Indiana proclaims FFA Week, hosts Page Day at the Statehouse

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 19, 2018) — Today, Governor Eric J. Holcomb issued a proclamation recognizing FFA Week in Indiana. FFA Week is a time when FFA chapters across the country share with local, state and national audiences what FFA is and the impact it has on members every day. All week long, Indiana’s 12,500+ FFA members will be participating in different events and activities, like FFA Page Day at the Statehouse, to raise awareness about the importance of agriculture, agricultural education and the student-led organization. “FFA is a unique organization that combines education with trade skills and leadership training, which helps students who participate be prepared for their futures,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “It is a pleasure to host and celebrate National FFA Week with these amazing students.” During FFA Page Day, more than 60 members of FFA were able to tour the Statehouse, learn about state government, and talk with their elected representatives and other statewide officials about the importance of agriculture education. This year, they were joined by National FFA Officer Piper Merritt of Oklahoma. Indiana FFA District V President Savannah Bordner said she enjoyed participating in the event and found it to be a unique, hands-on experience. “It’s been a great, fun-filled day at the Indiana Statehouse,” Bordner said. “I enjoyed being able to meet with and educate legislators on the importance of agricultural career and technical education in the classroom.” One of the highlights of the day was a joint resolution ceremony, led by State Senator Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) and State Representative Don Lehe (R-Brookston), honoring Indiana FFA and its record membership. Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler, a former state and national FFA officer, addressed members of the Indiana House of Representatives and discussed the impact FFA has in the state and to the future of agriculture. “FFA empowers our young people who, in turn, go out and enrich the lives others, and not just in Indiana, but around the nation and world,” Kettler said. “These students are the innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow and critical to the future of agriculture.” Visit www.inffa.org to learn more about Indiana FFA or www.ffa.org to learn more about National FFA Week. Group photo of the pages that participated in Indiana FFA Page Day at the Statehouse. From left to right (front row): Piper Merritt, National FFA Vice President; Emily Kilmer, Indiana FFA Secretary; Natalie Taylor, Indiana FFA Reporter; Claire Baney, Indiana FFA President; (back row) Owen Coon, Indiana FFA Northern Region Vice President; Grant Sanchez, Indiana FFA Sentinel; Cole Pearson, Indiana FFA Treasurer and Wyatt Law, Indiana FFA Southern Region Vice President. Indiana FFA state officers, along with National FFA Officer Piper Merritt, on FFA Page Day at the Statehouse. From left to right: Claire Baney, Indiana FFA President; Emily Kilmer, Indiana FFA Secretary; Natalie Taylor, Indiana FFA Reporter; Cole Pearson, Indiana FFA Treasurer, Grant Sanchez, Indiana FFA Sentinel; Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch; Wyatt Law, Indiana FFA Southern Region Vice President; Owen Coon, Indiana FFA Northern Region Vice President; Piper Merritt, National FFA Vice President and Bruce Kettler, ISDA Director. Indiana FFA state officers meeting with Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, and ISDA Director Bruce Kettler.