Tracy Dye
Coolville, Ohio
Morehead State University
Tracy Dye has been actively involved in the Federal Hocking FFA chapter
throughout her high school career and plans to pursue a degree in
agricultural education at Morehead State University this fall.
Dye has taken advantage of the multitude of leadership activities
that the FFA has to offer. She has participated in such events as
the Made for Excellence conference (MFE), the district COLT conference
and National Convention. Dye has held leadership positions in the
Federal Hocking FFA chapter for the past three years, serving as the
community development chairman and treasurer.
Outside of her involvement in the FFA, Dye finds time to work with
the Boots ‘N’ Saddles 4-H club and the Buckeye livestock
club. She was inducted into the National Honors Society last year.
Dye also works with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. She is also
an athlete, competing in volleyball and track. Finally, Dye is a member
of the Ohio High School Rodeo Association and has served as the 2005-2006
Rodeo Queen at the National High School Finals Rodeo in Gillette,
Wyoming. She was recently elected as one of the 2006 Wrangler All-Star
team captains for Ohio.
Influenced by her FFA advisors, Dye made the decision to pursue a
career in education. “A career in agricultural education could
combine my love for animals through animal sciences, my passion for
building through metal fabrications and wood working and most importantly,
my desire to continue to be a part of the FFA organization,”
said Dye. Through her role as an agricultural instructor and FFA advisor,
Dye will be able to help future students become more equipped for
life through their involvement in CDE’s and SAE’s.
Back To Top
Rebecca Funk
Big Pond, Maryland
West Virginia University
Rebecca Funk has been actively involved in the Clear Spring High
School FFA chapter throughout her high school career and plans to
pursue a degree in agricultural education at West Virginia University
this fall.
Funk has held leadership roles in her FFA chapter for the past two
years and spent her senior year serving as the chapter reporter. She
is responsible for organizing both the chapter newsletter and scrapbook,
as well as sending out information regarding upcoming events and the
history of the chapter. Funk chairs multiple committees throughout
the year and also assists with fundraising efforts.
Outside of FFA, Funk is actively involved in student government and
has served as president throughout her senior year. Funk’s creativeness
was fed through her involvement in show choir where she has served
on the choir dance committee. She has also completed an array of community
service projects over the past four years. Funk is a volunteer for
the American Red Cross, a Sunday school teacher at Catalpa United
Methodist Church, and is also a volunteer for the agricultural department.
One other exciting program that Funk has participated in is Maryland
Department of Natural Resources Careers Week Program, in which she
works with kids from every county in Maryland and inner city Baltimore,
teaching them about careers and opportunities available in agriculture
and natural resources.
After watching her older sister develop through the local FFA program,
Funk knew that she wanted to become involved. This involvement in
the FFA developed into a passion for the program and fostered her
interest in following this career path. “If I can make the difference
in someone’s life that my agriculture teachers have made in
mine then I know I will live a fulfilling life. Agriculture education
is just my ideal occupation because it combines the two things that
I really love; working with children and agriculture,” said
Funk.
Back To Top
Ashley Harshbarger
Mifflintown, PA
Pennsylvania State University
Ashley Harshbarger has been actively involved in the Juniata FFA
chapter throughout her high school career and plans to pursue a degree
in agricultural education at Pennsylvania State University this fall.
Harshbarger’s role in the Juniata FFA chapter has been tremendous
throughout the past four years. She has served as the historian and
secretary for the chapter, alongside her work on the apparel and student
development committee. Harshbarger has attended both state and national
FFA conventions over the past four years. She has attended conferences
such as the Agricultural Cooperation Establishes Success (ACES) and
State Legislative Leadership Conferences (SLLC). Involvement in the
FFA has paved the way for development of skills, participation in
events and community involvement and service.
Aside from the FFA, Harshbarger is involved in the Juniata County
4-H Dairy Club where she has served as vice-president and president.
She is also a member of the National Honor Society, is the Juniata
County Alternate dairy princess, and is a member of the Juniata County
Dairy Bowl team. Harshbarger has also been actively involved with
other school activities such as marching and concert band, as well
as field hockey.
Harshbarger has grown up in agriculture and understands the multitude
of opportunities that are offered. “Because of these opportunities
and my love and passion for the industry, I aspire to become an agriculture
educator and FFA Advisor,” said Harshbarger. “I want to
teach agriculture because today many people do not know where their
food originates from. Most students think agriculture is just farming,
but today, agriculture involves many different components such as
landscaping, aquaculture, animal science, and veterinarians.”
Back To Top
Kimberly Ann Henderson
Enterprise, AL
Auburn University
Kimberly Ann Henderson has been actively involved in the Enterprise
FFA chapter throughout her high school career and plans to pursue
a degree in agricultural education at Auburn University this fall.
Henderson’s involvement in FFA is not only on the local level,
but the state level as well. During her senior year, Henderson has
served as the Alabama FFA Association Sentinel and the President of
the Enterprise FFA chapter. She has been actively involved in a multitude
of FFA activities ranging from public speaking competitions, to livestock
judging and leadership conferences.
Alongside her efforts in FFA, Henderson has been actively involved
in other areas of the community. She has served as a member of student
government, the Coffee County Youth Leadership Program, the Big Blue
Marching Band Dance Line, and the Chautauqua Girls Club. She is actively
involved in the First United Methodist Church youth group and softball
team. Henderson volunteers her time for such things as the American
Cancer Society Relay for Life, Banana Bingo at the Enterprise Nursing
Home, in local recycling programs and as a lifeguard and swim instructor
for the YMCA. Finally, she has participated in numerous pageants.
When asked why she wants to teach agriculture, Henderson replied,
“Henry Adams once said, ‘A teacher affects eternity: he
can never tell where his influence stops.’ What an amazing responsibility
and opportunity to touch new lives everyday through teaching agriculture
education.” This passion for influencing the lives of students
will serve Henderson well in her future as an agricultural educator.
“I fee I have been called to serve students through teaching
agriculture education. By being an agriculture teacher, I will also
have the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the National FFA Organization
fore the rest of my life,” emphasized Henderson.
Back To Top
Felicia Quaintance
Rockford, Ohio
Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute
Felicia Quaintance has played an iatrical role in the Parkway FFA
Chapter over the past four years. This involvement has encouraged
her to pursue a degree in Agricultural Education from The Ohio State
University Agricultural Technical Institute this fall.
Quaintance has held the role of chapter treasurer for two years,
along with that of secretary. She has competed on the state parliamentary
procedure team, soil judging team, in public speaking contests, dairy
handling, grain merchandising, and in farm business management. Quaintance
has attended State and National FFA Conventions, the Washington Leadership
Conference, Made for Excellence, Leadership Nights, and has worked
with the PALS mentor program.
Though Quaintance has been extremely active in FFA, she has found
time to participate in many other extra-curricular activities. She
was a member of the Parkway A.M. News Crew as a newscaster, has been
involved with the science club, band, student council, drama club,
pep club, and has been an active 4-H member and camp counselor.
Quaintance’s passion for teaching and roots in agriculture
has compelled her to pursue a career as an agricultural educator.
Though she often questioned what she wanted to teach, Quaintance’s
love for working on the farm and desire to remain in the agricultural
industry ultimately made the decision for her. “I hope one day
to be an ag teacher so I can inspire future students about agriculture,
just as I have been inspired by those before me,” emphasizes
Quaintance.
Back To Top
Noelle E. Rist
Hartford, SD
South Dakota State University
Influenced by her time spend as an agriculture student, Noelle Rist
has chosen to pursue a degree in Agricultural Education at South Dakota
State University. She is currently a member of the West Central FFA
Chapter in Hartford, South Dakota.
Rist has held the role of chapter reporter, vice-president and president
throughout high school. She has been actively involved on the district
level as well, holding the office of both reporter and president.
Rist has been a national finalist in fruit production and was awarded
the Agri-Entrepreneurship Award.
Outside of FFA, Rist is involved in the National Honor Society, Student
Council, Girls State Citizen, cheerleading, gymnastics, honor chorus,
junior prom, and volunteers as a tutor. Rist is also an active member
of 4-H, the First Lutheran Church, the American Red Cross, and works
with the Trojan Reading Bowl.
Rist’s love of agriculture and passion for the FFA has fueled
her dream to be an agricultural educator. “Agriculture teachers
are allowed to teach several different classes throughout the day,
unlike core class teachers who teach the same class seven times. This
constant change would require me to be on my toes all day long. I
find this kind of work exhilarating, addictive, and rewarding,”
emphasizes Rist.
Back To Top
Mark R. Smith
Earlville, IL
University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana
Smith’s passion for agriculture and strong role models in the
Serena FFA Chapter has encouraged him to pursue a degree in Agricultural
Education from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana campus.
Smith has participated in numerous FFA events, ranging from ag mechanics
to the FFA state and national band. He has held offices leadership
roles in his local chapter and had competed in the areas of public
speaking, parliamentary procedure, and the farm progress show. Smith
has worked with the Labor of Love program, attended several state
and national conventions, and participated in the Farm Bureau Youth
Conference.
Coupled with his involvement in FFA, Smith is involved in both school
and community activities. He has served as a bugler for his local
American Legion Post, has been a member of the Serena Student Council,
track, golf and basketball.
Smith believes that “Agricultural education is unique in that
it gives those who follow vocational pursuits a chance to gain knowledge
in their specific trade during high school.” He will work diligently
to ensure that he creates a teaching environment that reflects the
diverse nature of the agricultural industry.
Back To Top
Ginger E. Spangler
Mifflinburg, PA
Penn State University
Ginger Spangler’s participation in the Mifflinburg Area High
School FFA Chapter has influenced her decision to pursue a degree
in Agricultural Education from Penn State University.
Throughout her time in high school, Spangler has held many leadership
positions. She has served as the assistant secretary, secretary and
president of her local FFA chapter and vice-president in her region.
Spangler’s desire to help her community is demonstrated through
her service efforts. She has assisted with two work camps that are
held in low-income areas across the country. Spangler spent five weeks
repairing homes of the elderly with each work camp. She is also a
member of key club, in which she spends time working with children
in the community.
When asked why she wanted to teach agriculture, Spangler referenced
the FFA Creed, written by E.M. Tiffany. This particular passage reads
…for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and
hold and inborn fondness for those associations, which even in the
hours of discouragement I cannot deny. Although these words were written
many years ago, they demonstrate Spangler’s emotions toward
the agricultural industry.
Back To Top
Crystal Watters
Maquoketa, IA
Northeast Iowa Community College
Crystal Watters thrived in agricultural classes at Maquoketa Community
High School. Her interest in both the industry and profession has
compelled her to pursue a degree in agricultural education from Northeast
Iowa Community College.
Watters participated in numerous FFA events, from livestock judging
to highway clean-up events. She has shown cattle for numerous years
and has participated in FFA speaking contests.
Outstide of FFA, Watters has been active in 4-H, serving as historian,
showing cattle, or even playing bingo at the local nursing home. She
has also participated in activities hosted by SADD, Spanish Club,
HOSA, and is involved in athletics. Watters has earned the title of
Jackson County Beef Queen and has participated in Youth Beef Team
which promotes the beef industry.
Watters sees the importance of developing a population that holds
a respect and understanding of the agricultural industry. "Whether
it is informing a class of students or a room of experienced farmers,
I will strive to inform everyone of current events affecting our society.
In doing so, I will keep up-to-date information to help farmers of
today and tomorrow become more successful in our agricultural industry,"
emphasizes Watters.
Back To Top
Janie Thomas Williams
Elizabethtown, KY
University of Kentucky
Janie Williams' awards won throughout her time at Central Hardin
High School are a reflection of her active participation in FFA. In
August, Williams will leave her hometown and venture to the University
of Kentucky where she will pursue a degree in agricultural education.
Throughout high school, Williams held leadership positions in areas
such as reporter and vice-president. She has participated in numerous
impromptu speaking contests, participated in activities such as barnyard
olympics, FFA chili supper, agricultural marketing, entrepreneurship,
dairy and livestock judging, as well as parliamentary procedure contests.
Outside of FFA, Williams is equally involved. She participated in
the the Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders (IFAL) program,
and the Hardin County Farm Bureau speech and talent contests. Furthermore,
Williams has shown tremendous leadership in the Kentucky 4-H program,
serving as the 2005-2006 state president.
When reflecting on her decision to pursue a degree and career in
agricultural education, Williams stated, "I want a student to
look back 10 years after they graduate and say I remember Ms.
Williams. She taught me how to raise a calf and how to plant flowers
and taught me a lot about life that I use everyday." Williams
recognizes the impact that agricultural educators have on their student's
lives and has chosen to work in this profession. When discussing her
dedication to the FFA and her chosen career path, Williams stated,
"This scholarship is going to help in this dedication, determination
and in the success of a young woman who knows what she wants and is
going to get where she's going."
NAAE would like to congratulate all
of the 2006 Future Teacher Scholarship Winners. This scholarship is
sponsored by the Florida Department of Citrus and the Florida Citrus
Growers.
