part of the state organization, leaving me more to give back to the FFA. I aspire to serve as a Arizona State FFA Officer because I care about the future of the FFA and its members as well as further developing my interpersonal skills.

_________________________________

Joshua Fisher, Millennium FFA Chapter

When I first started in my 4H club ten years ago I knew very little about agriculture except for the dairy business that I had been educated by example in Kingman, AZ or that the food we eat has to be farmed.  I did not know what all “AG” entailed or even if it was the right word for what I was trying to learn.  I took a quick interest in swine and wanted to learn more about them as time went on.

I may not have known much about swine but one thing I thought for sure was I needed to be in one of those cool blue jackets to know it all.  As my interest grew so did my knowledge when I joined FFA there was never a prouder day of my life I had a Dream, I had a Goal I achieved them and learned so much more just by working for it.

My FFA Jacket was a symbol of my new life and passion.  I want the chance to open the opportunity, to encourage others, and to assist in any way I can to teach others and inspire them to take a new look at my passion.  Not only did the FFA better me but it helped me better the things around me.  My reason for wanting to be a state officer is so that I can help fulfill others’ dream just like others helped me achieve mine.

_________________________________

Kayla Kelley, Millennium FFA Chapter

I feel that as a State Officer, not only could I improve my own leadership qualities, I can use the leadership skills I already possess to help further the Arizona FFA Association and be a leader to the students in our organization.  I loved organizing and putting on events at the Chapter level, and would love nothing more than to help put on the events that, when I was in high school, were my favorite FFA events.  I feel that I can bring fresh ideas and energy to everything I am involved in, and I would love to put that energy in the association that I have learned so much from.  I have an inborn obligation to be a State Officers simply because I have gained so much from the Arizona FFA Association, and I would like to use all of those things to better the organization for future FFA members.  I feel that being a State Officer is a great way to add all kinds of experience to my resume, as well as strengthen my public speaking and teamwork skills.  This will help me with my own career goals.

I have always looked up to the Arizona FFA State Officers, and have tried to model myself after them.  I have also learned a lot from them at events such as the State Leadership Conference and State Camp.  I would love the chance to be a role model to FFA members

_________________________________

Summer Miller, Millennium FFA Chapter

Ever since the day my older brother walked in to the house wearing a blue corduroy jacket, bearing the emblem I now know as the official FFA emblem, I had wanted one of my own.  At a young age I knew little about the FFA organization and what it had to offer, but as my older brother and sister got more involved, I did as well.  I attended chapter meetings, fundraisers, and State Leadership Conferences with them, waiting for the day that I would be able to acquire my very own blue jacket and be able to call myself an official FFA member.

I remember going to SLC every year since the age of ten, sitting at the sessions waiting to hear the retiring addresses from each state officer as well as the installation of the new officers.  Each officers retiring address grabbed my attention in a way that nothing had before.  Hearing their stories of the FFA and how they had helped others made me want to do the same.  I was inspired by their acts of kindness and how they brightened up everyone’s mood when they walked into a room.

When I obtained my very own FFA jacket, I could not wait to tell others about the organization I love dearly.  I want to inspire others and push them to follow their dreams, just as the words of past State Officers have encouraged me to follow my own, in the hopes of becoming a future State FFA Officer.

_________________________________

Brook Lloyd, Basha FFA Chapter

I deserve to be a State Officer because of my experiences throughout high school.  While being a member of the Basha FFA Chapter, I have been an extremely active member and have been an officer since my freshman year.  I have gained a great deal of leadership skills from being an officer and I can step up in any situation that I am needed.  Participating in multiple different CDEs has given me a broad view of everything that the FFA has to offer its members.  Public speaking competitions, such as, Parliamentary Procedures and Creed Speaking have prepared me for talking in front of crowds while being confident in what I have to say.  I have such a passion for the FFA and agriculture and I want to be able to give back to Arizona Association FFA.  I believe that my dedication for the FFA speaks for itself and I am ready to give a year of service to the organization.  My main focus in high school has been FFA and I have worked my hardest to make my home chapter the best it can possibly be.  I want to have the opportunity to show FFA members the same kindness and respect that Past State Officers have shown me.  As I retire as Chapter President this year, I cannot imagine my involvement with the FFA ending after graduation.  State Office would be a tremendous honor for me and a role I would take on with complete devotion.

_________________________________

Brooke Griggeory, Campo Verde FFA Chapter

When asked why I want to be a State Officer, it is to be expected that I get a big smile on my face and simply say, "I want to make an impact on members, just like past State Officers and the FFA have had on me." This is true since the first time I stepped into my freshman agriculture class. I was a shy girl and all I knew about the class was that it was about animals. With the help of my advisors, fellow members, and past state officers, it was not long until I grew a deep love for the FFA and what it stands for. All I needed was a little nudge from them in the right direction. Throughout my four years in the FFA, I have attended every camp, workshop, and conference possible to grow on a personal level and grow in agriculture knowledge. These events have helped develop me into the public speaker, group leader, volunteer, hard worker, and a more confident person I am today. The State Officers helped me believe that I can do my best at anything I want to do. Taking this opportunity to help be that inspiration in agriculture students and become an advocate for agriculture is one that I won't let pass by. I desire to serve as a State FFA Officer for FFA is something I am very passionate about. I want to be able to share this passion with people everywhere.

_________________________________

Charlene Andazola, Chandler FFA Chapter

I remember seeing the state officers at my first year of SLC in Centennial Hall where they gave speeches, encouraged members, fell from ceilings, and showed boundless amounts of confidence as they took the stage. They could walk up to anyone and strike up a conversation; they were everyone’s friends, yet they were strong leaders too. I could clearly see how they influenced the lives of others. After seeing them I knew, I wanted to be an Arizona FFA State Officer.

 State officers are immense leaders to not only Arizona FFA members, but to everyone around them. Like them, I strive to express my leadership through my chapter offices, church, school, work, and sports. One characteristic state officers are known for are their motivating and inspirational personalities – traits I know I exemplify. As a past chapter officer and chairman I’ve taken much pride in helping others succeed and do their very best and I wish to continue this through state office. My desire for being an officer is interlaced with my devotion to help others and my involvement in FFA. I represent the qualities needed to be a state officer and I understand the responsibility that comes along with state office.  My passion for the FFA and agriculture is limitless, and I’m ready to put it towards the Arizona FFA.

For all these reasons and more, I would be a great addition to the Arizona FFA State Officer team.

_________________________________

Bianca Moncada, Chandler FFA Chapter

At SLC freshmen year I got to see the state officers say their farewells. At that moment I was thinking how cool it would be to be an officer, to make an impact like they had. The next time I encountered state office was as Chapter President when I was placed on the nominating committee. They inspired me to do more and go for state office. This year’s state officer team have helped me grow as a leader, and motivated me to achieve my goals. Now I want to return the favor.

Arizona FFA State Officers are caring, motivated and honorable. I desire to be a State FFA Officer because I want to influence younger members as past state officers influenced me. From personal experiences, serving on an officer team is definitely challenging, but it’s all worth the hard work in the end.  I know I can bring my work ethic and determination to the team. The officers have a non-stop drive for their members; I want to be that person that inspires others to achieve their goals. I want to motivate our members to achieve their goals and to be active in this organization that offers many benefits in personal growth and leadership. This is why I, Bianca Moncada desire to become an Arizona State FFA officer.

_________________________________

Thomas Butters, Gilbert FFA Chapter

I thoroughly love being a member of the FFA.  I do not want it to end my Senior Year of High School.  I have a lot more to give.   I want to make a difference for someone else.  I want them to be able to experience and learn everything I have over the course of these past four years. After joining the FFA in my freshman year of high school, I was the quiet shy kid that only did what I needed to do to show my livestock at fair.  It was the example and perseverance of leaders and state officers that brought me out of my shy shell and helped me become the active member I am today.  Over the course of these years I have challenged myself in areas I would have never dreamed of entering.  It is because of these caring, insightful individuals I desire to become a FFA State Officer and hope I can do the same for someone else.  During the past few years I have become friends with several state officers. I have trained, attended events and followed in their insightful footsteps on preparing myself for this awesome adventure. 

_________________________________

Alex Canez, Red Mountain FFA Chapter

I decided to run for state office last year but I had been thinking about how I wanted to be a state officer from the first year I met the state officers.  They made an impact on me, motivated me to be a better person, and gave me the desire to be like them.  I want to run for state office for three main reasons:  1) I feel like I have the leadership skills to better help the state association, 2) I want to serve chapter members throughout the state by giving them opportunities for growth through quality programs and visits, and 3) I want to be an advocate for Agricultural Education and Agriculture in Arizona.

I have served as a committee chair and chapter president in my own FFA chapter and I have developed leadership skills that I think will benefit Arizona FFA.  I know how to delegate work and how to follow up.  I like to serve others and I can lead or be lead by others.  I feel that these qualities will help me to work with the association in some capacity to help it move forward with its goals.

I feel that I can make an impact on students at the chapter level to help encourage them to be more active and to help them succeed.  I also feel that it is important that state officers reach out particularly to chapter officers and work with them on a personal level to help them accomplish their chapter goals and to encourage them as needed.  There seems to be a gap between state officers and local chapters and I want to bridge that gap.

Finally, I want to be a state officer so that I can advocate for Agricultural Education in Arizona.  I know that Ag Ed and FFA changes lives for the better and I think that I would like to be a voice for promoting Ag Ed and FFA to school administrators, counselors, and legislators.  At WLC I learned a valuable lesson about acting when there is a need.  I think that there is a need for advocacy in Ag Ed and FFA throughout the state and I want to work with the foundation, alumni members, schools, and whoever I need to in order to help push it forward.

I was motivated to be a better student and person because of state officers and the local FFA chapter that I was involved in.  I want to be a state officer to hopefully inspire other Arizona students as well.

_________________________________

Kelsie Grimsley, Yuma FFA Chapter

I believe all people are presented with an opportunity to make a difference in the world, and I believe serving, as a State FFA Officer is mine. From the time I was in junior high, I would listen to my mom talk about all the amazing experiences, opportunities, and lessons she learned through being in FFA and I knew that FFA was something I wanted to be a part of.  My decision did not change after my family decided to homeschool me through high school. The summer before my freshmen year, I went down to the high school and registered for the Agriculture Science class.  After attending my first chapter meeting, I realized that by choosing to be in FFA I was choosing to be a part of something much bigger than myself and was very excited for the year to come.

I desire to become a State FFA Officer because I feel I can make a positive difference in the state association and in the lives of FFA members. I feel that being a State FFA Officer in the truest sense of the position is having an eagerness to show leadership through service. If elected to serve as a State FFA Officer, I will work hard to continually strive to better the organization and myself.   By continually working for improvement, I can better serve Arizona FFA members and make FFA a great experience for everyone involved.