Visiting the White House is a unique experience for every person. But for Maryanna McClure, the newly elected western region vice president of the Tennessee FFA Association, her invitation to the nation’s capital was unlike any other.
Maryanna became the first winner of the National Agriscience Fair from Tennessee in 2011. This accomplishment landed her in the White House presenting her project to the President of the United States, congressmen and women and other national leaders.
“My blue corduroy jacket holds within its stitches the most memorable moments of my life,” McClure said. “At first, I thought FFA would just give me an opportunity to show livestock, but I have since learned that it is so much more.”
As a conclusion to the 84th Tennessee State FFA Convention in Gatlinburg, McClure was elected State FFA Vice President West for 2012-2013.
Joining McClure to serve as state FFA officers for 2012-2012 are Stephen McBride of the Coffee County FFA Chapter as state president, John Adam Turner of the Warren County FFA Chapter as state vice president-middle, Jessie Campbell of the Sweetwater FFA Chapter as state vice president- east, Mitch Baker of the Baxter FFA Chapter as state secretary, Grant Saum of the McNairy Central FFA Chapter as state treasurer, Christy Chicas of the Station Camp as state reporter and Hannah Dugger of the Johnson County FFA Chapter as state sentinel.
“Becoming a state officer gives me an opportunity to be an advocate for agriculture, use my experiences to serve and influence the members across the state and together realize that FFA can take you places,” McClure said.
McClure is currently a senior and plans to attend Tennessee Tech University and major in agricultural education and animal science. She is the daughter of Mickey and Pollyanna McClure and her agricultural education instructors and FFA advisors are Brett Butler , Chris Cummins and Jessica Smith. Farm Bureau Insurance sponsored the entire state officer selection process.
For the next year, McClure and her state officer peers will be the face and spirit of FFA. Collectively, they will travel thousands of miles throughout the state as they engage top leaders in business, government and education and lead a host of personal growth and leadership training seminars for FFA members. The team will also help set policies that will shape the future of the Tennessee FFA Association and promote agricultural literacy in general.
