Meet the 2010-11 Arizona FFA State Officer Team

Front row (from left to right):

Kelli Rovey, State FFA President; Allison Vaughn, State FFA Vice President At Large; Kayla Shores, State FFA Vice President

Middle row (from left to right):

Courtney Kennedy , State FFA Vice President At Large; Seth DeLaPeña, State FFA Vice President At Large; Molly Van Dop, State FFA Secretary; Mariah Kerr, State FFA Reporter

Back row (from left to right):

Wyatt Carpenter , State FFA Sentinel; Wolfgang Langendorf, State FFA Treasurer; Ross Wade, Vice President At Large

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Kelli Rovey, State FFA President

Home Chapter: Buckeye FFA Chapter

FFA has been one of the greatest influences in my life, and as a State Officer I hope to continue this tradition of Arizona FFA and influence other members. Becoming an officer would be one of the greatest experiences I could ever dream of enduring and pursuing. FFA has done so much for me in the past four years and I want to give back what it has given to me. This has been something I have wanted to do since before I was even in high school. The experiences that an officer gets to have and the people they get to meet is something I would like to be involved with. I would also like to serve because I want to continue my love for the FFA and influence other members to become more active and involved in their school, community and their state. FFA is not just something that I do, but it is something that I am. To serve in this wonderful organization would be the opportunity of a lifetime. The passion and respect that I have developed for the FFA has led me to become the successful individual I am today. To give one year of dedication and service to the FFA would be a lifetime opportunity to apply my knowledge and skill, which I have learned from the FFA. This would give me the chance to provide other members with the love and passion that I have for the agricultural industry as well as this wonderful organization. FFA runs deep in my blood and I would love the opportunity to continue my tradition and legacy in Arizona FFA.

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Kayla Shores, State FFA Vice President

Home Chapter: Willcox FFA Chapter

I have been involved in FFA since my Eighth grade year when Agriculture was offered at the Middle School. It was only a semester class, but it was one of the most fun classes I have ever taken and it definitely made an impact on me. The first time I got to attend an FFA event, which I believe was our own chapter banquet, I was hooked. The officers were so professional and the evening was full of excitement. Ever since then, I Believe I have attended every event that has been offered, from chapter activities to COLT, State Camp, State Leadership Conference and National Convention. I have gotten to know many of the state officers throughout the years and they have been inspirational to me. I have enjoyed working with them, attending their workshops as well as watching them do opening ceremonies and performing their duties. I have been an officer for the chapter for three years including my Greenhand year. I have strived to do my duties as well as the state officers. I want to be an ambassador for the agriculture industry and I want to be able to serve the younger members of the State Association the way they have served myself and my fellow members.

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Molly Van Dop, State FFA Secretary

Home Chapter: Millennium FFA Chapter

I desire to be an Arizona Association FFA State Officer because I am diligent, determined, and ready to step up to the plate to make the program more successful. I understand that the position is a huge time commitment, but I am also a person who is always looking for excuses not to leave our Ag. room after school. Having been involved in the FFA since my freshman year has brought me so many experiences and opportunities that never I imagined could be offered to an ordinary high school student. Not only that , but the connections and friendships created are absolutely invaluable. Ranging from Creed Speaking to Agronomy, National Convention to District Socials, I have delighted in what the FFA has to offer, and now desire to help make that happen for other students. I feel that every high school student in the Ag. Program should be offered the opportunities that were given to me and would like to give back in this way. With the knowledge and tools to succeed the FFA has bestowed upon me, I have become a positive leader, willing to do whatever it takes to make this program successful, and I stand strong under pressure and difficult situations. This program means so much to me and I truly feel that instigating me as a State Officer can help to bring this program forward, and my dedication, determination, and enthusiasm are valuable assets that can make a difference.

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Mariah Kerr, State FFA Reporter

Home Chapter: Buckeye FFA Chapter

I desire to serve as a State FFA Officer because I believe I have the passion to take all the skills I have learned and advance them to a higher level. I believe in everything that FFA stands for and that is the character of who I am, with or without that blue jacket on. Ever since I was a little girl I have been involved in many leadership capacities. I have watched people grow and serve to others, which has inspired me to build my leadership skills. Being part of the FFA has brought me to take on a lot of challenges and responsibilities; it has also taught me to become a successful individual. I love serving to others and encouraging others to always have a positive outlook on things especially when things are rough. I have served as a Chapter Officer for the past two years and being a chapter officer you are a leader to your fellow FFA members. While being an officer I was still learning and growing mostly from the leaders who I looked up to who were the State FFA Officers. I have the desire to serve as a State FFA Officer because I have passion in serving others and I want to continue to advance my skills and learn and grow from other State FFA Officers.

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Wolfgang Langendorf, State FFA Treasurer

Home Chapter: Buckeye FFA Chapter

I want to be a State Officer with the Arizona FFA because I see it as a challenge; a challenge to be better than what I currently am. I have desired officer ship ever since I was a freshman at State Leadership Camp. I remember looking at the State Officers and seeing how confident they were, how they were able to sit down with other campers and just the willingness to help them with whatever problems they were having. I remember wanting to be just like that, outgoing and willing to assist anyone in need.

Ever since that fateful week, I have strived to live up to that standard and I believe that I am ready to assume such a leadership role. I have studied parliamentary procedure and agricultural issues; I have practiced my public speaking skills and worked to better my work ethic. After many months of preparation, I believe that I am ready to assume the role of state office with all the duties and responsibilities implied with such a position.

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Wyatt Carpenter, State FFA Sentinel

Home Chapter: Coolidge FFA Chapter

There is nothing like the look of joy on a FFA member’s face after he or she completes an act of service. Serving others not only brings hope and happiness to other’s lives, but it makes us mature as individuals. Putting a smile on someone’s face is one of the best feelings I can cherish by working hard, and serving others. I have had a long desired commitment and passion to continue serving my fellow FFA members as an Arizona State Officer.

My career in FFA inspired me to become someone greater than who I was before. Serving for the Arizona State FFA Association would allow me the opportunity to give back the joy and happiness FFA has given to me throughout my life. FFA presents chances for us to showcase our ability to serve others, and be leaders in our communities.

A whole new team is created when new state FFA officers are elected. Working together is vital for a team to accomplish their tasks, and to serve others. I have learned that FFA members come before our individual selves and it has inspired me to continue serving our FFA members around the nation. My love for FFA will always be true to my heart, and I will always have the willingness desire to serve for the Arizona State FFA Association.

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Courtney Kennedy, State FFA Vice President At-Large

Home Chapter: Basha FFA Chapter

I desire to serve as a State FFA Officer because I have been a very active FFA member and officer in my home chapter. I love to get up and talk to crowds, I love the chance to try something new, and I love everything the FFA offers. I have never found myself in a leadership role until I joined and found different opportunities to better myself. I see all of the wonderful opportunities the State Officers are presented with and it makes me believe that maybe I will have the chance to do that. My future career goal is to become an Agriculture Teacher and serving as a State Officer will help me see both sides of FFA and how it can help other students. I know serving as a State Officer is a once and a lifetime experience and I hope to have a fighting chance. Agriculture is my life and it has help transform me in to the person I am today. I want to show FFA members that a shy person can step out of their comfort zone and can turn into an outstanding leader.

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Seth DeLaPeña, State FFA Vice President At-Large

Home Chapter: Buckeye FFA Chapter

I believe state office holds many opportunities which I believe are available to any who would take the chance and run for state office (and hopefully get it). I believe this to be very true because I have seen it over the past three years. I have seen how a person is affected by running for state office and eventually holding state office. The affect of taking this chance I would believe to be a great benefit to many because it is a learning experience it is a chance to make a difference and also it is a chance to make lifelong friends. I wish to serve as a state officer because I believe these opportunities are far too important to pass up. I wish to serve the people I relate with most and to learn what true leadership is. I feel I can make a difference for the association and I want to make a difference for the members I serve. This is why I desire to serve in state office.

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Allison Vaughn, State FFA Vice President At-Large

Home Chapter: Douglas FFA Chapter

I want to be a State Officer because I would like to share what FFA has done for me and what this program has to offer. I started out my freshman very unsure as why I chose this. Now that my high school career is coming to an end, I have discovered all of the opportunities that the FFA has given to me. I would like to help the Arizona FFA members gain the knowledge in leadership, communication, and teamwork skills just as I have. I have prepared myself greatly for this position my competing in public speaking CDE’s, giving presentations, keeping up to date on agricultural issues. This organization has helped me better myself, and I hope that I get the chance to help other members do the same.

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Ross Wade, State FFA Vice President At-Large

Home Chapter: Young FFA Chapter

My sister once told me “The greatest legacy you can leave is a stronger generation than the one you came from.” I believe in the FFA and its members who already know this to be true. I believe in the potential of those who have not yet learned it. I know that all students can reach their full potential through a positive organization like the FFA. Becoming a State FFA Officer would give me the chance to continue my involvement in the FFA, so that I can encourage students to reach their full potential, not only in the FFA but in life. I have been given so many experience and opportunities through the FFA and I have a sincere desire to reciprocate my skills and knowledge back into this organization. I have attended countless leadership and team building workshops and can contribute to any team. FFA is a part of who I am. I have seen the power and impact of cooperative relationship within the community and want to put my hands to work in my desire to encourage a stronger generation.

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