Coffee County FFA Member Stephen McBride named State FFA President for 2012-2013

Less than 2 percent of Americans live and work on a farm today. This has caused a severe disconnect between producers and consumers. This cause has struck the heart of Stephen McBride, the newly elected president of the Tennessee FFA Association.
McBride grew up on a sheep and cattle farm in Jackson, Tenn. with his parents and brothers. However, right before he entered high school hi family moved to a subdivision in town, changing their location and perspective.

“I understood then how easy it is to be oblivious about agriculture,” McBride said. “With the majority of our nation removed from the farm, I have made it my goal to inform those around me about the importance of agriculture in their lives.”
As a conclusion to the 84th Tennessee State FFA Convention in Gatlinburg, McBride was elected State FFA President for 2012-2013.

Joining McBride to serve as state FFA officers for 2012-2012 are Maryanna McClure of the Dyersburg FFA Chapter as state vice president-west, Josh 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 McNairy Central FFA Chapter as state treasurer, Christy Chicas of the Station Camp FFA Chapter as state reporter and Hannah Dugger of Johnson County FFA Chapter as state sentinel.

“I want to serve this year to encourage and motivate members to finish their race,” McBride said. “As Mr. Kenneth K. Mitchell would say ‘We have a past to uphold, and a future to mold’.”

McBride is currently a senior and plans to attend the University of Tennessee- Martin and major in agricultural communications. He is the son of Mark and Carol McBride and his agricultural education instructors and FFA advisors are Christine Brown and Adam WIllmore. Farm Bureau Insurance sponsored the entire state officer selection process.
For the next year, McBride 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.

News Release- State President

Warren County FFA Member John Adam Turner named State FFA Vice President- Middle for 2012-2013

John Adam Turner, the newly elected middle region vice president of the Tennessee FFA Association, knows the reality of the words of E.M. Tiffany wrote when composing the FFA Creed.

John Adam’s family has been involved in farming for a long time and being able to grow up on a farm has helped him understand “the joys and discomforts of an agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which even in the hours of discouragement he cannot deny.”

“I have felt the joys and discomforts of the agriculture and love to be a voice for Tennessee FFA,” Turner said.

As a conclusion to the 84th Tennessee State FFA Convention in Gatlinburg, Turner was elected State FFA Vice President Middle for 2012-2013.

Joining Turner to serve as state FFA officers for 2012-2012 are Stephen McBride of the Coffee County FFA Chapter as state president, Maryanna McClure of the Dyersburg FFA Chapter as state vice president-west, 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 FFA Chapter as state treasurer, Christy Chicas of the Station Camp FFA Chapter as state reporter and Hannah Dugger of the Johnson County FFA Chapter as state sentinel.

“As a state FFA officer, I will have the opportunity to show others how important they are to agriculture in Tennessee and how to develop their potential for success in their future,” Turner said.

Turner is currently a senior and plans to attend Tennessee Tech University and major in agricultural business. He is the son of John and Terri Turner and his agricultural education instructors and FFA advisors are Shannon Ford, Kim Miller, Danielle Smith and David Upton. Farm Bureau Insurance sponsored the entire state officer selection process.
For the next year, Turner 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.

News Release- Middle Region Vice President

Sweetwater FFA Member Jessie Campbell named State FFA Vice President- East for 2012-2013

Marrying the world of athletics and agriculture is a dream of Jessie Campbell. This passion and determination contributed to Jessie’s recent election as the eastern region vice president of the Tennessee FFA Association.

Her devotion to the FFA and agricultural industry is unlike any in her family. Jessie’s mother was raised in Miami and her father in Knoxville, with limited exposure to traditional agriculture. Despite no family background in agriculture, Jessie has grown to love agriculture and sharing the truth about agriculture with her family and everyone else they meet.

“I consider myself the black sheep in my family,” Campbell jokes. “But it is the perfect dynamic for me. I love agriculture and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

As a conclusion to the 84th Tennessee State FFA Convention in Gatlinburg, Campbell was elected State FFA Vice President East for 2012-2013.

Joining Campbell to serve as state FFA officers for 2012-2012 are Steven McBride of the Coffee Country FFA Chapter as state president, Maryanna McClure of the Dyersburg FFA Chapter as state vice president-west, John Adam Turner of the Warren Country FFA Chapter as state vice president- middle, Mitch Baker of the Baxter FFA Chapter as state secretary, Grant Saum of McNairy Central FFA Chapter as state treasurer, Christy Chicas of the Station Camp FFA Chapter as state reporter and Hannah Dugger of the Johnson Country FFA Chapter as state sentinel.

“As a state officer, I will strive to influence other agriculturalist in growing by providing them with an example of how they can find out their passion and make a difference not only in their school, but also in their community and state,” Campbell said.
Campbell is currently a senior and plans to attend the University of Tennesse- Knoxville and major in plant science. She is the daughter of Janet and Benny Fox and her agricultural education instructors and FFA advisors are Kathryn Ingram and Don Layman. Farm Bureau Insurance sponsored the entire state officer selection process.

For the next year, Campbell 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.

News Release- Eastern Region State Vice President

Dyersburg FFA Member Maryanna McClure named State FFA Vice President- West for 2012-2013

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.

News Release- Western Region Vice President

Baxter FFA Member Mitch Baker named State FFA Secretary for 2012-2013

Mitch Baker, the newly elected secretary of the Tennessee FFA Association, has always tried to hold himself to the ideal that the greatest risks in life are the ones worth taking.

Growing up, Baker attended numerous state conventions before he began his FFA career. While he never stopped long to think about what role all these blue jackets he saw would play in his future and the opportunities that would take shape in his very own jacket; however, he is certainly aware o them now. He hopes to use the leadership skills he has developed to serve as a Tennessee State FFA Officer.

“My parents have always invested a great deal in me and I plan to rely on their words of wisdom as I help lead this association,” Baker said.

As a conclusion to the 84th Tennessee State FFA Convention in Gatlinburg, Baker was elected State FFA Secretary for 2012-2013.

Joining Baker to serve as state FFA officers for 2012-2012 are Stephen McBride of the Coffee County FFA Chapter as state president, Maryanna McClure of the 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, Grant Saum of the McNairy Central FFA Chapter as state treasurer, Christy Chicas of the Station Camp FFA Chapter as state reporter and Hannah Dugger of the Johnson County FFA Chapter as state sentinel.

“Many young people aspire to change the world,” Baker said. “As one of them, I understand that changing the world begins by making a difference one life at a time. This is an ideal that I hold close to me constantly.”

Baker is currently a senior and plans to attend Tennessee Tech University and major in agricultural communications. He is the son of Phillip and Chris Baker and his agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor is Steve York. Farm Bureau Insurance sponsored the entire state officer selection process.

For the next year, Baker 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.

News Release- Secretary

McNairy Central FFA Member Grant Saum named State FFA Treasurer for 2012-2013

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.

News Release- Treasurer

Station Camp FFA Member Christy Chicas named State FFA Reporter for 2012-2013

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.

News Release- Reporter

“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.

Johnson County FFA Member Hannah Dugger named State FFA Sentinel for 2012-2013

Inspiration can come in many forms, including a conversation with a Norwegian customer randomly. This encounter has shaped Hannah Dugger’s, the newly elected sentinel of the Tennessee FFA Association, opinion on diversity.

B.J. was a retired worker for the Norwegian Cruise Line where he worked for 43 years as an electrician and fleet supervisor. Furthermore, he has been one of only 200,000 people to ever set foot on the continent of Antarctica.

“As I talked to B.J., the word ‘diversity’ instantly took on a new meaning,” Dugger said. “Diversity is not just a difference in look or ethnicity. Diversity is a difference in stories, a difference in experiences and a difference in the way we live life.”
As a conclusion to the 84th Tennessee State FFA Convention in Gatlinburg, Dugger was elected State FFA Sentinel for 2012-2013.

Joining Dugger to serve as state FFA officers for 2012-2012 are Stephen McBride of the Coffee Country FFA Chapter as state president, Maryanna McClure of the Duersburg 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 FFA Chapter as state treasurer and Christy Chicas of the Station Camp FFA Chapter as state reporter.

“I hope to inspire other FFA members this year to never, never, never quit,” Dugger said. “There are so many things in life we don’t accomplish because we give up on them. But, I want members to know everything is attainable if they just keep trying.”
Dugger is currently a senior and plans to attend the University of Tennessee- Knoxville and major in agricultural education and political science. She is the daughter of Tracey and Julies Dugger and her agricultural education instructors and FFA advisors are Thomas Boyd, Harvey Burniston, Jr., Tracy Dugger and Kenneth McQueen. Farm Bureau Insurance sponsored the entire state officer selection process.

For the next year, Dugger 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.
News Release- Sentinel

Meet the 2012 Tenn. State Farmer

Grant Saum of the McNairy Central FFA Chapter earned top honors at the 84th Tennessee State FFA Convention was selected as the State Star Farmers on April 3.

The State Star Farmer is one of the highest honors given by the Tennessee FFA. Saum’s supervised agricultural experience, or SAE, was rated the best production agriculture program in the state. The Star Farmer award is one of the oldest and most cherished honors that an FFA member can receive. This honor has been bestowed on the one who is considered the best in developing a program that will enable the member to be a successful farmer.

The McNairy Central FFA member’s agricultural education instructors and FFA advisor’s are Rod Barnes and Ben Dodd.

News Release- Star Farmer

Wilson Central Wins State Agricultural Communications Contest

Members of the Wilson Central FFA Chapter won first–place in the Tennessee Association FFA Agricultural Communications Career Development Event during the 84^th Tennessee State FFA Convention on April 4.

This team will represent Tennessee in the National Agricultural Communications Career Development Event at the National FFA Convention in October. The Wilson Central agricultural education instructors and FFA advisors are Pam Walker, Benny Jo McDonald and Sarah Kleihauer.

The agricultural communications career development event consists of a communications quiz and editing exercise, followed by each team member completing one of the following four practicum areas: news writing, press release writing, broadcasting or graphic design.

The Citizens Tri-County Bank of Dunlap in honor of Flavius Barker sponsored a cash award to the team for expenses relating to participation in the national contest.

News Release- Ag Communications Contest