(Madison County, NY – July 1, 2015) The Madison County Farm Bureau is committed to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders and is proud to announce that they have selected four deserving students as this year’s recipients of FFA Blue Jackets. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students across the country through education, personal growth, leadership and skill development. The Blue Jacket is more than just an article of clothing; it represents faith, honor and pride.
“To be able to provide these kids with their own Blue Jacket is very rewarding,” said Madison County Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Chair Johanna Bossard. “They have worked so hard and are making a positive difference in their chapters and in their communities. I know each of them will wear the jacket with integrity.”
This year’s recipients are:
John Coleman -Madison FFA -proudly wears his own FFA Blue Jacket awarded to him by the Madison County Farm Bureau.
John Coleman is in 7th grade and is a member of the Madison FFA Chapter. Since he joined in 2014, he has taken part in as many events as possible and has developed a varied set of skills and interests. The highlight has been participating in the Junior High People in Agriculture Contest where he placed first in both Districts and Sub-States. He is motivated to use his FFA involvement to help people in his community and hopes to take on leadership roles in the future. John believes his own Blue Jacket will allow him to serve as a role model for younger students.
Dakota Carpenter -DeRuyter FFA- (middle) was presented with his Blue Jacket by Madison County Board members Greg (left) and Bailey Coon (right).
Dakota Carpenter is a 9th grader with the DeRuyter FFA Chapter. For two years prior to joining FFA, he has played a large role within the program. He volunteered his time to take part in various activities and now that he is an official member, he is truly invested in the organization. He is looking to take on more involvement and increase his participation on the local and state level with hopes of attending the National FFA Convention by his junior year. He has been described as very kind, hardworking, extremely dedicated and deserving of his own Blue Jacket.
Kailyn Roe – Hamilton FFA- (pictured left) and Madison County Farm Bureau Board member Rebecca Gottlieb (right )after receiving her Blue Jacket.
Kailyn Roe is a member of the Hamilton FFA Chapter. She is in 9th grade and her involvement with FFA has taught her to step out of her comfort zone while gaining leadership and problem solving skills. She is very active and is enthusiastic about everything agriculture. She prides herself on being able to putwhat she has learned to use in her everyday life. For Kailyn, having her own Blue Jacket is an honor and she will wear it with confidence and true dedication.
Ryan Wilson – Stockbridge Valley FFA- (pictured left) receives his Blue Jacket from New York Farm Bureau Area Field Filed Supervisor John Wagner (right).
Ryan Wilson, a 10th grader with the Stockbridge Valley FFA, has made a conscious effort to become more involved with his chapter this year. He not only reached the goals he set for himself, but went above and beyond. He participated in numerous chapter events, attended the 360 Conference, competed in Job Interview at Districts and was a member of the 3rd place State Parliamentary Procedure team. Ryan will proudly wear his Blue Jacket as he serves as his chapter’s Student Advisor next year.