By JULIA BARATTA

Michigan Correspondent

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The National FFA Convention is scheduled for Oct. 30-Nov. 2 in Indianapolis, and several young people in the Midwest are preparing for their opportunity at a seat on the National FFA Officer team.

Seven nominees were asked about their future plans and to share advice for younger members. They are included in the largest group of candidates for national office in 15 years – there are 44 people who will be interviewed for the positions.

Ohio has a large number of national finalists competing, and Kolesen McCoy is the state’s nominee for National FFA office. He is a member from Global Impact STEM Academy, where Rachel Sanders, Collin Gierke, and Jennifer Foudray served as his advisors. His parents are Scott and Holly McCoy.

He is studying agribusiness and applied economics at The Ohio State University. McCoy’s future plans are to pursue a master’s degree in business economics with the intention of advocating for the modern agricultural industry in policy development, international trade relations, and possibly nonprofit management.

His advice for other members includes gratitude for supporters. “Begin to look left and right as you go throughout your journey in the FFA,” he said. “So many of the great memories that you will make will be with the family and friends that you find within your chapter and the experiences you share.

“Often it is easy to focus upon the next box to check and what CDE (Career Development Event) to be a part of. However, what makes the FFA organization so incredible is the classmates you have beside you, the educator you have behind you, and the supporters you have around you.”

Peyton Schmitt’s passion for agriculture is what has brought her to this point, along with the support from her parents, Ron and Karin Schmitt, and her advisor, Bridget Mahoney, from the Lone Tree FFA Chapter in Iowa. She has numerous interests and hopes to combine them into a lifelong occupation.

Schmitt enjoys leadership, service, and agriculture and would like to work in a communications or leadership development role for a commodity or livestock breed association. She wants to encourage and advocate for farmers, along with raising her own livestock.

Schmitt suggests younger members take advantage of opportunities through the program. “I would encourage all younger FFA members to be willing to simply take a leap of faith during their time in the blue jacket,” she said. “The FFA offers such incredible opportunities and resources for growth.

“Take advantage of each new experience, and allow yourself to discover your passions and pursue your purpose. We each have something special inside of us that deserves to be shared with the world. FFA empowers us with the confidence to do so, and the avenues to allow it to happen.”

Claire Baney is making her second attempt at national office with encouragement from her parents, Steve and Cindy Baney, and her advisers Tom Younts, Charity Keffaber, Samantha Miller, and Caroline Kuhn from the Hamilton Southeastern FFA Chapter out of Fishers, Ind.

She is a busy young woman with a double major of agricultural economics and agricultural communication she is earning from Purdue University. Baney also has plans to do graduate work in agriculture with a focus on agbiosciences innovation space.

She would like to see sustainability and consumer choice become more important while bringing together producers and consumers. Her advice encourages kindness in daily life.

“Never be afraid to share your smile with someone. Seek ways to help a friend, family member, or someone you may not know very well, no matter how small the task is,” Baney said. “Identify what it means to love people in your life and do that; that is living with the heart of a servant, and it's the greatest lasting lesson we can learn from FFA.”

University of Kentucky junior Grace Clark has been a member of the Franklin-Simpson FFA Chapter in Franklin, Ky. Samuel Evans and Felicia Dalton served as her advisors and supported her along with her mother, Shelley Clark.

She is majoring in community and leadership development with a minor in agricultural economics. Her future plans include working as a communications and marketing specialist in the agricultural or equine industries. Clark would like to focus on the growth of public knowledge and interest.

Her advice for young members is to be involved. “There are so many incredible opportunities available to FFA members through this organization, no matter what your background or interests are,” Clark explained. “Take advantage of these opportunities and get outside of your comfort zone; you never know what you may become passionate about.

“If you take the time to get involved and find your place in FFA, the opportunities for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success will be endless.”

Michigan’s nominee served as the 2018-19 treasurer for his state FFA. Benjamin Butcher is from the Corunna FFA chapter and was taught by Brian Kiesling and Casie Forbush. His parents are Ben and Beth Butcher.

He is a sophomore at Michigan State University and is studying agriculture, food, and natural resources education to become a high school ag teacher. He is the Social Committee Chair for the MSU AFNRE Club and will graduate in 2022.

His advice is to appreciate the opportunities offered through the FFA program.  "FFA is truly a life-changer,” Butcher said. “Use your passion to get every ounce of greatness out of the FFA.”

Julia Knaggs participated in the Station Camp FFA Chapter in Gallatin, Tenn., with a number of advisors helping her choose her future path. Her teachers included Laura Purtle, Donald Fowler, Ally Choate, Mia Sullivan, and Morgan Preston and her parents Valarie and Jerry encouraged her in the program.

She is studying at the University of Tennessee-Martin a major in agricultural business and a minor in communications. Knaggs would like to be in a position of public relations for ag organizations and companies where she could connect producers and consumers. Her advice supports broadening one’s mind.

“My advice for younger FFA members is to be as open as possible to new experiences,” she said. “Some of my favorite memories in FFA and greatest moments of growth have been when I’ve tried a new contest and or gone to an event I thought I wouldn’t like.

“Also, be open to meeting students from other FFA chapters, areas, and states. It’s amazing how much you can learn from getting to know other FFA members from all walks of life.”

Miriam Hoffman came from Illinois’ Earlville FFA Chapter, where she was advised by Natalie Mahler. Her parents, Winifred and the late Kenneth Hoffman, supported her efforts in the organization.

Once she completes her associate degree at Illinois Community College, she is planning to attend Southern Illinois University-Carbondale to study agribusiness. She would like to serve as a consultant or advisor to farmers where her passion for service and connecting people can encourage a diverse and innovative agricultural community.

Her advice leans toward service. “It's all about the people. Competing in contests is a great way to challenge yourself to improve, and running for office is a great way to exercise and learn leadership skills, but at the end of the day, it's not about the titles or the awards,” Hoffman said. “Use those things to serve people, to love well.

“The FFA changed my life because I realized that there were people that cared about me, even though I didn't usually fit in and I was incredibly shy. It was only because other people saw potential in me and believed in me that I was able to get so involved. Strive to be that person for others, to build up the people around you and remind everyone that we all have a purpose and a place not only in the FFA, but also in life.”

These seven young people will participate in interviews in group settings as well as one-on-one. They will demonstrate their ability to manage time, organize programs, present talks, and interact with others.