Becky Sullivan Named 2007-2008 National Secretary

National FFA Organization - October 27, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS - Becky Sullivan says that the greatest rewards of an FFA membership come from the varied, lifechanging experiences the organization has to offer. She can now add another lifechanging experience to her FFA resume. The Spring Hill High School FFA chapter member from Paola, Kan., was named the 2007-2008 National FFA Secretary today at the 80th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. She was among six individuals selected from a field of 40 to hold national office. She is the daughter of Ron and Judy Sullivan, and her advisor is Mike Strohschein.

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 an indepth application, detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the community, along with an essay detailing why they desire to be elected to the position. Once at the convention, candidates participate in five rounds of interviews, take an indepth 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.

A student at Kansas State University, Sullivan is a member of the Student Alumni Board and Quest Freshman Honorary. She also serves as a Kansas State Agriculture Ambassador.

As an FFA member, Sullivan bred rabbits for her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in small animal production and care. In 2004 and 2005 she served as her chapter president. During that time the chapter won its first two district offices, conducted three new fundraisers, took on numerous community service projects and gained a much improved reputation in the community.

"I have found the threads that create a successful student, employer and, most of all, a true leader. These threads are found zipped up in the traditional blue corduroy jacket of the FFA," she says. "As a national officer I will continue to live my dream of promoting agriculture and building relationships with future leaders in this great industry."