Believe was the theme of the 84th Tennessee State FFA Convention held recently in Gatlinburg, and students from across the state took that theme to heart as they competed in state career development events, participated in state talent on stage, attended leadership development workshops and made memories to last a lifetime.
More than 3,000 students, advisors and guests attended the convention from Johnson to Shelby Counties and all in between to celebrate the accomplishments of the year and decide on state winners to represent Tennessee at the National FFA Convention in October. And at the last general session, a new slate of eight offciers were elected to represent Tennessee FFA over the next year.
President – Stephen McBride of the Coffee County FFA Chapter; Secretary – Mitch Baker of the Baxter FFA Chapter; East TN Vice President – Jessie Campbell of the Sweetwater FFA Chapter; Middle TN Vice President – John Adam Turner of the Warren County FFA Chapter; West TN Vice President – Maryanna McClure of the Dyersburg FFA Chapter; Treasurer – Grant Saum of the McNairy Central FFA Chapter; Reporter – Christy Chicas of the Station Camp FFA Chapter; and Sentinel – Hannah Dugger of the Johnson County FFA Chapter.
Simultaneously happening in Nashville was the state 4-H Congress, more than 400 4-Hers and volunteer leaders from across the state gathered to participate in state competitions and elect a new slate of officers for their organization. The theme here was Exceeding Expectations, and after learning In addition to experiencing life in the state capital, 4-H members learned about civic engagement, including things such as state government, service to others and the election process. Members served as a 4-H senator or representative and formed a “junior” state Congress. And several chose to run for office.
4-H Congress Governor – Claire Garrell from Marshall County; Speaker of the Senate – Aaron Wolters from Maury County; and Speaker of the House – Nick Baker from Putnam County.
