New State FFA officer team named

MADISON

It was the last event of the evening and the most anticipated of the three-day 87th Wisconsin FFA Convention.

A tight circle of state officer candidates vying for a coveted place on the team stood off to the side of the stage in the cavernous Exhibition Hall, waiting tensely, listening for their name to be called.

One by one, 2015-16 State FFA President Sally Albers announced ten names, with each one rushing joyously to the stage to join their fellow officers.

This year's slate of officers include: Rylee Black, Amery FFA, District 1, treasurer; Caleb Green, Stanley-Boyd FFA, District 2, vice president; Laura Munger, Holmen FFA, District 3, secretary; Kari Fischer, Argyle FFA, District 4, parliamentarian; Ciera Ballmer, Clinton FFA, District 5, vice president; Hannah Taylor, Poynette FFA, District 6, reporter; Ashley Zimmerman, Spencer FFA, District 7, vice president; Danielle Angotti, Freedom FFA, District 8, vice president; Sara Van Asten, Wrightstown FFA, District 9, vice president; and Travis Cadman, East Troy FFA, District 10, sentinel.

2015-16 State Parliamentarian Brenna Bays of Adams-Friendship FFA, was elected by her out-going officer team as the president of the 2016-17 State Officer Team during the last session of the convention. Bays is a 2015 graduate of Adams-Friendship High School and is attending the University of Platteville, majoring in Animal Science with a Dairy Emphasis.

Bays replaces Sally Albers of the Sauk Prairie FFA, who delivered an emotional speech about her late father who she likened to a super hero. Unfortunately, Brent Albers lost his battle to cancer in May 2011, just a little over a year after his diagnosis.

'...everyday I strive to dedicate myself to the people around me, and what I love to do as much as he always did. My dad's super power wasn't an ability to fly, or see through walls, but instead his super power was dedication,' Albers told fellow FFA members Thursday morning. 'But we need to use these powers. How are we going to make sure that those around us know that we are dedicated? How are we going to show them that they come first and that we are always willing to help? Will you choose to follow your dreams and find a career that you love like my dad?

But simply having (super powers)isn't enough, Albers continued. 'You have to be dedicated for yourself and those around you. You have to serve others so that together we can make a big impact. You have to support people, agriculture, and FFA. Wisconsin FFA, use your super powers, so that each and every one of you can be a hero!'