4 minute read
FFA Sentinel
INTRODUCING THE ALABAMA FFA'S 2022 NATIONAL OFFICER CANDIDATE: WILL AYCOCK
While learning the FFA Creed in eighth grade, I never pondered on the fact that I would be 20 years old and still grasping the concepts which E.M. Tiffany penned so many years ago. I recall the first time I recited the FFA Creed to my peers in our first-period Agriscience Education class at just past seven-thirty, one morning. Beyond the fact that most of us were half asleep, I questioned what exactly the words of this creed meant yet felt right at home in my blue corduroy jacket. The fact is that through the encounters
Through the time invested in my Supervised Agricultural Experience project, I have gained a love for the production agriculture and veterinary medicine industries. With the support and interests of my parents, I have been able to market purebred and commercial swine for students to exhibit in Alabama. Pictured is the election of the 2019 - 2022 State FFA Officer Team (as seen left to right Garrett Springs, Ka’Shiya Mckinney, Megan Woodall, Terrance Crayton, Alyssa Glover, Will Aycock)
of my time in the National FFA Organization, I have arrived at an understanding of such. Now not all these experiences have been the most pleasant; however, they all present an opportunity. What I have found is that Mr. Tiffany portrays a passion found in the lifestyle that we farmers and agriculturists choose to live. During my time as a member of the National FFA Organization, I have found that with passion and a chance for the opportunity, the sky is the limit. As the saying goes, “I believe that the best sermons are not preached but rather lived.” During my senior year of high school, I was honored to serve as the Alabama FFA Association’s State President. Throughout the course of the 2019-2020 school year, I was able to travel and visit
over 40 FFA chapters across our great state. The core theme of my workshops revolved around that aspect of what we are passionate about and what opportunities are available. As we would begin to dive deeper into our time of interactions, I noticed one thing. Every FFA member wrote what they were passionate about as something that pertains to our organization. I would agree that is a plus in my book; however, our goal is to develop leaders through agricultural education, not just FFA members. What I have found is that when we identify what we are passionate about, we are able to apply it to the opportunities in our life. I will be very transparent when I say that my passion has transitioned over the years, and I have found a love for simply serving those around me.
I began to write this article with a focus on my background and experiences, but I find the lessons I have gained from the National FFA Organization deserve the spotlight. From competing in events such as extemporaneous public speaking to being named State FFA Star Farmer, or even traveling to Spain as a State FFA Officer, I have learned countless lessons and found my purpose in the blue jacket. This is one of the many reasons why I am thankful and excited to represent the Alabama FFA Association as our 2022 National FFA Officer Candidate. As I begin my preparations for the selection process at the 95th Annual National FFA Convention and Expo, I would like to say thank you to all those who have supported me along the way. No words can truly emphasize my eagerness to see where this journey leads, so once again thank you to everyone who has influenced and contributed!
As a part of the National FFA Organization’s “International Leadership Seminar for State Officers," nearly fifty state FFA officers from across the United States were able to visit Spain and Portugal. I was blessed to be one of those fifty and was immersed in the culture and industries of these two beautiful countries. As a freshman in high school, I was able to compete in the FFA Creed Speaking event, placing first in the district contest and second in the state. Pictured is Mr. Whisenant, my middle school FFA advisor.
During the Alabama State Department of Education’s 2020 Joint Development
Leadership Conference, I was able to present to students about the economic and nutritional impact of beef in the state of Alabama. This presentation was in conjunction with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and Auburn University’s Department of Animal Science.
