Florida student named to 2012-13 National FFA Officer team as national president

2012 - 2013 National FFA President Clay Sapp

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012/National FFA Organization) – From an early age, Florida student Clay Sapp knew he was a good communicator and teacher.

But it wasn’t until he took some agricultural education classes and joined FFA that he discovered how he wanted to channel those two skills. He learned about the country’s need for great teachers who could teach agriculture. He determined that his passion lies in school administration.

“I want to teach high school agricultural education and then obtain a master’s degree in educational leadership,” he said. “My goal is to become a school administrator so I can encourage classroom innovation and motivate students to become better scholars and young people.”

Today, to conclude the 85th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Sapp was elected National FFA president for 2012-13.

Joining him on the 2012-13 National FFA Officer team are Kalie Hall of Georgia as national secretary, Joenelle Futrell of Kentucky as Eastern Region vice president, Lindsey Anderson of California as Western Region vice president, Brennan Costello of Nebraska as Central Region vice president and Wiley Bailey as Southern Region vice president.

For the next year, the group will travel more than 100,000 miles across the country to engage top leaders in business, government and education. The national officers will lead personal growth and leadership training seminars for FFA members. The team will help set policies that will guide the future of FFA and promote agricultural literacy.

A seven-year member of the Madison County High School FFA chapter in Madison, Fla., Sapp served as a Florida national FFA delegate from 2008-2010 and won his state’s prepared public speaking competition in 2010. He was student body president his senior year in high school, salutatorian of his graduating class and a varsity baseball and tennis player.

“As a national FFA officer, it will be my mission to activate change and growth in the National FFA Organization,” he said. “I plan to develop strong relationships, be a champion of FFA and agricultural education and seek new ways to strengthen student experiences within FFA.”

Dual enrollment hours he accomplished in high school enabled Sapp to graduate from North Florida Community College with an associate of arts degree in just one full college semester after high school. Today, he is a University of Florida at Gainesville student pursuing a major in agricultural education and communication.

“I intend to serve and give of myself as a leader and role model,” he said. “I realize that not all of my hopes and dreams for our organization may be feasible but in a year from now I want to know that I planted seeds to advance the National FFA Organization’s mission for the future of agriculture.”

Sapp is the son of Ed and Gina Sapp; his father was his FFA advisor in high school.

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Georgia student named to 20113 National FFA Officer team as national secretary

2012 - 2013 National FFA Secretary Kalie Hall

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012/National FFA Organization) – Kalie Hall of Georgia credits a mentor for offering a simple piece of advice that has defined her approach to life.

“I was told, ‘Remember where you’ve come from and meet people where they are,’” she said. “That’s something I’ll never forget.”

Hall will have literally hundreds of thousands of opportunities in the next year to apply her mentor’s advice as she travels the country as a national FFA officer next year.

Today, to conclude the 85th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Hall was elected National FFA secretary for 2012-13.

Joining her on the 2012-13 National FFA Officer team are Clay Sapp of Florida as president, Joenelle Futrell of Kentucky as Eastern Region vice president, Lindsey Anderson of California as Western Region vice president, Brennan Costello of Nebraska as Central Region vice president and Wiley Bailey as Southern Region vice president.

For the next year, the group will travel more than 100,000 miles across the country to engage top leaders in business, government and education. National officers will lead personal growth and leadership training seminars for FFA members. The team will help set policies that will guide the future of FFA and promote agricultural literacy.

Hall was a nine-year member of the Franklin County High School FFA chapter in Carnesville, Ga., led by advisors Cale Watkins, Gary Minyard and Owen Thomason. In high school, she won a host of state and national FFA awards from 2008-2010. She held FFA titles of state secretary, chapter president and chapter vice president. Hall was also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a student representative on her school system’s health education committee and an active member in her local church as a youth group leader, keyboardist and choir member.

“I believe each of these experiences played a role in developing who I am and expanded by capabilities to relate to individuals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences,” she said.

Hall is currently studying agricultural education at the University of Georgia at Athens. She plans to become a middle school agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor.

“As a national FFA officer, it will be my honor to further agricultural education in the lives of students by investing in everyone who is in its sphere of influence,” she said. “People want to be heard and understood. Agricultural education has taught me to listen and given me experiences through which to understand. People need hope. Agricultural education has given me an avenue through which to provide it.”

Hall is the daughter of Kent and Jill Hall.

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Nebraska student named to 2012-13 National Officer Team as Central Region vice president

2012 - 2013 Central Region Vice President Brennan Costello

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012/National FFA Organization) – When Nebraska student Brennan Costello was 14, he and his family went to Florida for a family vacation. He’d never seen the ocean before.

“I remember being amazed at how far it stretched and how big it was,” he said. “I specifically remember feeling the desire to sail out and explore all the potential that the ocean offered.”

Today, Costello was shown an ocean of a different sort – one that is just as vast, wide and deep as the one he saw as a teenager. This time, however, his desire has been answered with the means to explore, discover and share.

As a conclusion to the 85th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, a National FFA Officer team was chosen to lead the organization in 2012-13. Costello was elected National FFA Central Region vice president for 2012-13.

Joining him are Clay Sapp of Florida as president, Kalie Hall of Georgia as national secretary, Joenelle Futrell of Kentucky as Eastern Region vice president, Lindsey Anderson of California as Western Region vice president and Wiley Bailey as Southern Region vice president.

For the next year, the group will travel more than 100,000 miles across the country to engage top leaders in business, government and education. The national officers will lead personal growth and leadership training seminars for FFA members. The team will help set policies that will guide the future of FFA and promote agricultural literacy.

“My purpose as a national officer will be to engage the potential of FFA members,” Costello said. “I want to do more than simply help. Students have the potential. They need to be actively involved in maximizing their potential through classroom learning, experiences and leadership development.”

He is a member of the Gothenburg High School FFA chapter in Gothenburg, Neb., which is led by advisor Dan Scherer. In high school, he held FFA titles of state president, chapter vice president and chapter secretary. He also earned more than 15 FFA awards and distinctions at the state, district and chapter levels. He was valedictorian of his graduating class and a member of both the National Honor Society and Sigma Phi Beta Academic Honor Society.

Costello is currently attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he plans to major in agribusiness.

“My career goal is to work in agricultural sales or communications that utilizes my experiences and strengths in customer relations, industry knowledge and operations and program management,” he said.

Costello is the son of Steve and Becky Costello

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Kentucky student named to 2012-13 National FFA Officer team as Eastern Region vice president

2012 - 2013 Eastern Region Vice President Joenelle Futrell

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012/National FFA Organization) – Joenelle Futrell of Kentucky vividly remembers her high school FFA advisor tell her that she was is on Earth for a reason and a purpose.

“My objective in life is simple,” she said. “I strive to live by her words and my own personal motivations to succeed and make a difference.”

Today, to conclude the 85th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Futrell was elected National FFA Eastern Region vice president for 2012-13.

Joining her on the 2012-13 National FFA Officer team are Clay Sapp of Florida as national president, Kalie Hall as national secretary, Lindsey Anderson of California as Western Region vice president, Brennan Costello of Nebraska as Central Region vice president and Wiley Bailey as Southern Region vice president.

For the next year, the group will travel more than 100,000 miles across the country to engage top leaders in business, government and education. The national officers will lead personal growth and leadership training seminars for FFA members. The team will help set policies that will guide the future of FFA and promote agricultural literacy.

“My ultimate career goal is to become a teacher,” Futrell said. “I want to earn undergraduate degrees in agricultural education and political science, get a master’s degree and ultimately a doctoral degree in educational leadership or policy. I’d like to teach, mentor and research new methods to affect high school, undergraduate and graduate students, agricultural teachers and industry professionals while being a lifelong advocate for FFA and the agriculture industry.”

She was a six-year member of the Daviess County High School FFA chapter in Owensboro, Ky., led by advisors Jason Smith, Chad Askins and Craig Howard. In high school, Futrell held the titles of state vice president, regional and chapter president and chapter recruitment and retention committee chairwoman. She won a host of state and national FFA awards from 2007-2010.

In high school, she graduated with honors and was in the top five percent of her graduating class. She was named a Kentucky AP scholar, received a national Merit Commendation and was a four-year member of a variety of clubs, including the Fine Arts Society and Key Club.

Today, Futrell is studying agricultural education and political science at University of Kentucky at Lexington while working for the Tennessee Department of Education.

“As a national FFA officer, I will constantly encourage members to become engaged in agricultural education, work on their own personal growth and foster an attitude of hope in their schools and communities,” she said. “I will strive to be purposeful by being a consistently positive role model for members and stakeholders.”

Futrell is the daughter of the late Charles Futrell. Her mother, Ann Futrell, survives.

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California student named to 2012-13 National FFA Officer team as Western Region vice president

2012 - 2013 Western Region Vice President Lindsey Anderson

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012/National FFA Organization) – California student Lindsey Anderson grew up raising hogs on her family farm. She joined FFA and through her experiences developed an interest in agriscience research

She’s particularly interested in proposed legislation currently under federal review that would end the use of commercial antibiotics by livestock producers to treat sick animals.

“While recognizing the obvious impact this legislation would have on large-scale livestock producers across the country, we should also realize how it would affect the ability of an FFA member to treat pinkeye on a steer being raised for a fair or an agriculture teacher to control pneumonia in a swine herd at the school farm,” Anderson said. “I believe that we can no longer just advocate for agriculture and make the public aware. We have to get involved, write letters to congressional representatives and take a definite stand that gives agriculture a true voice.”

Today, to conclude the 85th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Anderson was elected National FFA Western Region vice president for 2012-13.

Joining Anderson on the 2012-13 National FFA Officer team are Clay Sapp of Florida as president, Kalie Hall of Georgia as national secretary, Joenelle Futrell of Kentucky as Eastern Region vice president, Brennan Costello of Nebraska as Central Region vice president and Wiley Bailey as Southern Region vice president.

For the next year, the group will travel more than 100,000 miles across the country to engage top leaders in business, government and education. The national officers will lead personal growth and leadership training seminars for FFA members. The team will help set policies that will guide the future of FFA and promote agricultural literacy.

“My ultimate goal as a national FFA officer is to serve FFA and its members by being a role model that members choose to emulate,” Anderson said. “I will connect with members and promote diversity throughout the nation. I will also encourage members to look outside the box and get involved in all facets of the National FFA Organization.”

She is a member of the Escalon High School FFA chapter in Escalon, Calif., led by advisors Jennifer Terpstra, Stacy Ingalls and Bruce Campbell. In high school, Anderson held FFA titles including state vice president, sectional vice president, chapter president and chapter secretary. She earned a host of FFA awards, including an American FFA degree, a finalist for national Star of Agriscience award and a Star Chapter Greenhand award.

She currently attends Modesto Junior College in Modesto, Calif., and studies agriculture business. Anderson is a member of the Modesto Junior College Young Farmers, the Collegiate Agriculture Leaders and the Associated Students of Modesto Junior College. She is also a collegiate member of the California Farm Bureau and a Modesto Junior Agriculture ambassador.

“No matter whether a member lives in the inner city or the far reaches of the rural landscape of our country, the task of using research to solve problems that improve agriculture production is an area that will help fill the job sector and marry science with the industry that feeds and clothes the human race,” she said.

Anderson is the daughter of Randall and Teresa Anderson.

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Alabama student named to 2012-13 National FFA Officer team as Southern Region vice president

2012 - 2013 Southern Region Vice President Wiley Bailey

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012/National FFA Organization) – Ten years ago, Alabama native Wiley Bailey learned to play the banjo.

“Each time I pick up my banjo, I remember what it takes to make beautiful music and discover more about how I can use these principles to better every other aspect of my life,” he said. “When I play in public, children run to me and tell me that they’d love to learn how to play. I always give them my number and encourage them to take lessons.”

For years, he and his family have toured northern Alabama churches and played as “The Baileys.”

“When I play, I never think about my imperfections or how big the audience is,” Bailey said. “I simply love playing the music and I put everything I have into each moment on stage.”

He plans to set aside his struggles, remember his purpose and live each moment with power and conviction during the next year as a national FFA officer.

Today, to conclude the 85th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Bailey was elected National FFA Southern Region vice president for 2012-13.

Joining Bailey on the 2012-13 National FFA Officer team are president Clay Sapp of Florida, Kalie Hall of Georgia as national secretary, Joenelle Futrell of Kentucky as Eastern Region vice president, Lindsey Anderson of California as Western Region vice president and Brennan Costello of Nebraska as Central Region vice president.

For the next year, the group will travel more than 100,000 miles across the country to engage top leaders in business, government and education. The national officers will lead personal growth and leadership training seminars for FFA members. The team will help set policies that will guide the future of FFA and promote agricultural literacy.

Bailey is a member of the Sand Rock High School FFA chapter in Sand Rock, Alabama, led by advisors Barry Bailey and Christina Richardson. In high school, he held FFA titles including state secretary, North District president, North District treasurer and chapter president. He was an Alabama delegate to the National FFA Convention & Expo. And Bailey was a member of his high school’s varsity basketball and track teams and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

He is currently attending Auburn University studying agricultural communications and involved in the university’s Freshmen Leadership Program, High School Leadership Counselor program, the Miss Homecoming Campaign staff and a member and officer of Legacy Brotherhood.

“If I am able to accomplish my goals as a national FFA officer, I will have to take time to listen to others and genuinely care about their concerns,” Bailey said. “I will advocate for the agriculture industry and educate others on the importance of the farm. But more importantly, I will have to live every moment to the fullest and play my heart out.”

He is the son of Barry and Jill Bailey.

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Listen to the Chair of the 2012 Nominating Committee report the 2012 – 2013 National Officer Team…..

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