Madeline joined her school’s FFA chapter as a sophomore for the leadership and resume growth opportunities, but she became committed to the organization because of the incredible people involved in the agriculture industry. Her advisor’s enthusiasm and encouragement hooked her from the start and led her to apply for her first officer position. Since then, she has held multiple leadership positions across all levels of FFA and competed in Agricultural Issues Forum, Livestock Judging, and Extemporaneous Public Speaking, her personal favorite. FFA has taken Madeline on a journey of remarkable personal and professional growth as she has learned how to advocate for NC’s #1 industry, lead with compassion and confidence, and value the lives and stories of those around her. Madeline will earn a degree in history from UNC-CH and continue to share the importance of agriculture and FFA and the impact it’s had on her life.

 

When Hailey's journey in FFA began, she had no idea what my future held. All she knew was that she had a passion for helping others grow themselves and a love for animal agriculture. When she joined her FFA chapter, she had no idea that the organization and people within it would have such a tremendous impact on her life. Despite her sophomore year of high school being interrupted by Covid-19, she was able to experience the joys of FFA and the world of agriculture through participation in leadership events such as State Leadership Conference and MEGA. In her five years with this amazing organization as well as participation in conferences, CDEs like poultry judging, and so much more, she learned that FFA is her family. She finally felt a feeling of belonging, and found her future career that she is incredibly passionate about. She made the decision to run for an officer position within her chapter because she wanted to make a difference in her community and the lives of other student members. The same is true for her decision to run for a position on the NC FFA officer team, and she hopes that through her year of service, she can touch the lives of each FFA member across the state.

Sydney Whichard is from Kinston, North Carolina, and a recent graduate from the North Lenoir FFA Chapter. She began her FFA journey in 2017 at Woodington Middle School and served as an officer for the North Lenoir FFA chapter throughout high school. Sydney represented the Southeast FFA region for two years, recently retiring as regional president. She has competed in several Career Development Events and Leadership Development Events. This past year she placed first in the state for the Agriculture Education CDE. Over the past few years, she has put many hours into her Placement Nursery Operations Supervised Agricultural Experience, where she worked at Ivey’s Home and Garden. She handles several business areas, including maintaining inventory, repotting and propagating, creating purchase orders, social media marketing, and working closely with customers. This fall, Sydney will pursue her passion as a student in Agriculture Education at North Carolina State University with her hopes of becoming an agriculture teacher in the future.
 

Jaiden Strickland has been an avid FFA member since she joined the FFA in 2019. She has participated in many CDE’s including prepared public speaking, parliamentary procedure, forestry, vet science, livestock, land judging, marketing plan, farm business management, ag mechanics, and more. She has also been an officer at the chapter, federation and regional level. With the help of her 2022-2023 federation officer team she helped to start the annual Three Rivers Federation Leadership Conference. She enjoys spending time at her school, either in the barn or the greenhouse. When not doing FFA activities she loves spending time with family and friends and hanging out at the beach. Most of all Jaiden is excited to serve the North Carolina FFA Association this year.
 

Prior to entering high school Bryan wanted to prepare himself for a career outside of high school. However, he didn’t know where to start. Through exploring his school‘s clubs and organizations, he fell in love with The National FFA Organization. Although coming from a different background and speaking English as a second language provided its struggles, the development throughout FFA’s career and leadership development events allowed him to grow and that’s why this organization is dear to him. There is a cliche of what a certain FFA member looks like. However, this isn’t the case. Bryan Diaz has gone through this cliche and is now looking to promote what FFA really is about. FFA has allowed him to have a second family. Bryan Diaz is looking to attend the University of Mount Olive and major in agribusiness. After he attains his degree he has aspirations of becoming an Agricultural Sales Marketer.

 

Zelee joined FFA in 8th grade and only enrolled in an ag class because she didn't know what else to take. She participated in CDE’s and continued to compete and grow. When Zelee stepped into room 362 on the CTE hall in Crest High School she knew that she had found her place, a home, and a family within FFA. She loves watching others find their place, home, and family in FFA as well. Between meeting some of her best friends and making connections across the nation she hasn't regretted a single moment since she has joined this amazing organization. She has been very involved with FFA throughout her high school years and she is so excited to continue her involvement as a state officer.