Like many Americans, Christy Chicas, the newly elected reporter of the Tennessee FFA Association, grew up in an urban area with know prior knowledge of the FFA before entering high school.
Despite the fact that Christy had no plans to join FFA in high school, she gave is fair chance her freshman year by participating in career development events, community service projects and leadership conferences. With time, she developed a love and passion for agricultural education and the FFA.
“By the time state convention rolled around, I knew the FFA was so much more than just farming,” Chicas said. “I understood the important life skills and irreplaceable understanding of agriculture it instills in its members.”
As a conclusion to the 84th Tennessee State FFA Convention in Gatlinburg, Chicas was elected State FFA Reporter for 2012-2013.
Joining Chicas to serve as state FFA officers for 2012-2012 are Stephen McBride of the Coffee Country FFA Chapter as state president, Maryanna McClure of Dyersburg FFA Chapter as state vice president- west, 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 and Hannah Duggar of the Johnson Country FFA Chapter as state sentinel.
“FFA has helped me grow as a person and attain a passion for agriculture that even my own family has trouble understanding,” Chicas said. “It has made me aware of my fervor for serving. I want to help members realize their true potential, further the association and be a positive representative for the agriculture industry.”
Chicas is currently a senior and plans to attend the University of Tennessee- Martin and major in agricultural communications. She is the daughter of Sonia Arriaza and Carlos Chicas and her agricultural education instructors and FFA advisors are Allie Ellis and Brad Kirkham Farm Bureau Insurance sponsored the entire state officer selection process.
For the next year, Chicas 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.
