“Isn’t it interesting how sometimes the uniform we get isn’t the one we thought we wanted?” Josh asked his audience. “The most beautiful walk of my life happened because of the toughest walk of my life.” He said of walking out to compete in the Paralympic ski race in Turino, Italy.
That “toughest walk” he was referring to was the one he made in his sock feet down the cold hospital hallway on both of his legs for the last time at the age of only nine. Although he was offered a wheelchair he told the nurse, “I think I am going to walk.” It was at this point Josh knew he wanted to live his life to the fullest.
And he has done just that. Josh Sundquist writes books, speaks to all kinds of groups, works with charities such as the Children’s Miracle Network, and still finds time to go cow tipping on the weekends.
Something Josh doesn’t tell in his speeches is a story of how he has affected the lives of others.
Josh motivates people every single day, but he has been inspired by students as well. When asked what had been the most moving experience for him in his career he told a story of when he was just starting out. At this point Josh was speaking to mostly middle schools, usually for free, and said he was a “miserable” speaker. The fact that he viewed himself as a poor speaker at the time didn’t matter to a 13 year old girl who approached Josh after he had spoken. According to Josh she said,
“Hey, thanks to you and your speech I don’t need this anymore,” as she handed him a card. “She walks away and I look down at it and it was a suicide prevention card…That was pretty cool.” Josh said of the experience.
Pretty cool, indeed.
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225
Chase Rose Named 2009-2010 National FFA Central Region Vice President
INDIANAPOLIS – Some of Chase Rose’s fondest memories involve blue jackets – even when he was too young to wear one. The son of an agricultural education teacher, Rose happily tagged along with his father and the “big kids” to their FFA and livestock events. He knew, from an early age, that agriculture was going to play a huge role in his life. And on this day, at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., he has achieved the ultimate: For the next year, the Shields Valley High School FFA Chapter member from Clyde Park, Mont., will motivate and inspire more than 500,000 fellow FFA members as the 2009-2010 National FFA Central Region Vice President. He was among six individuals selected from a field of 39 to hold a national office. He is the son of James and Catherine, and his FFA advisor is his father.
Fulfilling his position will require traveling more than 100,000 miles; meeting top leaders in business, government and education; visiting approximately 40 states; and participating in an international experience tour to Japan. His responsibilities will include providing personal growth and leadership training for students, setting policies that shape the future of the organization and promoting agricultural literacy.
The national FFA officer selection process is intense and represents an assessment of years of academic and extracurricular accomplishments made by each student running for office. Nominees must first qualify on the state level to represent their particular state FFA associations. They then submit a thorough application, detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the community, along with an essay explaining their desire to be elected to national office. Once at the convention, candidates participate in five rounds of interviews, take an in-depth written test on the organization and agricultural education topics and complete two writing exercises.
A panel of nine state FFA officers comprises the nominating committee that proposes the slate of six officers for approval by the convention delegates.
Rose attends Montana State University in Bozeman, with a double major in agriculture
business and commercial aviation. While in high school, he was a member of the basketball and track teams, student council, served as his FFA chapter’s president and was president of his 4-H chapter. In 2008 he was elected president of the Montana FFA Association.
As a member of FFA, Rose stays active, participating in three supervised agricultural
experience (SAE) programs. He has raised market hogs, worked in pest control at an exclusive guest ranch, and designed a website and started an Internet sales division for Way Out West, a feed and Western wear store. Rose also has many FFA awards under his belt, including being named Montana’s Star in Agricultural Placement, first place in the state agricultural sales career
development event (CDE), second place in the state extemporaneous speaking CDE, and a host of others throughout his FFA career.
“I believe that I can have a significant impact as a national officer to continue to expand FFA on the national level and increase opportunities for each and every FFA member,” said Rose. “It is my goal that the more than 500,000 FFA members will be able to be proud of who they are when they graduate high school.”
The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education.
The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S.
Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.
###
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225
Alexandria Henry Named 2009-2010 National FFA Eastern Region Vice President
INDIANAPOLIS – Alex Henry is no stranger to hard work. In addition to being a college student with a 3.9 GPA, she also participates in FFA activities, is a member of several extracurricular activities and has an after-school job that keeps her busy. This expert multi-tasker can add one more role to her impressive list: National FFA Eastern Region Vice President. She was elected to that office today at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. This Alma High School FFA Chapter member from Elwell, Mich., was among six individuals selected from a field of 39 to hold a national office. She is the daughter of Burton and Cheryl, and her FFA advisor is her father.
Fulfilling her position will require traveling more than 100,000 miles; meeting top leaders in business, government and education; visiting approximately 40 states; and participating in an international experience tour to Japan. Her responsibilities will include providing personal growth and leadership training for students, setting policies that shape the future of the organization and promoting agricultural literacy.
The national FFA officer selection process is intense and represents an assessment of years of academic and extracurricular accomplishments made by each student running for office. Nominees must first qualify on the state level to represent their particular state FFA associations. They then submit a thorough application, detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the community, along with an essay explaining their desire to be elected to national office. Once at the convention, candidates participate in five rounds of interviews, take an in-depth written test on the organization and agricultural education topics and complete two writing exercises.
A panel of nine state FFA officers comprises the nominating committee that proposes the slate of six officers for approval by the convention delegates.
Henry attends Michigan State University in East Lansing, with a double major in agriculture communications and agriculture education. While at school, she is a member of Leaders in
Environmental and Agricultural Fields (LEAF), serves as the Vice President of External Relations on the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Student Senate and participates in her campus’
Relay For Life event. In 2007 she served as president of the Michigan FFA Association.
As a member of FFA, Henry has had a variety of supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs. She raised chickens, lambs and goats; worked in her school’s greenhouse; and had internships at The Dow Chemical Company and Michigan Farm Bureau. She also has an extensive list of awards and honors, including being named a state winner and national semi-finalist in the prepared public speaking and extemporaneous speaking career development events (CDE), a state winner in the agricultural communications CDE and being named a National FFA Risk Management Essay Contest winner.
“Being a national officer isn’t about me. It’s about the students who wear the blue and gold jackets,” said Henry. “My vision is to serve FFA members by helping them discover the courage and confidence to pursue dreams beyond their boundaries.”
The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education.
The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S.
Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.
###
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225
Levy Randolph Named 2009-2010 National FFA President
INDIANAPOLIS – When Levy Randolph moved to California after being stationed with his family in Japan for 10 years, he had never heard of FFA or agricultural education. But once he discovered the agriculture department at his high school and all of the opportunities it provided, he
enthusiastically dove in and hasn’t looked back. For the next year, the Hemet High School FFA Chapter member from Hemet, Calif., will motivate and inspire more than 500,000 fellow FFA members as the 2009-2010 National FFA President. He was elected to that office today at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. He was among six individuals selected from a field of 39 to hold a national office. He is the son of Levy and Judy, and his FFA advisor is Jody Baker.
Fulfilling his position will require traveling more than 100,000 miles; meeting top leaders in business, government and education; visiting approximately 40 states; and participating in an international experience tour to Japan. His responsibilities will include providing personal growth and leadership training for students, setting policies that shape the future of the organization and promoting agricultural literacy.
The national FFA officer selection process is intense and represents an assessment of years of academic and extracurricular accomplishments made by each student running for office. Nominees must first qualify on the state level to represent their particular state FFA associations. They then submit a thorough application, detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the community, along with an essay explaining their desire to be elected to national office. Once at the convention, candidates participate in five rounds of interviews, take an in-depth written test on the organization and agricultural education topics and complete two writing exercises.
A panel of nine state FFA officers comprises the nominating committee that proposes the slate of six officers for approval by the convention delegates.
Randolph attends Fresno State University in Fresno, Calif., with a major in agriculture business. While in high school, he was a member of the basketball and football teams, the school’s dance team, United Cultures Club, Multi-Cultural College Graduates Club and Associated Student Body. In 2008, just after graduation, Randolph was elected the California FFA Association’s state sentinel.
As a member of FFA, Randolph has had a variety of supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs. He has raised swine, poultry and beef, and he also managed his school’s garden and
worked at the San Diego County Agri-Fair building. This diversity in his projects taught him the basics of hard work, responsibility and the value of the industry of agriculture. Randolph has also won many public speaking contests at the chapter, state and regional levels.
“FFA gives you more than an education,” said Randolph. “It gives you the tools you need to succeed in life, including confidence, communication, ethics and hands-on learning experience that is second to none.”
The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education.
The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S.
Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.
###
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225
Bethany Bohnenblust Named 2009-2010 National FFA Secretary
INDIANAPOLIS – Bethany Bohnenblust believes that every FFA member has a story to tell about their experiences in FFA. She knows that investing time in another person’s story can be the
encouragement that person needs to write his or her FFA legacy. She is going to have the opportunity to hear many member stories in the coming year when she serves as the 2009-2010 National FFA Secretary. She was elected to that office today at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. This Labette County High School FFA Chapter member from Altamont, Kan., was among six individuals selected from a field of 39 to hold a national office. She is the daughter of Jeff and Dee, and her FFA advisors are Jeff Falkerstien, Dustin Wiley and Kyle Zwahlen.
Fulfilling her position will require traveling more than 100,000 miles; meeting top leaders in business, government and education; visiting approximately 40 states; and participating in an international experience tour to Japan. Her responsibilities will include providing personal growth and leadership training for students, setting policies that shape the future of the organization and promoting agricultural literacy.
The national FFA officer selection process is intense and represents an assessment of years of academic and extracurricular accomplishments made by each student running for office. Nominees must first qualify on the state level to represent their particular state FFA associations. They then submit a thorough application, detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the community, along with an essay explaining their desire to be elected to national office. Once at the convention, candidates participate in five rounds of interviews, take an in-depth written test on the organization and agricultural education topics and complete two writing exercises.
A panel of nine state FFA officers comprises the nominating committee that proposes the slate of six officers for approval by the convention delegates.
Bohnenblust attends Kansas State University in Manhattan, with a double major in agriculture communications and agriculture economics. While at school, she serves as an ag ambassador, is a member of the student alumni board, leads a Bible study group and is a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters. In 2007 she served as president of the Kansas FFA Association.
As a member of FFA, Bohnenblust has had several supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs. She has created a wildlife habitat on her family farm; raised sheep, rabbits, chickens and goats; and worked as a laborer and rental property co-manager for Bohnenblust Farms. She has also won many awards in her FFA career, including public speaking, agricultural sales and agronomy career development events – all of which she donated to a local children’s organization.
“I truly have a passion to serve others and to see them succeed, especially in the blue jacket,”
said Bohnenblust. “Serving as a national officer, I have the opportunity to not only hear other people’s stories and how they are adding to FFA, but I can help them discover the purpose that only they can accomplish.”
The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education.
The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S.
Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.
###
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225
Chelsea Doss Named 2009-2010 National FFA Southern Region Vice President
INDIANAPOLIS – Chelsea Doss isn’t a quitter. When she ran for national office in 2008 and came up empty-handed, she could have easily thrown in the towel and given up on her dream. But she didn’t. She held her head high, determined to work even harder to achieve this goal in 2009. Her perseverance paid off as she was named the 2009-2010 National FFA Southern Region Vice President today at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. This Eagleville High School FFA Chapter member from Christiana, Tenn., was among six individuals selected from a field of 39 to hold a national office. She is the daughter of Jeff and Beth, and her FFA advisors are Bruce Haley and Brian Lewis.
Fulfilling her position will require traveling more than 100,000 miles; meeting top leaders in business, government and education; visiting approximately 40 states; and participating in an international experience tour to Japan. Her responsibilities will include providing personal growth and leadership training for students, setting policies that shape the future of the organization and promoting agricultural literacy.
The national FFA officer selection process is intense and represents an assessment of years of academic and extracurricular accomplishments made by each student running for office. Nominees must first qualify on the state level to represent their particular state FFA associations. They then submit a thorough application, detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the community, along with an essay explaining their desire to be elected to national office. Once at the convention, candidates participate in five rounds of interviews, take an in-depth written test on the organization and agricultural education topics and complete two writing exercises.