Opinion by Bryce McKenzie

Wyoming FFA Keeps Service in Mind
Bryce McKenzie, Wyoming FFA Association State President

    Recently I was asked what it means to be a Wyoming State FFA Officer and to describe some of my personal goals for the year. I am Bryce McKenzie, the 2012-2013 Wyoming FFA State President, and being a state officer is the highlight of my life so far. The truth is, state office is not about the title on our jackets or the chain, but is about service to the FFA, and more specifically, the Wyoming FFA Association. State office is a higher level of dedication to the FFA, and service through agriculture is the main point behind the office.
    Some of my goals this year are to get to know the members in Wyoming and across the nation and serve communities and the FFA. Even more so, I hope to stay Bryce McKenzie, and not let the title I was given determine where I go.
    However, I can’t write just about myself. Simply, state office is not just an individual experience – it is a team effort. My team of state officers is amongst the best young people across Wyoming, and I am honored to be a part of the team and the Wyoming FFA Association itself. Never before have I had such a bond with a group of people who I can rely on, and I know that the FFA can rely on us for great service as well.
    Wyoming FFA is in the top 10 percent of the nation’s FFA Associations, and the state officer team for this year has a goal to keep Wyoming’s 2,400 members in that margin, also hoping to make them even better.
    Another goal of ours is to keep service to each other, our communities and our nation in the forefronts of our minds. Since FFA is built upon agriculture and service, we plan to reach our goals through helping our communities within the state and making a difference in the lives we lead.
    Upcoming events for the state office team include the National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Ind. on Oct. 24-26. The Wyoming State Officer team will be traveling to Indianapolis to help support Wyoming’s members who are competing and to serve as delegates to bring new ideas to the national association.
    While in Indianapolis, we will be participating in the “Rally to Fight Hunger.” This is where service falls back into play, as we are not just affecting our nation through FFA, but also the world.  
    Visits to all the different chapters across the state are also right around the corner, coming up in December.
    We hope that everyone in Wyoming FFA is doing well this fall and getting prepared already for state convention in the spring. If anyone has questions for any of the state officers about community service, our travels or upcoming events, feel free to visit wyomingffa.org, contact us through email or give us a call. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and hope agriculture and service stay as the heart of Wyoming.