FFA state officers learn leadership skills

Left to right are Crystal Mathews, Isaac Courson, Emily Henkelman, Corinne Ogle, Ben Blue, Irene Fry, Zac Chaves

Alaska’s FFA leaders gathered in Fairbanks June 3-6 for BLAST-off, an FFA program titled “Building Leaders and Strong Teams of Officers.”

Crystal Mathews, FFA facilitator from Carthage, Mo., led the intensive workshops, designed to prepare the students for the upcoming school year and all the FFA activities that will bring. This year’s officers are Isaac Courson of Palmer, reporter; Emily Henkelman of Homer, secretary; Corinne Ogle of Homer, president; Ben Blue of Homer, vice president; Irene Fry of Palmer, treasurer; Zac Chaves of Fairbanks, sentinel.

The training emphasized the core tenants of leadership, creating and using effective mission statements, making a great impression, communicating the FFA code of ethics, table manners, travel tips, appropriate use of technology, written communications, time management, building relationships, respecting diversity, conversational skills, and understanding agriculture.

Alaska has FFA chapters in Delta Junction, King Career Center, Kodiak, Palmer, Homer, Fairbanks, North Pole, and a collegiate chapter at UAF. FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.