New FFA officers start leadership training at UAF

From left, FFA Blastoff facilitator Seth Heinert, FFA treasurer Lindsey Seneff of Homer, FFA secretary Darien Cooke of Palmer, FFA vice president Lydia Shumaker of Palmer, FFA President Kevin Rowe of Homer, and FFA state advisor Jeff Werner are pictured at UAF June 2.

Alaska FFA officers participating in leadership training at UAF June 2-4 paused briefly June 3 to participate via videoconferencing in the UA Board of Regents meeting. The regents, meeting in Anchorage, heard a presentation from Rachel Kenley, past Alaska FFA president and current national officer candidate.

Representing Alaska FFA, Kenley thanked the regents for supporting FFA and 4-H programs throughout the state. FFA is a K-12 outreach program of UAF School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences and 4-H is run by UAF Cooperative Extension Service. "You make a positive difference through agriculture education and growing a positive workforce for Alaska to feed, fuel, and finance our great state," Kenley said. She expressed gratitude to UAF for supporting natural resources education. "Because of the university, FFA and 4-H students are able to reach their goals in leadership and become prepared for career success," she said.

Kenley presented a plaque of appreciation to Dan Julius, UA vice president for academic affairs. "This is to remind you of the significance of the impact you've made," Kenley said.

"Not bad for a guy from New York City who never set foot on a farm," Julius quipped.

New state FFA officers in Fairbanks for leadership training with "Blastoff" facilitator Seth Heinert of Lincoln, Nebraska, watched the presentation from UAF. The students are launching their year as officers during this special event, in which they learn general leadership philosophies, leadership skills such as time management, creating a personal mission statement, and learning about diversity. "It's all about their personal growth," Heinert said. "They are learning they have the confidence to lead this state and they have specific skills to get that done."