Meet the 2011-12 Arizona FFA State Officer Team

Front row: Keili Summey, State FFA Secretary; Sarahbeth Bourland, State FFA Treasurer; Zachary Tucker, State FFA Sentinel; Angie Lowery, State FFA Reporter; Taylor Kirby, State FFA Vice President At-Large;

Back row: Jed Ward, State FFA Vice President; Caleb Gillispie, State FFA President

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Caleb Gillispie, State FFA President

Home Chapter: Peoria FFA

Growing up as the son of an FFA Advisor I was always exposed to agriculture and the great organization that is the FFA. I was always intrigued to watch my father’s classes and go to the activities his chapter officers would put on. As a child I always remember seeing the chapter officers perform opening ceremonies and had wondered how I could one day be in their position.

Entering high school I knew that I wanted to get involved in FFA and so I ran and was elected Greenhand President. This first year sparked my interest and got me very interested in further involvement in the FFA. Eventually I was given the opportunity to run for chapter office and I spent two years on the Peoria officer team. My first year was spent as the chapter secretary and I learned a vast amount about what it took to truly be a servant leader. Going into my final year of high school I was elected as Chapter President and knew that I had truly found a way to serve others

Before me lies a life changing opportunity to continue my servant leadership and my involvement in the FFA. This is like no opportunity I have yet had and I am very excited to see what the future of State FFA Office can bring. I believe that this year of service will be life changing for not only myself but for anyone else that I will have the chance to impact.

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Jed Ward, State FFA Vice President

Home Chapter: Payson FFA

When I consider why I want to be a state officer I think of all the little reasons like self-growth, incredible experience, exciting and challenging but then I get to the true reason for wanting to be a state officer and it boils down to people. The people’s lives I can help touch, growth that I can facilitate through encouraging participation in the FFA. It comes down to the services I can render to benefit others. It wasn’t until I saw the positive influence the state officers had at state camp that I really wanted to be a state officer. I want to have the same opportunity they did to help others develop into the leaders of tomorrow. I feel like I have a lot to offer to Arizona FFA particularly its members. I am ready to work hard to make myself the best I can be so I can better help others. I have met a lot of amazing people in the FFA and look forward to potentially working with some of its greatest members. I want to challenge myself through serves to others. I realize that State Office is not all glamour but I am ready to commit to it all. Although this is a huge commitment I am ready to face the good with the bad the ups and the downs. This opportunity will only happen once and I don’t want to let it pass by.

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Keili Summey, State FFA Secretary

Home Chapter: AAEC-Paradise Valley FFA

I am passionate about agriculture and want to be a spokesperson for agricultural literacy. FFA has made me who I am today, and I want to help encourage other members to cultivate their own leadership and career success skills. I cannot imagine having gone through high school without FFA as I know had it not been for FFA, I wouldn’t have the organization, presentation, or life skills I need for success. FFA has helped me explore agriculture, and has influenced my career choice.

I want to be a State Officer in order to enhance FFA, and make it more known throughout the community. I want to instill a sense of appreciation for agriculture and its importance. Not only will being a State Officer allow me to promote agriculture, but it will also help me fulfill my dream of becoming a dedicated agriculture teacher. As a State Officer, I will encourage other FFA members to enthusiastically participate in all activities. I want to become a positive role model not only for FFA members, but also for people throughout the community.

I feel confident that I know what it means to serve. If elected as State Officer, I will work my hardest to make FFA a truly great experience for all members. I look forward to working with a team, will strive to maintain a positive attitude, and will support my fellow officers. I will take seriously my responsibilities and duties, and will work diligently to advocate on behalf of Arizona FFA.

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Sarahbeth Bourland, State FFA Treasurer

Home Chapter: Coolidge FFA

My aspiration to become a State Officer is a dream I have strived to accomplish since attending my first State Leadership Conference, and seeing my very first State Officer Installation. After that SLC, I knew being a State Officer was something I would work towards every chance possible. I want the opportunity to motivate other members to achieve their dreams, just as State Officers have inspired me to realize my potential and achieve my dreams.

Being a State Officer is so much more than having a leadership position, it’s about having a chance to do something more. It’s about helping our fellow members gain a selfless attitude whenever you have to opportunity to do so, and being there for all members. Becoming a State Officer is a chance to guide other members, to help them and your fellow team, in achieving their ambitions. Helping the members realize that they should never accept anything less than their best from themselves and others.

I desire to be a State Officer to act on behalf of the Arizona Association FFA, promoting a positive image of the FFA and willingly serve the members of our organization. However being a State Officer is not just about serving members, it’s also about being an agricultural advocate. Networking with other organizations to further knowledge, increase awareness and support agriculture and its many advancements is a role, as a State Officer, I would gladly work towards.

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Angela Lowery, State FFA Reporter

Home Chapter: Payson FFA

Two years ago I joined Animal Science at Payson High School; my teacher was Mr. Wendell Stevens. Last year at the Northern District Leadership Camp I discovered my deep desire to become an Arizona State FFA Officer. This desire stemmed from my love and a passion for Agricultural Education and FFA. This high quality program has taught me valuable skills that have been nurtured and developed; I wouldn’t have been able to perform these skills in another association that would have been as supportive and welcoming. I want to share my love of Agriculture with fellow FFA members through various opportunities throughout the state. As a future college student, I believe that I would serve as an admirable role model for Arizona FFA members. Getting students involved in FFA is a personal priority that I developed in my junior year of high school, and I would enjoy the opportunity to share this and other beliefs with other Arizona Chapter Officers. Members that aren’t involved just need to be provided with the right opportunities to explore their hidden passions. Being a State Officer, I will have the opportunity to impact others lives with the Agricultural Education Total Program. I am eager to have the opportunity to facilitate State FFA Events, which members across the state practice so hard for. I have the drive and aspiration to become part for the Arizona State FFA Officer team.

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Zachary Tucker, State FFA Sentinel

Home Chapter: Marana FFA

I desire to become a state officer for Arizona FFA because I have a lot to give back to my fellow FFA members. I have been a role model for many 4-H exhibitors that show animals in Pima County. I work very hard and try my best to get the job done right. Also, I want to get Marana FFA back on the map like it was 20 years ago. We used to have a very big chapter but over time our numbers have dwindled. I will not put all my focus just in the Marana FFA but I will put all my focus into the little chapters that no one really knows about. I want to help make our organization prosper to its full potential. This is what drives me to be a state officer; the little people that nobody really knows that exist. No matter how big or small a chapter is, there are still those among us who are destined to become great leaders and I say to whomever feels that they can’t do it; you can. All you have to do is stand up, stand out and let that proud voice be heard and that will drive you to success.

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Taylor Kirby, State FFA Vice President At-Large

Home Chapter: Mingus Union FFA

Robert Greenleaf once said, “Good leaders must first become good servants.” This quote has taught me what it really means to be a leader. I would like to serve as a State FFA Officer because I would like to serve the FFA. The FFA has opened countless doors for me and has given me skills to be successful in my future. I want to serve Arizona and help other students reach their full potential and for them to be successful in their future. Serving as a State FFA Officer would be the privilege of a lifetime because it means I get to work with an organization that develops the leaders of tomorrow. Ever since I was a freshman I knew that I wanted to something impactful. I desire to serve because I would like to see the traditions and mottos of the FFA continue on and grow stronger. FFA is more than a class, it is a lifestyle. It is a way of life that promotes genuine characteristics of integrity, hard work, and dedication. Through camps, conferences, and workshops I have prepared myself for the challenges that come with the responsibility of being a State FFA Officer. I am proud to zip up my blue corduroy jacket and serve the Arizona FFA.

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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