Sutherlin FFA

The 83rd Oregon FFA State Convention was just a regular convention for most of the FFA members from Sutherlin who attended. Workshops and competitions filled their schedules and the highlight of their day was session. But for one Sutherlin FFA member this convention was unlike any other. After two long days of numerous interviews and being isolated from all other FFA members, Adam Powell's hard work and determination paid off as he was elected as the 2011-2012 Oregon FFA State Vice President. Adam, far left,is the first State Officer from Sutherlin since Wes Crawford in 2001-2002. Adam wasn't the only Sutherlin FFA member being elected into an office. Jerry Risk was elected as the 2011-2012 Umpqua District President and Lana Chamberlain was elected Vice President.

Teams from Sutherlin also competed in Ag Marketing, Ag Youth Awareness, and Farm Business Management. Kaylee Terry, Alex Powell, and Lana Chamberlain created an eight page marketing plan and presented it along with a 15 minute PowerPoint to a panel of judges in the Ag Marketing Career Development Event. In the Ag Youth Awareness CDE, Juan Vazquez, Madi Powell, and Lana Chamberlain were interviewed about youth activities the Sutherlin FFA Chapter puts on such as Food For America and Farmers Friends that inform the youth about agriculture. Jerry Risk, Austin Powell, Jessica Warren, and Colleen O'Meara all competed in the Farm Business Management CDE by taking a 100 question test about running and managing a farm. The Marketing and Ag Youth Awareness teams bannered placing third and the FBM team placed fifth.

Colleen O'Meara presented her 8 minute speech in the State Prepared Public Speaking CDE and placed second out of a very tough playing field of speakers. Austin Powell, Jerry Risk, and Taylor Foley all received their District Proficiency Awards and competed for the State Proficiency in their areas but unfortunately all three fell short. Sutherlin's State Degree recipients were also recognized. They are Kasse Freeman, Taylor Foley, Ross Grauf, Roz Patrick, Alex Powell, and Jerry Risk.

State Convention is always a fun time for FFA members but it is also very rewarding. All the hard work that Sutherlin FFA members put in paid off as they were elected into leadership positions and awarded for their dedication to the organization. Sutherlin FFA is very proud of its members and looks forward to future success.