Three of our FFA officers recently had the opportunity to represent our school and community at the New York FFA State Leader’s Experience, held Monday, February 2, and Tuesday, February 3, at the New York State Capitol.

Officers Stephen Case, Taylor Bergerstock, and Avery Koch participated in a series of interactive workshops focused on how state policy works, current agricultural issues facing New York, and potential solutions for the future of the agriculture industry. The experience also emphasized leadership development and advocacy, giving students the chance to practice effectively communicating the value of agricultural education and FFA.

Following the workshops, the students traveled to the Capitol building, where they met with Senator May, Assemblyman Gallahan, and Assemblyman Lemondes. During these meetings, the officers shared firsthand perspectives on the importance of agricultural education programs and the positive impact FFA has on students, schools, and local communities.

In addition to their advocacy work, the officers toured the historic Capitol building, learning about its architecture and gaining insight into how state government functions on a daily basis.

Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor Mrs. Alyssa Roorda praised the students for their professionalism and leadership throughout the experience.

“Opportunities like the State Leader’s Experience allow our students to see how their voices truly matter,” said Roorda. “Stephen, Taylor, and Avery represented our program with confidence and maturity, and they gained valuable skills that will serve them well both within FFA and beyond.”

The NY FFA State Leader’s Experience provides students with a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world civic engagement, reinforcing the role agriculture plays in shaping policy, communities, and the future of New York State.