As a big brother an 8-year-old little boy, Grant Saum, the newly elected treasurer of the Tennessee FFA Association, has always had to be aware of his every word, move and action.
Growing up, little brother Parker Saum, followed around Grant in his hip pocket. Always wanting to do the things he did and copying his every action. This has prepared Grant for his new role in the FFA where he will be inspiring the 13,000 members as he has done with this little brother.
“I’ve always tried to be a role model for my younger brother,” Saum said. “But then I joined the FFA and realized it didn’t end there. We are all role models for one another in every aspect of our lives. We should be aware of how our words and actions affect and are reflected by others.”
As a conclusion to the 84th Tennessee State FFA Convention in Gatlinburg, Saum was elected State FFA Treasurer for 2012-2013.
Joining Saum to serve as state FFA officers for 2012-2012 are Stephen McBride of the Coffee as state president, Maryann McClure of the Dyersburg as state vice president- west, John Adam Turner of the Warren Country 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, Christy Chicas of the Station Camp FFA Chapter as state reporter and Hannah Dugger of the Johnson County FFA Chapter as state sentinel.
“This year, I hope to get to know member on a personal level,” Saum said. “My mission is to help others figure out how to be themselves and not compromising their beliefs or values or interests.”
Saum is currently a senior and plans to attend the University of Tennessee- Marin and major in animal science. He is the son of Keith and Cheryl Saum and his agricultural education instructors and FFA advisors are Rod Barnes and Cheryl Saum. Farm Bureau Insurance sponsored the entire state officer selection process.
For the next year, Saum and his 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.
