ECHS FFA Hosts National Officers: Keynote Speakers and Workshops Welcomed

ECHS FFA officers and members stand with National FFA officers at Edmonson Co. High School.

Darren Doyle, story: photos submitted:
Edmonson County High School's local FFA Chapter hosted the national officers of the FFA on Wednesday, February 2nd, in an event called the National Office Experience (NOE).

National FFA Officers, along with KY state and national FFA staff traveled across Kentucky this week where thy met with two schools per day.

The National Officers were elected at the National FFA Convention that occurred in October, 2021 in Indianapolis, and different officers are selected each year.

"The NOE allows the National Officers to practice giving speeches and workshops while touring our state," said ECHS FFA Advisor Matthew Lindsey. "Our school did not apply for this opportunity, we were offered this and agreed to host.  I don’t believe this has ever occurred at our school; it is not likely it will ever happen again. FFA members sometimes get to meet one National Officer, especially if we have one from our state, but very few FFA members ever get to meet all six National Officers.  This is a very rare opportunity."

ECHS FFA officers with National FFA Officers, L-R: Taylor Atwell, Dalton Curtis, Danyale Atwell, Jackson Sylvester, Cole Baerlocher, Josiah Cruikshank, Mallory White, Erik Robinson, Cortney Zimmerman, Evy Bolton, Morgan Vincent, Jonathan Vincent, Kay Belcher, Emma Sackett.

National & local FFA officers with everyone who contributed to the event at ECHS.

FFA National Secretary Jackson Sylvester from Lake Forest FFA in Delaware gave the keynote address in the ECHS auditorium. Afterwards, the group split up into classrooms for workshops led by the National Officers.

Erik Robinson, Southern Region Vice President teaches a workshop.

Mallory White, (center back) VP of Eastern Region, also from Union County, KY, teaches at a workshop.

Edmonson County High School FFA Chapter Officers are: Danyale Atwell, Morgan Vincent, Dalton Curtis, Taylor Atwell, Kay Belcher, Evy Bolton, Emma Sackett, and Jonathan Vincent.

Mr. Lindsey said the day was a positive experience for all those involved.

"Our students did a wonderful job of organizing and operating the activities," he said in a statment. "Our school’s administration and staff provided all the help and support we could ever ask for.  We had over 60 FFA members from other schools in our region who were excited to join us and were having fun while engaged in the workshops.  Having the National FFA Officers at our school gave our students an excellent opportunity to learn leadership skills.  We received numerous expressions of appreciation and compliments on our set up and operation of this event; I am confident we have represented Edmonson County in a positive light.  I am thankful we were able to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."