Written by Jordan Richardson, ALEC Senior
The 2023-2024 Tennessee FFA State Officer year of service is quickly coming to an end for freshman ALEC majors Delaney Turner, Abigail Hamm, and Maddie Roedell. The Tennessee FFA State Officer team consists of eight students who have been elected to serve all 32,000 students across Tennessee FFA for one year. During their year of service, which begins and ends at the annual State Convention, these officers will travel the state facilitating visits to high school FFA chapters, attending leadership conferences, and representing Tennessee FFA with supporters and individuals involved in leadership and agriculture.
I recently sat down with three ALEC FFA officers to discuss their time as a state officer. Here is what they say about their experience:
Delaney Turner – Middle Tennessee State Vice President
Explain your position as a TN State Officer. What are your common roles and duties?
“As a State Officer, our duties can change every day. During the school year, we spend multiple days a week visiting high school classrooms presenting FFA and leadership workshops. We also have many industry visits, leadership conferences, FFA camp, and the planning of the State Convention.”
What is/are your proudest accomplishment(s) during your term?
“As a team, we have conducted over 100 chapter visits this year! For full-time college students, it is a huge deal to be able to visit nearly 100 FFA chapters where one or two State Officers spend an entire school day with students.”
What is your favorite memory from the year?
“Our team was able to visit Washington, D.C. over the summer, and it held many learning opportunities, funny moments, and team bonding. While there, we were able to meet with legislators, conduct training in the House Ag Committee Room, and connect with over 300 other State Officers. We were not only able to grow as leaders, but we were also able to connect with our teammates while learning many elements of other associations.”
What will you miss the most about being a TN FFA State Officer?
“This year, I have spent three weeks at FFA camp, a weekend hosting a leadership conference, a day training East Tennessee Regional Officers, and a lot of time with Tennessee FFA members. I will miss seeing the incredible members Tennessee FFA has. However, by staying in agriculture education I will still be able to see these FFA members succeed.”
Abigail Hamm – West Tennessee State Vice President
Explain your position as a TN State Officer. What are your common roles and duties?
“As the West Tennessee State Vice President, my role is one of maintaining professional relationships with sponsors and supporters, while also fostering a fun and educational environment for FFA members. I attend chapter visits all around East Tennessee to educate FFA members on leadership skills and the agricultural industry and attend events to advocate for agriculture at the state level with legislators and agricultural industry professionals.”
What is/are your proudest accomplishment(s) during your term?
“My proudest accomplishment is being able to introduce members to parts of the vast organization that they had no idea existed. Whether that was through telling them about my favorite competitions or helping them understand proficiency awards, being able to help FFA members have an enriching experience makes the late nights and early mornings worth it.”
What is your favorite memory from the year?
“My favorite memory from the year was attending Tennessee FFA Leadership Training Camp as well as Forestry Camp. Summer camps give members the ability to show off their athletic as well as academic talents, at Camp Clements, the place we call home. I met so many FFA members who will forever make an impact on my life through their stories, perseverance, compassion, and enthralling spirits.”
What will you miss the most about being a TN FFA State Officer?
“I will miss being able to attend chapter visits and interact with members. Without the over 32,000 Tennessee FFA members, this organization would not be here today. I will miss being able to pour back into them in the same way that they have all individually helped me.”
Maddie Roedell – State Reporter
Explain your position as a TN State Officer. What are your common roles and duties?
“As TN FFA State Officers, we have many responsibilities throughout the year. We all help facilitate at FFA Camp over the summer, at various schools throughout the state, and leadership conferences. We also represent Tennessee FFA at meetings and legislative visits. Overall, our goal is to help members grow, and care for the future of our organization. As State Reporter, my duties include spreading awareness about the organization and its members through social media.”
What is/are your proudest accomplishment(s) during your term?
“One of my proudest accomplishments has been growing as a leader while being able to make many connections with members. I have been able to learn more about myself and have been taught many ways to become a more effective leader. In high school, I was typically, pretty reserved, so I am also proud of myself for choosing to get out of my comfort zone and take on a role I hadn’t envisioned for myself before.”
What is your favorite memory from the year?
“My favorite memories this year have all come from my time at Camp Clements. Whether it was in the summer with members, or it was just our teammates hanging out, camp is an amazing experience. My favorite memory from this year is meeting so many members at camp and getting to hear their stories. Specifically, I enjoyed leading teams on the ropes course, participating in camp sports, and playing games in the administration building.”
What will you miss the most about being a TN FFA State Officer?
“The thing I will miss most about being a state officer will be some of those amazing times at Camp Clements. Whether it be conversing with members, or watching movies with my teammates, I will never forget the experiences I had at camp. I have met so many amazing people throughout the year and have seen them grow throughout the year. While I will miss serving in this position, I cannot wait to see next year’s team create their memories and leave their impact on Tennessee FFA.”
