Californians earn honors at national FFA convention

California student Lindsey Anderson, who grew up raising hogs on her family farm and attended Escalon High School, is among six students from across the U.S. chosen by their peers to help lead and shape the National FFA Organization as national officers in 2012-13. She was elected National FFA Western Region vice president at the conclusion of the 85th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis last week.

"My ultimate goal as a national FFA officer is to serve FFA and its members by being a role model that members choose to emulate," Anderson said. "I will connect with members and promote diversity throughout the nation. I will also encourage members to look outside the box and get involved in all facets of the National FFA Organization."

Anderson is a member of the Escalon High School FFA chapter. In high school, she held FFA titles including state vice president, sectional vice president, chapter president and chapter secretary. She earned a host of FFA awards, including an American FFA degree, a finalist for national Star of Agriscience award and a Star Chapter Greenhand award. She currently attends Modesto Junior College, studying agriculture business. Anderson is a member of the Modesto Junior College Young Farmers, Collegiate Agriculture Leaders and the Associated Students of Modesto Junior College. She is also a collegiate member of Farm Bureau and a Modesto Junior Agriculture ambassador.

Joining Anderson on the 2012-13 National FFA Officer team are: Clay Sapp of Florida, president; Kalie Hall of Georgia, secretary; Joenelle Futrell of Kentucky, Eastern Region vice president; Brennan Costello of Nebraska, Central Region vice president; and Wiley Bailey of Alabama, Southern Region vice president.

The National FFA Organization said the group will travel more than 100,000 miles across the country in the coming year, to engage top leaders in business, government and education. The national officers will lead personal growth and leadership training seminars for FFA members and will help set policies to guide the future of FFA and promote agricultural literacy.

Also during the convention, Kurt Parsons of the Porterville High School FFA Chapter was named the 2012 American Star in Agricultural Placement. He was one of four FFA members nationwide selected as an American Star in Agricultural Placement finalist after judging this past summer. Parsons will receive an award of $4,000.

"It feels amazing. I'm really happy to know that I've taken my project this far and that my project has ended on such a good note," Parsons said.

He attends Modesto Junior College, majoring in crop science. He also works for his family farming operation, Parsons and Sons Farming, which grows field crops including vegetable seeds, grains and hay.

The American Star in Agricultural Placement is one of the four awards that represent the highest honor FFA can bestow upon its members. The other American Star award categories are American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness and American Star in Agriscience.