Page 8 - The ALEC Gazette-2018

2017-2018 State Officer Team
Tennessee FFA Building The Next Generation of Agricultural Educators
By: Emily Haskew
Tennessee FFA is helping to build the next generation of agricultural educators. The Tennessee FFA organization is made up of approximately 14,000 high school students wanting to develop leadership skills along with valuable life skills.
While most never obtain the honor of being chosen to be a Tennessee State FFA officer, Kenzie Bastian, an agricultural leadership, education and communications major studying agricultural education, was selected to be the 2017-2018 East Tennessee state vice president. Bastian’s year as a state officer gave her a platform that allowed her to advocate for agriculture.
In order to be a successful advocate for agriculture, there are many different traits needed. Amy Morgan, a past state FFA officer, felt there were many reasons as to why Bastian makes a good advocate.
“She is always positive, no matter the circumstance,” Morgan explained. “Thinking about the future of agriculture can sometimes be disheartening, but Kenzie always sees the positive and truly hopes for the best in the future.”
Bastian has been actively involved in National FFA Organization since she was in high school. She expressed that it was the Tennessee FFA organization that helped her develop many fundamental skills and life lessons that she will always use.
“State officers cultivate public speaking and facilitation, organization, prioritization, scheduling, responsibility, networking, and leadership skills,” said Kelsey Rose, executive director at Tennessee FFA organization. “The state officer year provides an opportunity for growth in life skills and maturity.”
A large part of gaining these skills has been from giving various presentations throughout their time as officers. At the end of Bastian and her fellow officers’ year as state officers, they hit the road on their Goodwill Tour.
The Goodwill tour provided officers the opportunity to speak with different state supporters of the agriculture industry on the impact FFA has had on its members. Bastian had many high points when it came to the Goodwill tour.
“We got to give our presentation at Tennessee Farm Bureau, Farm
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