State Officers

Wetumpka FFA Chapter

statesecretary@alabamaffa.org

Supervised Agricultural Experience

Throughout my experiences within the FFA, I have developed an Agricultural Mechanics SAE. Originally it was just an apprenticeship, but then developed into a five-year partnership with D&S Small Engines with my father and uncle. D&S Small Engines was developed in 2013, three years before I was of age to participate in agriculture classes at Wetumpka High School. Throughout my partnership with D&S Small Engines, I have developed a proficient knowledge in checking and adjusting armature air gap, adjusting/replacing carburetors, replacing pistons, piston rings, and connecting rods. These experiences in my SAE have allowed me to grow to teach these skills to others.

Career Development/Leadership/Talent Event(s):

My first CDE was Small Engines. My first year as a chapter officer I felt it was necessary that I set an example so that others would follow. I asked around and got 3 other FFA members to join our Small Engines team. Using the skills that I got from my placement SAE working up under my dad. I trained and passed down everything that I knew. Our first year we knew it was going to be hard, so the goal was to simplify just place in the top 10. In 2018 at Central District Eliminations we placed 1st we then would advance to state competition in placed 4th. As a first-year team we made a lot of mistakes and we had a chance to step back and reflect to see what we did wrong, and how can we fix it to go back and win state. I challenged my guys to follow through with the goals we set, and I told them to hold me accountable the same. The end results were that we placed 1st in district and we advanced to state competition and placed 1st!

Major FFA Accomplishments:

I think one of the biggest accomplishments that I have been a part of in FFA is helping to establish the Wetumpka FFA championship rodeo. The biggest benefits of the rodeo are that we are bringing together all the FFA and Agriscience students in Elmore County it gives these students a chance to help with rodeo and fund all of there chapter events from the proceeds from the rodeo. I think it helps other chapter because they are fundraising for their entire year in 2 nights, instead of fundraising throughout the year with all the extra time these chapters will have more time to focus on their Program of Activities.

Favorite Book:

My favorite book is The Watson go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis. I don’t want to spoil this book for you but highly recommend you read it. The entire time I was reading this book I was excited to turn the page to keep reading it. I recommend 10/10

Favorite Movie:

My favorite movies are A Walk to Remember (2002) and I Can Only Imagine (2018). I really enjoy these to movies because they are very similar, they teach lesson that it takes some people a lifetime to learn.

Favorite Meal:

Fried Chicken Tenders, Meaty Baked beans, Extra Cheesy Mac N’ Cheese, Peach Cobbler, and Sweet Tea

Favorite Quote:

“Life is not about how hard you can get hit, its about how hard you can get hit and still keep moving forward.”- Sylvester Stallone

Favorite Song:

My favorite song is Perfect by Ed Sheeran. I really enjoy listening to music I’m the type of person who enjoys listening to the words and not the rhythm of music.

Favorite thing about the FFA:

My favorite thing about the FFA would have to be all the options that you have. In CDE’S you have an entire list of them to pick from you could do something different each year until you find something that you like. Personally, I’m a guy who doesn’t come from a traditional agricultural background. I had no idea, nor did I expect FFA to have to have a place for a mechanic like myself. Another thing that I really enjoy about FFA is that I can do it Monday thru Friday. Other student organizations/clubs must make time after school or quickly do all the things they wanted to cover on Club meeting days for 30 minutes once a month. The last thing I really enjoy about the FFA is seeing all the blue jackets at National Convention and I feel like each time that a large group of FFA members put that jacket on it sends a message that the future is bright for us all.

Favorite FFA Memory:

My favorite FFA memory would have too be my senior year of high school attending the National FFA Convention. At first the circumstances were weird, but it all worked out in the end. It started when I realized the final ACT testing date was the Saturday we were supposed to travel back from convention. I really needed to take this ACT because it was crucial that I get a certain score to receive a sizable scholarship, so long story we decided to fly back a day later then everyone else. After we finished taking the test, we had enough time before our flight to go see President Trump speak about the wonderful things at the time he was doing for farmers. President Trump was the last sitting president to speak at the National FFA convention in 27 years since President George H.W Bush in 1991.

College Plans:

During my year of service, I plan to take classes two days a week at Central Alabama Community College, while taking 12 hours of college credit first and second semester, just enough for me to retain my scholarships The remaining days of the week will be fully dedicated to serving the Alabama FFA Association. Upon the completion of my term as a state officer, I would transfer to Auburn University and Major in Agricultural Education. I would then like to return to my hometown Wetumpka and continue my lifelong occupation to be spent as an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor so I can benefit the lives of students just as my FFA advisors have influenced me.