The 2022-23 State Officers have spent an entire year serving California FFA. Their service has enriched the lives of many members across the state as they served as ambassadors for agricultural education. During the conference, each officer has taken the stage to share their retiring address.
Session 2: Morgan Oliveira, State FFA Sentinel, gave her retiring address titled, “Teach Your Roots.” Oliveira told the story of her grandparents immigrating from the Azorean Islands and building a life in the United States based on passion and determination. “Share your roots, because you never know who needs to hear about them,” Oliveira said. “By sharing our stories to the people who surround us, we can change the way our stories are known.” WATCH
Session 3: State FFA Reporter Melanie Orozco presented her retiring address. Orozco described being fearful of state office once elected but later embracing the experience through the connections made with FFA members. She encouraged members to not let fear hold them back from being their authentic selves. “The only thing that stops courage is fear,” Orozco said. “What if instead of fear, we let courage take over? I challenge you to focus not on what you fear, but on what you have to gain.” WATCH
Session 4: Brian Kavanagh presented his retiring address, We > Me, and shared his experience of serving as the State FFA Treasurer for the past year. Kavanagh inspired members to find and create new ways to benefit those around us. “Investment looks and feels different for everyone,” Kavanagh said. “Without the people behind us, without the people who continually choose to invest in us, none of us would be here.” WATCH
Session 5: The session concluded with the retiring address of State FFA Secretary, Hunter Haslem. Haslem recalled her experience in the organization, starting with Durham FFA and the Superior Region before becoming a State FFA Officer. Haslem encouraged members to “show up” for others, just as so many did for her while serving in the blue jacket. “At the end of the day, the work you do in this jacket doesn’t stop here,” Haslem said. “You can leave an impact that lasts a lifetime.” WATCH
Session 6: Landon Hendricks, State FFA Vice President shared his retiring address, “The Next Step.” Hendricks described what the FFA organization taught him, despite thinking baseball was what his high school career would be consumed with. Hendricks encouraged members to dive right in despite the doubts or uncertainties they may have. “Whether we choose to get involved in a handful of things or just attend the monthly chapter meetings, we are choosing to get involved,” Hendricks said. “Be present in the conversations, make connections with those around you, and take the time to live in the moment.” COMING SOON
Closing Session: State FFA President, Abigale Jacobsen reflected on her year of service during her retiring address. Jacobsen spoke to the connections she made while serving as State President and reminded members that there’s more to FFA than the acolytes, but rather the memories and experiences made. “The small moments when others invest in us accumulate and fill us with hope and value,” Jacobsen said. “I want to be remembered as Abi Jacobsen, a kind individual who impacted those around me.” COMING SOON
