The 2014 – 2015 Kansas FFA State Officer team completed their year of service today with the conclusion of the 87th Kansas FFA Convention on the Kansas State University campus. The team presented workshops and speeches challenging high school students to serve their community in the spirit of this year’s convention theme, “Go all out!”
Outgoing officers include President Taylor Green, Southeast of Saline FFA; Vice President Bethany Schifferdecker, Girard FFA; Secretary Jeffrey Hadachek, Republic County FFA; Treasurer Chantelle Simon, Hill City FFA; Reporter Kyle Apley, Blue Valley FFA; and Sentinel Nicholas Meyer, Marion FFA.
After being elected in May 2014, the team spent the past year traveling across the state sharing their passion for leadership, service and agriculture.
All six will be students at Kansas State University in the fall.
Green will be a sophomore at Kansas State University. She plans to finish her degree in Agronomy.
“Serving as a state officer has been enlightening, challenging and very rewarding, Green said. “Getting to serve the members of Kansas FFA has shown me the true potential that they have to impact the future of agriculture.”
Schifferdecker will be a sophomore at Kansas State University. She plans to graduate with a degree in Agricultural Economics.
Schifferdecker says that her year as a state officer has been an incredible experience. “Time and time again, the members have inspired me with their passions for agriculture, FFA and serving others,” Schifferdecker said. “ After spending the year with them, I know the future of the FFA and the agricultural industry is bright.”
Hadachek will be a sophomore at Kansas State University majoring in Agricultural Economics.
“When we were elected I thought I was one of six, but throughout the year I realized that I am just one in 8,850 members of the Kansas FFA,” Hadachek said reflecting on his time as a state officer. “I will always cherish my time as a state officer, but I will never forget that the true backbone of this organization is the members.”
Simon will be a sophomore at Kansas State University and is majoring in Agricultural Communications and Journalism.
“I feel truly honored and blessed to have served as a Kansas FFA State Officer,” said Simon. “I traveled to many places and met many people who inspired me to serve harder, enjoy the ride and love our great organization. I would not trade this experience for anything.”
Apley will be a sophomore at Kansas State University, majoring in Chemistry.
When asked about his time as a state officer, Apley says having a state office position has many responsibilities, but working with members and witnessing them succeed is what has made the year extraordinary. “When visiting schools for chapter events, I was always over-swept with amazement at just how much power our members have in making a difference in their communities,” Apley said.
Meyer will be a sophomore at Kansas State University. His major is in Biological and Agricultural Engineering.
Meyer says that being a Kansas FFA Officer has been an incredible experience he will never forget. “I will cherish watching members grow and helping facilitate some of that growth,” Meyer said. “I am honored to have been a part of this incredible organization and can’t wait to see where these incredible members, advisors and supporters take it in the future.”