Wyoming FFA: 2021-22 state officers and contest winners announced during convention
The sea of blue and gold engulfed the city of Cheyenne as Wyoming FFA members returned for the 2021 Wyoming FFA State Convention help April 6-8. During this convention, the results of career development and leadership development competitive events, as well as the Champion Ag Teacher and Star Chapter and the 2021-22 State Officer team were announced.
The newly elected team to lead the Wyoming FFA for the next year consists of President Jonah Zeimens of Frontier FFA in Cheyenne, Vice President Kassidy Brookes of the Casper FFA, Second Vice President Katie Vigil of Star Valley FFA in Afton, Third Vice President Kylee Helm from Pinedale FFA, Secretary Raegen DeLancey of the High Plains FFA in Cheyenne, Treasurer Siobhan Lally from the Little Snake River FFA in Baggs, Reporter Skylar Tharp of the Chief Washakie FFA in Worland, Sentinel Shane Dawson of the Lander FFA and Parliamentarian Cambree Miller from the Lovell FFA.
From the team
The officers, selected my a nominating committee of FFA members and adult volunteers, will serve in the next year as advocates for the agriculture industry and promote agriculture education through workshops and events.
Vigil shared, “The FFA organization has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I am beyond excited to serve the organization that has given me so much. As the second vice president, it is my duty to see the organization is working efficiently and help in directing the work of the organization, and I hope to keep this promise and leave behind a memory I am proud of.”
Dawson, a 19-year-old freshman at Central Wyoming College who’s passion for the organization strengthened after a year of college, said, “There’s something about the Wyoming FFA one can’t just find anywhere else, and I think it’s because of the tight-knit community of the organization.”
“I am so excited to act as a mentor and leader for Wyoming FFA this year alongside eight other members whose love for this organization runs as deep as mine,” commented Tharp. “FFA was and still is the place where I feel most comfortable being myself and hope that through this year of service, I will be able to help other members feel good about who they are.”
Many of the newly elected officers noted their decision to run for the position was influenced by the impact previous state officers have had.
Convention returns
Retiring State FFA President Cameron Magee from Glenrock shared the thought of Wyoming FFA Convention was nearly a dream last June, when her state officer team sat down for the first time to examine what their year of service would include. Magee and her team were elected virtually, as gathering restrictions tightened and the event moved online.
“To be at the Archer Complex and putting on an in-person event, which many states were not able to do this spring, was absolutely amazing and a serious blessing to have come to fruition,” she said. “The sea of over 900 blue jackets brought my team to tears many times as we were so grateful and honored to be in the position we were.”
Wyoming FFA State Advisor said, “It made my heart happy this year to see the blue jackets doing what we do best – premier leadership, personal growth and career development. The last year and a half has given us time to truly appreciate the opportunities we are given and be thankful for support of agriculture education programs.”
Zeimens, the newly elected president, noted, “It was so amazing to have an in-person convention this year, and while it certainly wasn’t what we expected in a different facility and competing over an extended period of time, I am grateful for the experience. The incredible thing about the Wyoming FFA is we always find a way, even in the face of adversity.”
“This past year has taught us all how to count our blessings a little more than usual, and I am deeply thankful for the association, the board and everyone who made convention this year possible,” he added. “I am very humbled to be serving the great state of Wyoming and the members who proudly wear the blue and gold.”
Wyoming FFA champion teams
Livestock Evaluation – Snowy Range FFA, Laramie
Agricultural Sales – Snowy Range FFA, Laramie
Poultry Evaluation – Snowy Range FFA, Laramie
Junior High Poultry Evaluation – Thermopolis FFA
Marketing Plan – Shoshoni FFA
Horse Evaluation – Snowy Range FFA, Laramie
Junior High Horse Evaluation – Shoshoni FFA
Environmental and Natural Resources – Snowy Range FFA, Laramie
Farm Business Management – Wheatland FFA
Meat Evaluation and Technology – Casper FFA
Parliamentary Procedure – High Plains FFA, Cheyenne
Conduct of Chapter Meetings – High Plains FFA, Cheyenne
Agricultural Issues Forum – Thermopolis FFA
Prepared Public Speaking – Sarah Turner, High Plains FFA, Cheyenne
Extemporaneous Public Speaking – Jonah Zeimens – Frontier FFA, Cheyenne
Creed Speaking – Jhett West, John B. Kendrick FFA, Sheridan
Employment Skills – Katie Vigil, Star Valley FFA, Afton
Agronomy – Wheatland FFA
Veterinary Science – High Plains FFA, Cheyenne
Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems – Tongue River Valley FFA, Dayton
Greenhand Quizbowl – Riverton FFA
State Star in Agribusiness – MacLean Hellyer, Lander FFA
State Star in Ag Placement – Madison Lupher, Jim Bridger FFA, Mountain View
State Star Farmer – Hailey Wehri, Saddle & Sirloin FFA, Newcastle
Chapter of the Year – Frontier FFA, Cheyenne
Champion Ag Teacher – Damien Christensen, Shoshoni FFA
Proficiency Sweepstakes – Chief Washakie FFA, Worland
Leadership Sweepstakes – High Plains FFA, Cheyenne
Career Development Sweepstakes – Snowy Range FFA, Laramie
Averi Hales is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
