Serving After the Blue Jacket

    The weight of the blue corduroy jacket brings a comforting sense to all members who wear it. A feeling that they belong in this organization. The jacket serves as a compass on their journey of membership. 

    The first FFA jacket I ever wore belonged to my brother Austin. I remember zipping up the jacket for the first time as it hugged me. I knew this jacket marked the start of my journey in FFA. I knew this jacket meant I had big shoes to fill.

    Austin acquired many leadership positions during his time in FFA as he led with others’ best interests at heart. Austin’s leadership tactics are that of a shepherd. The shepherd stands back while his lambs wander and discover for themselves. The lambs fail to realize the shepherd has been guiding them the entire time. A good shepherd stays with his lamb throughout the night enduring the same cold weather. He is not any better than those who depend on his guidance. 

    Austin was a servant leader to all Indiana FFA members as he served as Indiana FFA State Treasurer from 2018-2019. His passion for serving others did not cease when he hung up his jacket. Austin has since joined the United States National Guard. He is now a Ranger tabbed First Lieutenant, serving as an Infantry Platoon Leader. He is currently deployed exemplifying his servant leadership.

    I am very fortunate to watch Austin inspire countless people. Whether Austin was in the corduroy jacket or serving our country, my brother brings others to their fullest potential. Austin never expects any praise for his efforts as he has the modesty of a shepherd. He only wants to make a difference.

    Service does not end with your FFA membership. Service is a dedication to the world around you. FFA is only a stepping stone that marks the start of your commitment to service. Let your jacket guide you throughout your career in FFA. Let your experiences and values of our organization guide you in your next chapter of life.

    As I continue to look up to my older brother, I hope to be half the leader he is. Austin lives to serve just like the FFA motto suggests. A life of service is a life of purpose.

Living to serve,

Stephanie Berenda

Indiana FFA Northern Region Vice President

Running on Empty

        Far too often my to-do list and thoughts turn from “Create this, write that, contact them, build a relationship with them” to “be better, improve more” and keep going until it sounds like “you're not doing enough, you’re not doing well enough, you’re not enough”. The thoughts circle and spiral until you don’t remember where you started, where you are, or why you’re there. The thoughts drain you like nothing else. Before you know it only a few thoughts have brought you to a feeling of nothing and no one around. Empty.

        Maybe this isn’t your exact thought process, but I’m sure at one point or another you have felt this emptiness. I know I have. 

        I remember the expression that everyone has a cup that fills or empties based on their actions. If you are constantly going, going, gone then your cup will empty quickly; if you take time to do what you enjoy your cup will slowly fill back up. I’m someone who enjoys working, too much at times; this leads me to not realizing when I am getting burned out until it is far too late. Many days I work first thing in the morning through dinner and then after dinner, I either work more or watch some TV while thinking about everything I could or should be doing. This only empties my cup further or if I can successfully take my mind off work while watching TV, then my cup stays at a stalemate. To refill my cup I must prioritize the things I genuinely enjoy doing. For me this is crafting; from crocheting to pottery to basketry, anything I can get my hands on to create something out of seemingly nothing fills my cup up. The feeling of creative freedom where I don’t have to do anything, but that I get to. My cup empties quickly but fills very slowly. Emptying a cup is quick and takes little energy, filling it up, however, that takes time and effort. 

        One of my favorite ways to use my cup of energy is to fill up the cups of those around me. Oftentimes for me, this isn’t buying them a gift, but it’s spending time with them. Asking them questions and caring about what they say in return. It’s finding the moment to sit down and chat about anything, no matter how mundane it may seem at the time. These moments, no matter how small or large, are the moments that stick with me the most.

Finding the balance between emptying and filling my cup is one of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn. You see, if I only empty my cup then I’m running on fumes trying to make it seem like I’m full and filling others. But if I were to only fill my cup then I would get nothing done and wouldn’t be able to fill up those around me. That balance is key to enjoying life and truly finding joy. A joy that comes with everything you do and is evident to everyone around you. Emptiness robs people of their joy; joy replaces emptiness. Your joy can fill your feelings of emptiness and can rub off on others so they feel less alone.

What fills your cup?

Christina Caldwell

Indiana FFA State Secretary

National Blue For You

Why does National FFA make custom jackets? Why not stick to the standard sizing? Although this may seem like a silly question, I frequently find myself asking it when it comes to ordering new jackets. My answer is so everyone knows that they can fit in FFA.

 I know that one of the biggest hurdles I faced as a young FFA member, and still do, is where do I fit in? Not only do I not come from an agriculture background, but I love dressing up, the color pink, and competing in pageants. How could I fit in? We as humans love to put everyone and everything into boxes and for some reason, the “typical” FFA member is a mystery everyone has been trying to solve for decades. Still, we haven’t been able to and we will never be able to. Why? In 1988, when we changed the name from Future Farmers of America to the National FFA Organization, we broke the barrier of what a “typical” FFA member looks like, therefore leaving the mystery forever unsolved. 

If we all turned and looked into a mirror right now we all would look like a “typical” FFA member because a “typical” member can be whoever you want it to be. For me, it’s a girl who loves competing in FFA events and advocating for agriculture, but also has never grown up with ties to agriculture, loves to wear pink and compete in pageants, and is a little too obsessed with Western fashion for my own good. For you, the “typical” member might be completely different, but that’s the beauty of an inclusive organization, isn’t it? To include? 

You see, National FFA knows exactly what they are doing when they are making a tailored jacket to fit each and every member perfectly. They hope that we can wear our blue corduroy with pride and know that this organization will help to guide and grow us. So, next time you slip on that corduroy jacket, just know you belong and that National Blue was made specifically for you. 

Your “Typical” FFA Member, 

Sienna Alexander

Indiana FFA State Reporter

Changing of Seasons

        Every year the leaves start falling around the same time to signify that autumn is on its way. And every year my excitement for this season grows more than the last. With the change of seasons, there are pumpkins, warm sweaters, and a cool brisk breeze that always puts a smile on my face. This season never fails to disappoint. It is the perfect time for our annual fall ride.

        Fall break would roll around for my siblings and I so that meant only one thing. We would have to clean out the camper, get the horses ready, and start packing every bit of old clothes we could find. This was our tradition, going horse camping at Brown County State Park. My family and I would go out for several hours into the woods on horseback each day, then come back to the campground where we would always have the best meals over an open fire. I would be wrapped up in my flannel listening to all the stories the adults had to tell. Nothing else mattered when we were trapped in the woods with no cell service. 

My brothers and I would always argue about who was going to feed and water the horses each morning and night. I somehow got out of it most of the time. Although something would always go wrong while on this week-long trip, I sit back and remember how many memories I have made while being parked in a campground with my family and a couple of old horses. 

Now that it is time for the seasons to change again, the seasons of my family getting together have also changed. The excitement of fall break has dwindled, the chaos of getting everything ready to go camping is gone, and the feeling of all of us sitting around a campfire late at night telling stories is out of my sight. Our lives are like seasons, always changing with time. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of certain seasons in life, but how exciting is it to start a new one?

Changing seasons,

Kyatalin Baker

Indiana FFA State Treasurer

Oh, The Places You'll Go

One of my favorite pastimes has always been traveling; from visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida a few more times than I would like to admit to attending the Final Four in Phoenix, Arizona to cheer on my Boilermakers, it is pretty safe to say that I love traveling. Visiting new locations allows you to see how other places operate differently than you are used to. Despite the geographical or cultural differences throughout our nation and world, it is fascinating to see how we each use our diverse and unique backgrounds to contribute something meaningful and impactful to our society. As the corn begins to turn gold and the days get slightly shorter, the State Officers are finally on the road getting to do what we love most: interacting with countless Indiana FFA members! These past two weeks, we have each had a schedule filled to the brim with Chapter Visits and District Kickoffs. In fact, over the past two weeks, I have traveled over 1,400 miles to meet with many of you all and establish my own connections throughout the state.  If I am being completely honest, I was fairly nervous walking into my first chapter visit at Norwell High School last week. Fortunately, the Norwell FFA Chapter made me feel right at home and allowed me to be myself. Later on that day, I attended the Jay County FFA Chapter. Before this visit, I parked in the front row of the parking lot located next to the office. At the closing of my workshop at the end of the day, however, a school administrator came over the intercom and announced to the whole school that “if you have a Black Chevy Equinox with a Purdue plate parked in the front row, you need to move immediately in order to clear the bus lane.” While this situation was quite embarrassing for me and I was slightly worried that my car would be towed, I learned to laugh about it and find joy in the moment.  My Chapter Visit and District Kickoff experiences have no doubt been short of entertaining and will provide me with a plethora of stories to reflect upon. However, my favorite part of these experiences has no doubt been having the opportunity to see how each chapter and district navigates its programming a little differently. These unique characteristics that each individual chapter brings to the table are what make our organization so diverse and original. Without each chapter combining its distinctive attributes, the Indiana FFA Organization would lack individuality and originality. Thus, by continuing to promote these differences within our organization, we are truly able to cultivate a more interesting, inclusive place for everyone.  I will forever be grateful for and cherish the moments that I have spent in countless classrooms across the state and those that I will continue to create throughout the year. By participating in these visits, I have been exposed to the diversity that each chapter and community possesses. If I did not have the opportunity to travel throughout the state, I would never truly know the extent to which our organization is so unique. Thus, I have been counting my blessings and genuinely trying to take advantage of the places I’ll go! Taking in the places I’ll go, Cale Williams Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President

Just Keep Skiing

Summertime is full of fun, to say the least. For me, it was the time spent at the lake that made my summers. I enjoy every part of the warm days at my grandparents' lakehouse, whether that means swimming, kayaking, fishing, tubing, skiing or just going for a plain old pontoon ride. 

I really only wanted to swim when I was younger, but then I overcame my fear of the big tall raft. I enjoyed playing on the raft and then eventually got over being scared of going tubing behind the speedboat. At this point, I basically had done everything I felt I needed to on the water. It turns out I still hadn’t gotten the hang of waterskiing. Now I had attempted on several occasions to get up skiing but never had accomplished it, I failed again and again and again. I finally, after numerous tries, succeeded and got up skiing. I had achieved the goal and overcame the challenge, but I didn’t really like skiing. So I decided that since I had done it a couple of times I could say that I could ski and go back to swimming and tubing. Of course, as my parents usually do, my parents made me get back out there and ski. I remember telling my mom that I didn’t even like skiing and that it was no fun at all, and wondering why I couldn't stick with nearly flying a tube 5 feet in the air as the main thing I did on the lake. My mom responded, “If you keep at it you’ll probably end up liking skiing more than tubing”. Let’s just say that moms are always right and after much perseverance and improving my skills, I now enjoy skiing more, but not by much.

I say this all to make the point that sometimes we will try things in life that we don’t like and oftentimes we fall into the trap of saying to ourselves “Well I tried it but I didn’t like so I don’t need to do it anymore”, even when if we just give it another shot or keep at it there is a chance that we could really enjoy it. As the seasons change and summer closes, keep an open mind when it comes to new things, whether that be a school club, sport, or FFA contest, because even if you don’t enjoy it at first, it may be like water skiing for me, and you may end up liking it.

Just keep Skiing,

Ethan Wolheter

Indiana FFA State President

Life is a Highway

Cars, in my opinion, is one of the best movies ever. This movie describes my journey in FFA almost perfectly. Lightning McQueen is overconfident at first. You can especially see this during the first race of the film. Lightning McQueen had such a lead, but his overconfidence led to him tying the race instead of winning. I had the same mindset going into district officer interviews, overconfidence. Just like Lightning, I was disappointed in the result, as I had not been slated as a district officer. Now think about Lightning and how he got another setback in terms of having to stay in Radiator Springs. Instead of enjoying his time in Radiator Springs, all he could think about was getting out. I, just like Lightning, had another setback. This setback came at the 94th Indiana FFA State Convention, I wanted to become the Section III Director. I was dead set on being elected, just like Lightning was dead set on getting to his next race. When I didn't get elected, I was disappointed. I did not enjoy my time at the convention and see the support I had around me. Lightning’s mentor got him out of his rut just as my mentor, Mr. Dunn, helped me through the year. I spent my entire senior year feeling like an underdog, as I wasn't enough, just like how Lightning, as a rookie, would have been seen as an underdog against veterans like The King and Chick Hicks. In the final race of the film, Lightning might not win, but it shows that he is there to stay. In between the events of Cars and Cars 2, Lightning wins 4 Piston Cups. This was his victory and it to me can be compared to my victory of being elected as a state officer. Just like how Lightning’s journey was like a highway, with straightaways, curves, and turns, so was my journey in FFA. So if you ever feel like the underdog, just know that no matter what setbacks you experience, you can overcome them and still achieve your goals. Kachow, Garrett Bolin Indiana FFA State Sentinel

Dead Last to Top Five

Nothing beats the feeling of walking into the Indiana Farmers Coliseum at the Indiana State Fair. The nerves set in as “nice, cool seventy-two degrees” gives you the chills as you feel the air shift from the August heat outside. The pressure is on.

As I rounded off my seventh year of 4-H, my family and I exhibited three steers at the Indiana State Fair. Our expectations were high. My family genuinely believed we had three rockstars that would stand out in the show ring. Our hopes were soon crushed by disappointment.

The first steer I took into the coliseum placed fourth in class. The second steer stood fifth. We hung our heads low as we walked up to the coliseum for the third time. As we waited in the make-up ring, I found it impossible to smile. My father tells me, “It can’t get any worse than this” to cheer me up. It did get worse. My steer stood dead last in class. My family left the coliseum devasted and heartbroken. I was overwhelmed with emotions thinking, “How was it even possible for our family to stand at the bottom of a class?” I wanted to give up.

After we left the ring, my parents and I headed to the top of the coliseum. We reflected on what went wrong. We concluded that we had fallen into the same pattern. We had gotten comfortable buying the same type of steers every fall, feeding the same feeds, and using the same hair products. We knew we needed to make a change, but we were uncertain how to make these changes. My brothers and I had used the same tricks for thirteen years. We realized we needed guidance.

That fall, my family and I set out to find the “perfect” show steer and a team that would support us. My family found a steer located at Josh Streitmatter Cattle. Josh and Marissa not only guided my family in the show ring, but they became lifelong friends. They stood by my family through wins and losses giving insight on how to improve. Our two families became one team. One team with the same dream: make the top five at the Indiana State Fair.

This past August, my family exhibited both the 3rd and 4th Overall Steer at the Indiana State Fair. My family would not have been able to achieve this goal without Josh and Marissa.

As we navigate through life, we need people who support us unconditionally. People who will support us through our highs and lows. People who will guide us and bring out the best in us. These people are rare and hard to find. Appreciate them. They are on your team no matter what.

Find your team,

Stephanie Berenda

Indiana FFA State Northern Region Vice President

Enjoying Every Moment

Enjoying every moment. That is what I decided on day one, and it is going to be my major goal throughout state office. This year is something I only get to do once and I want to remember all of it. The Great Indiana State Fair showed me how hard this goal was really going to be but how worth it every moment would be too. 
I love the state fair; I look forward to it every year. Traveling up with my family to walk around the state fair or to compete in rabbit showmanship or public speaking is one of the highlights of my year. There is just something about the atmosphere that is energizing even on the hottest days of summer. This year was no different. 
Though we had longer days and later nights, this year's state fair was my favorite one yet. Being up there for three weeks meant that I got to meet so many FFA members of districts all across the state.The long days were made quicker by constant connections with FFA members across the state.The late nights were my favorite part because they were spent learning more about my fellow teammates and the country market workers.The early mornings allowed me to be productive and start my morning off right. 
Plus if you know me then you know I love food, trying all the new things but especially eating all the junk food. Being up at the state fair for three weeks allowed me to eat my way around the fair and eat my fair favorites multiple times. If you get the chance I highly recommend Ben's pretzels, the dole whip place shaped like a pineapple, or anything from the fried Oreo place outside the coliseum.
From the fair vibe to the friends to the food this year at the Great Indiana State Fair was nothing short of phenomenal. 

“The pavilion is now closed. Please join us again next year in August 2025. Enjoy your night at the Great Indiana State Fair”

Enjoy every second,Christina Caldwell Indiana FFA State Secretary 

Futuristic Eyes

The worst day of my life. I remember sitting on my back patio and telling my mom that this was the worst day of my life. In Eighth grade, I had a huge friend group, like ten girls, and every single one of them played volleyball. I knew I wasn’t great, but I had put in so much work that summer, I went to private lessons, every summer practice there was, and even practiced in my backyard. Finally, the day came and we all tried out for the team. I was nervous and excited and when it was my turn to talk with the coach and she was already crying I knew it wasn’t good. She told me my efforts didn’t go unnoticed, but she just didn’t have a spot for me and when I found out every single one of my friends were on the team my entire world felt like it was tumbling down around me. 

I went home that night and cried to my mom about how “This isn’t fair” and every time she came back to me with the same response, “Everything happens for a reason”. I brushed her off and rolled my eyes as any thirteen year old girl in my position would do and went to play on the trampoline with my younger sister. We played popcorn, and tag, and all of the games you could think of and then the begs of “please double bounce me” came about. I agreed, and on the third double bounce my sister came crashing down, landed on her leg wrong, and had broken it in two places. She was only four years old. My heart sank. How could this be happening to me? Could this day get any worse? I already got cut from the volleyball team and now I just broke my four year old sister's leg? How is there a reason for this? 

Little did I know that the “worst day of my life” would completely change the trajectory of my life. You see, it was when I got cut from the volleyball team that a teacher at my school, who just so happened to be a past state officer's mother, saw potential in me and introduced me to FFA. My parents were never in FFA, I had no obvious ties to agriculture, and I had never even heard of FFA before, but she took a chance on me. I am now a first generation FFA member, the first Hoosier degree, district officer, and state officer since my chapter has been rechartered. If only I could have seen how the worst day of my life would have subsequently turned into one of the best. 

With Futuristic Eyes, 

Sienna Alexander 

Indiana FFA State Reporter

Some Things Never Change

“There’s my girl”

The last words my ears heard

“There’s my girl”

A saying she would say almost every time I walked through the door

Followed by a gentle hug

This time was different

No hug was shared

But a simple brush of her hand on my cheek to say hello

And a tear streaming down my face

We didn’t play the usual card game

Or get some ice cream out to make a milkshake

We didn’t have time to sit and break beans that afternoon underneath the big tree

I even forgot to grab a handful of peppermints that always sat on the counter

The idea of her making biscuits and gravy the next morning for me and dad was not a thought in my mind

A walk down the road the road after a nap didn’t seem appropriate that day

Looking through pictures and listening to stories was difficult as I sat next to her

Seeing her helplessly laying in a bed that wasn’t even hers is not how I will remember my Granny

I will remember her competitive attitude when she would whisper “yahtzee” into the cup of dice

Or how every visit consisted of me reading her one of my new poems

Whenever my dad sings one of her favorite hymns I will be flooded with all our good memories

The day I went to see her, a lot had changed

But as I held her cold and brittle hands 

“There’s my girl”

Something that never changed. 

Some things never change,

Ky Baker

Indiana FFA State Treasure

Celebrating Tradition

    It’s official: the greatest fifteen days of summer are quickly approaching! Whether you're used to exhibiting livestock, riding rides, or visiting booths and exhibits, there is something for everyone at the GREAT Indiana State Fair. For my family, the state fair has established a long-lasting tradition over the course of three generations: my family has always shown pigs at the state fair. Since 1852, the Indiana State Fair has been providing families with their own personal traditions. One of my favorite traditions when visiting the state fair as a child was playing putt-putt in the FFA Pavilion with my brothers (for the record, I always won). While always stuck on the south side of the track in the swine barn, I would beg my parents each and every day to take me over to the FFA Pavilion to play a round of putt-putt. Most importantly, however, I always looked up to the members serving in the pavilion. I couldn’t wait until it was my turn to work in the pavilion as an FFA member myself. 

    This year, I have the unique opportunity to serve in the FFA Pavilion in a way I never deemed possible: working in it as an Indiana FFA State Officer. This experience will provide me with the opportunity to interact with the public and advocate to them on behalf of agriculture, agricultural education, and FFA. However, this opportunity isn’t just exclusive to me. Each Indiana FFA member has the ability to serve in the FFA Pavilion at the State Fair!

    Whether you have been to the Indiana State Fair and experienced the FFA Pavilion or not, you and your chapter are encouraged to sign up for your experience day at the state fair. If you apply, you are sure to learn something new, establish long-lasting friendships, and advocate for agriculture to the public while also having the opportunity to establish your own tradition.

    The Indiana State Fair and FFA Pavilion are full of tradition and YOU have the ability to be part of its enduring legacy. I have the chance to add a different perspective to my state fair traditions and I hope that countless Indiana FFA members will be a part of them. I encourage each of you to sign up today to afford yourself this educational experience and embrace a legacy that goes back for generations!

Celebrating tradition,

Cale Williams

Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President 

Breaking Barriers and Building Relationships

There I was in the heart of South America, in the great Andes mountains, just outside of the highest capital city in the world, La Paz, Bolivia. At an elevation of 13,615 feet, more than twice that of Denver, I was lost…in a crowd of people. Not to be anticlimactic but I was looking around for my cousin, Cade, outside a church because I don’t know much Spanish and it was a little bit difficult to communicate with people. After finding Cade we made our way to my uncle when we stumbled into a man we will never forget. You see this was the fourth trip I had made to Bolivia, due to the fact that my uncle, aunt, and cousins lived there as missionaries making it an epic place to journey to. I had seen a lot in Bolivia through my first three trips but something I had never experienced was Easter there, which is the reason that I wound up where I was. 

    Now while we headed towards my uncle we came across a man who spoke to us in a native language that Cade couldn’t speak which led to an interesting conversation of trying to piece together the bits of Spanish and lots of laughter. This was undoubtedly the most entertaining conversation I can remember, especially with someone I just met. Later my uncle informed us that the man we had talked to was a well-known member of the congregation and that we could expect to see him more in the next few days. Every other time I made contact with him we waved and just started laughing, sometimes to the point where it was hard to breathe due to the altitude. I enjoyed every moment of seeing and greeting him despite not having a way to do much verbal communication. Those days I learned that the most exciting connections can be made no matter the barriers that may seem to be in the way.

    I will never forget that relationship I made when it seemed difficult to converse with anyone. With all this being said I encourage everyone to always be open to building new relationships no matter what the barriers there may seem to be, whether that be attempting to talk to someone who speaks an entirely different language in a foreign country or maybe a younger member in your FFA chapter that you think you have nothing in common with. You never know, breaking barriers and building relationships could lead you to unforgettable moments.

Break Barriers and Build Relationships,

Ethan Wolheter

Indiana FFA State President

Coming Back Home

This past week I got the privilege of heading back home for my county fair with my team. As a team, we were asked to work the Johnson County Indiana Farm Bureau's milkshake booth. This was a far different experience than what I had ever had at this fair, however. 

Growing up I was never in 4-H so the fair to me was all about the rides. I loved riding these rides with my family growing up and I have fond memories of the midway with them. As I got into high school and joined FFA my freshman year, something that I got the honor of doing the summer of that freshman year was work at Indian Creek FFA’s Ice Cream booth where we served, what we had called “the kool thing”, homemade ice cream to the fair goers. I continued to work this booth throughout my FFA career and grew memories right there making ice cream alongside my teammates and friends. 

As I went back to my county fair this time in a different role as a state officer I got to do many different things and experience things I never thought I would. I watched my first queen contest ever, listened to my teammates' experiences with their animals at their fairs, and also experienced a fair for the first time as an adult. While I was working at the Farm Bureau’s booth I couldn't help but look over to Indian Creek FFA’s tent, watching the kids who are in the same shoes I once was in. I found myself thinking, “What does their fair experience look like compared to the experiences I have had? Where will their journey lead them in life?” I look back on my time inside that same exact tent and reflect on what my experience was like and how it helped me get to where I am today. Some of the best experiences I have had with supporters and members have come from inside that tent. Where you come from doesn't define you but what it does do is help you find your home. 

What the Johnson County Fair taught me was that my home wasn't my physical house or anything like that. It was the people around me, it was the FFA members that I had such a strong bond with, it was the mentors that helped me get to where I am today. I challenge you to think to yourself, who is my home?

Find your home,

Garrett Bolin

Indiana FFA Sentinel

Records Are Meant to Be Broken

It is that time of year! We are in the midst of the county fair season. Most people look forward to their county fair to enjoy carnival rides, concerts, lemon shake-ups, or exhibiting their projects. My brothers and I, however, anticipated nothing more than my county’s Supreme Showmanship contest. Being the youngest sibling, I sat ringside watching my brothers dominate the showring. Both of my brothers acquired two county Supreme Showman titles meaning I had big shoes to fill.

I looked forward to the day when I could compete in the Supreme Showman contest just like my brothers did. As a fifth-year 4-H member, I secured a spot in the round-robin tournament representing the sheep barn while my brother, Hayden, represented the beef barn. Naturally, the sibling rivalry emerged stronger than ever. After spending every night that week working with fellow 4-H’ers to become more knowledgeable and a better showman, it was finally show day. Before the competition began, Hayden and I wished each other the best of luck and focused on the tasks that lay ahead. That year, I was named Newton County’s Supreme Showman. I had not only beaten my brother, but I started on my own journey. I developed one goal: beat my brothers’ record of two Supreme Showmanship titles. Throughout the past nine years of my 4-H career, I have acquired five Supreme Showmanship titles breaking not only my brothers’ records but my county’s record.

As a ten-year 4-H member, I have the opportunity to strive for another win. But I have come to a realization. I was motivated to set my goal so high because of the people who supported me. My brothers are my biggest supporters and coaches. As I near my end as a livestock exhibitor, I look to the younger members. I reflect on the example I am setting for them. As much as I enjoy achieving, I love watching others succeed.

The Newton County Supreme Showmanship record is five consecutive titles in a row. I set that record not only for myself but for generations to come. I understand this is a difficult record to beat, however, it is not impossible. I hope, one day, someone beats that record. After all, records are meant to be broken.

Break records,

Stephanie Berenda, Northern Region Vice President

Introducing your Indiana FFA 2024-2025 State Officer Team!

Ethan Wolheter - Indiana FFA State President

Hello Indiana FFA! I am Ethan Wolheter and I am overwhelmingly excited to be serving as your

2024-2025 Indiana FFA State President. Proudly from LaGrange County in Northeast Indiana, I hail

from the Prairie Heights FFA Chapter and District 3. I have long worked in my family’s garden growing

all kinds of produce and being a vegetable enthusiast. I’m an avid sports fan, especially when it comes

to Purdue athletics. I’m a 3rd generation FFA member and am more than enthusiastic to meet all of you

soon!

Christina Caldwell - Indiana FFA State Secretary 

Hello Indiana FFA!! My name is Christina Caldwell and I am so excited to serve you this year as your

2024-25 State Secretary. I am a proud representative of the Connersville FFA chapter in District 9. I love

all things agriculture and love building relationships with all members no matter their background. I can't

wait to meet as many members as possible throughout this next year! I aim to spread joy like glitter to

everyone I meet! I can't wait to see all of y'all soon!

Stephanie Berenda - Indiana FFA State Northern Region Vice President

Indiana FFA, are you ready for an amazing year? I am Stephanie Berenda - your 2024-2025 Indiana FFA

State Northern Region Vice President. Although my hometown, Earl Park, is located in District IV, I

proudly call the South Newton FFA chapter and District I home. My love for agriculture started as a

young child playing Barbies in the cab of my father’s combine and working show cattle. Since then, my

love for our industry has expanded to advocation and diversification. I cannot wait to connect members

around the state. See you soon!

Cale Williams - Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President 

Hello Indiana FFA, my name is Cale Williams and I am beyond humbled to serve this year as your

2024-2025 Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President. I hail from the Terre Haute South FFA

Chapter in District VII and am from Cory, IN. Being a third-generation swine farmer, my family and I

are heavily invested in agriculture. Additionally, as a second-generation FFA member, my family is

deeply passionate about FFA. Throughout my four years of membership, I have participated in many

CDEs and LDEs, attended numerous state and national conferences, and have enjoyed my SAE

experiences. Aside from FFA, some of my greatest pastimes include showing pigs at the local, state,

and national levels; spending time with my family; and going to Disney World!! I can’t wait to spend my

year with each of you. Whether we meet in the FFA Pavilion at the State Fair or at a conference later in

the fall, I can’t wait to hear your stories and how they have shaped you into the amazing individuals you

are today. Let’s make this a great year, Indiana FFA!!

Ky Baker - Indiana FFA State Treasurer 

Hello Indiana FFA! I am so excited to get to know everyone. My name is Kyatalin Baker but I prefer

being called Ky, and I am from Switzerland County way down south in District 12. My FFA journey

started on my family's little farm and grew from there, I joined the second I was eligible. I have enjoyed

competing in numerous contests but my favorite has always been Chapter Meeting. Conferences are

going to be a blast this year because a little fun fact about me is that I LOVE to dance. Be ready for

some fun dance moves this year! I am so thrilled to serve as your 2024- 2025 Indiana FFA State

Treasurer!

Sienna Alexander- Indiana FFA State Reporter

Hey Indiana FFA! My name is Sienna Alexander, proudly serving as your State Reporter. I come from

Monrovia, Indiana in District VIII. Although I am from a rural community, I am a first-generation FFA

member and have no agriculture background. During my year of service, I am most looking forward to

meeting all of the members, and helping others find their passion in an organization I am lucky enough

to call home! I joined my school’s FFA chapter in eighth grade knowing nothing about the organization,

but have since found my passion for agriculture and leadership! Outside of FFA, you may find me

spending time with my friends and family, swimming, or even competing in pageants! When I'm not

wearing the iconic blue corduroy you can almost guarantee to find me decked out in pink, or lots of bold

jewelry! I cannot wait to meet you all very soon!

Garrett Bolin - Indiana FFA State Sentinel

Hello Indiana FFA! I am beyond ecstatic to be able to have the opportunity to serve the over 14,000

members over the course of 2024-2025 as your Indiana FFA State Sentinel! I grew up in Johnson

County and got to call Indian Creek in District 8 my home. I didn’t grow up with a background in

agriculture, but when I heard about FFA during my freshman year, I knew I had to join. It was with FFA

that my love for agriculture blossomed to where it is today. Throughout my time in FFA, I realized that

FFA is for everyone, no matter their background. I competed in multiple CDEs and LDEs throughout

my four years of FFA, my favorite of which was the Chapter Meeting contest. Some things I love are

video games, the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and talking to new people. I am so blessed to call Indiana

FFA my home and I cannot wait to meet all of you over this next year!