INDIANAPOLIS – Dreams can and do come true. Just ask Kourtney Otte, the newly elected Indiana FFA president for 2021-2022.

“I can remember being in elementary school attending my cousin’s last banquet and seeing the FFA officers standing on stage giving one of his addresses,” Otte said. “From that moment, I looked at my mom and I told her I was going to be up there one day. I never looked back, especially when I actually got to join FFA and got to participate.”

Otte and six others were installed as officers last week at the 92nd annual state FFA convention at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

“I continue to grow that passion for FFA and, honestly, I couldn’t imagine my life without state office. I really can’t wait to see how far this team can go because we are some really strong people.

“I’m anxious to meet more members and work with this great, newly elected team,” Otte said. “They are so ambitious and wonderful and I know this year’s team is going to be successful. Our first step is getting together and understanding what our passions are. I want to see a lot of growth in not only myself but the officer teams on the state, district and chapter levels. I cannot wait to see all of the members, especially with our new goal to achieve 12,700 members by the end of this year.”

State Treasurer Jordyn Wickard, of Eastern Hancock FFA, is anxious to serve the state’s members.

“I’m ready to see what Indiana FFA can do because I know the passion that’s in this organization,” Wickard said. “I know the grit and integrity that we have throughout anything and I’m so excited to serve these members, get to know them, form those connections and be authentic with them. I want to make sure members feel valued, loved and appreciated.”

Nicholas Neuman was stunned to hear his name announced as the new secretary.

“I’ll be honest, even before I got on stage I couldn’t feel my face and so many emotions were going through me,” Neuman said. “Now that I’m off that stage I’m happy and excited for the next year and I’m ready to get started. I’m looking forward to breaking down barriers of access in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion. I want to break down barriers of vulnerability both around myself and the members in FFA.”

Neuman has strong advice for others in Indiana FFA. “My advice is to not focus on the title or the award, but rather focus on the memories and experiences in this blue jacket. The memories will get you where you’re at,” he said.

Tyler Kilmer, of  Tri-County FFA, is the state northern region vice president. Abby Stuckwisch, of Brownstown Central FFA, is the state southern region vice president. Jeremy Geise, of Rushville FFA, is the state reporter. Megan Carns, of Mt. Vernon at Fortville FFA, is sentinel.