INDIANAPOLIS-Seth Pratt of Blackfoot, a University of Idaho freshman studying agricultural education, won election Saturday, Oct. 22, as one of six national FFA officers during the organization's national convention in Indianapolis.
As Western Region vice president, Pratt is the first Idahoan in more than two decades to win a national FFA office, according to Rachel Halsey, assistant director of recruiting for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
The National FFA Organization selected retired College of Agricultural and Life Sciences soil scientist Maynard Fosberg of Moscow to receive a special VIP Citation for making significant contributions to agricultural education.
Pratt and the other national officers will travel more than 100,000 miles collectively this year to represent the organization's 540,379 student members in grades seven to 12 who belong to nearly 7,500 local FFA chapters in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
He is a freshman majoring in agricultural science, communication and leadership. He is the son of Mark and Wendy Pratt and a member of the Blackfoot High School FFA Chapter in Blackfoot led by advisor Travis Henderson.
Pratt discovered his love of FFA when he attended the annual national FFA convention as a freshman in high school.
He's been involved in member drives and competitions since then and served as committee chairman, a chapter officer and Idaho state FFA president.
"Through these roles, I've met thousands of other FFA members, developed self-confidence, learned to communicate with others and realized the broad scope of agriculture on a national and global basis," he said. "As an FFA member, I strive every day to achieve my three personal goals, which are to influence others using my individual strengths and experiences, strengthen industry relationships and encourage agricultural you into leadership roles."
"I have been involved in agriculture my entire life," he said. "The values of hard work, honesty and family come from my rural lifestyle. As a national officer, I will lead others through connect relationships, defined purpose and clear communications. Making a difference gives my life meaning. I will make a difference as a national FFA officer through my year of service-and beyond."
In addition to Idaho's Pratt, other officers elected to serve the National FFA in 2012 include Ryan W. Best of New Mexico, Jason Troendle of Minnesota, Kenneth D. Quick Jr. of New York, Alicia Hodnik of Wisconsin, Cain Thurmond of Georgia.
Two Idaho high school agriculture programs in Kuna and Cambridge took first places in their events at the national convention.
Fosberg was honored with the VIP Citation, one of the most prestigious awards a person may receive for supporting FFA and its programs. He was present during an onstage presentation at the 84th National FFA Convention, held Oct. 19-22 in Indianapolis.
Fosberg is renowned throughout the Pacific Northwest for contributions to soil science and education.
Fosberg, 90, still offers soil science workshops for agriculture educators. For more than 30 years, he coordinated regional and state FFA career development events. He has received both the Idaho Honorary State FFA Degree as well as the Honorary American FFA Degree for his contributions.
Formerly known as Future Farmers of America, the National FFA Organization provides agricultural education.
SOURCE: U-Idaho News