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

Baxter FFA Member Wins State FFA Prepared Public Speaking Contest

Mitch Baker of the Baxter FFA Chapter won first-place in the FFA Prepared Public Speaking Division during the 84^th Tennessee State FFA Convention on April 3.

The prepared public speaking CDE is designed to recognize outstanding FFA members for their ability to prepare and present a factual speech on a specific agricultural issue in a well thought out and logical manner in a competitive setting. Members prepare and deliver a six-to eight-minute speech from memory and respond to five minutes of questions. The event is just one way FFA members can develop their ability to communicate in a powerful, organized and professional manner.

Baker’s agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor is Steve York. Lee Todd, in honor of Horace Colvett and Sam Sparks, sponsored a cash award for expenses relating to participation in the national contest.

News Release- Prepared Public Speaking

State Officer Candidate Mitch Baker

Mitch Baker- Baxter FFA Chapter

“Why are all these people wearing blue jackets?” I remember asking myself that question as I attended the State FFA Convention with my dad as a small child. My dad is a former State Officer and often took my brother, sister and me with him to the FFA convention each year. I never stopped too long to think about what role these jackets would play in my future or what great opportunities would take shape in the form of this jacket. Little did I know, this organization would make a lasting impression on my life as I became involved in the FFA during my high school career. Serving as a State Officer for the Tennessee Association is the culmination of all I’ve invested throughout my FFA involvement.

As a state officer, I will have the opportunity to impact 13,000 FFA members across Tennessee. Achieving this rank is the accomplishment of one of my greats goals, and I’m excited to say I will serve this association and its members well. The leadership skills I’ve developed through my service as the president of my chapter and vice-president of my region will be put to great use in the coming year. My parents have also invested a great deal in me and I plan to rely on their words of wisdom as I help lead this association.

Many young adults aspire to change the world. 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. This is why I want to be a State Officer.