INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 10, 2018) — Purdue University freshman Claire Baney is competing against students from all across the country for one of six National FFA officer positions. The officers selected will be announced during the final session of the National FFA Convention & Expo, taking place Oct. 24–27.
“I want to show students that they have the power to learn and better serve their communities, and that what they are doing truly makes a difference,” Baney said. “Ultimately, I don’t think of this as a competition. I just want the six best candidates to serve the National FFA Organization because that’s what our members deserve.”
Baney grew up in Fishers, Ind., and is a graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School. She has been involved in FFA for more than five years, participating in multiple leadership development events, and served as the 2017-2018 Indiana FFA State President. She also participated in 4-H and served on the Hamilton County Purdue Extension Board, as well as the Mayor’s Youth Council in Fishers.
Inspired by her parents, who are both junior high school teachers, Baney is double majoring in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Education at Purdue, and shares their passion for the classroom. She said that her parents’ dedication to education, as well as her experiences in FFA, has shaped her into the person she is today.
“The impact that FFA has had on my life and countless others is tremendous,” Baney said. “I understand that everyone wears the blue jacket for the final time, but I truly feel like I have more to give to students, members of FFA and to the organization that has given so much to me.”
Outside of the classroom, Baney has been taking advantage of the leadership development opportunities offered through Purdue’s College of Agriculture and is involved in one of the school’s on-campus ministries, known as Campus House. She also continues to support various career development events within FFA.
“Claire’s passion for agriculture and willingness to serve others has taken her far in FFA and will continue to take her far in her future endeavors,” said Rob Hays, Indiana FFA Association Director. “She is an excellent student and the association is proud of what she has accomplished. We wish her all the best moving forward.”
To become a National FFA officer, Baney will undergo a week-long selection process and will be evaluated on everything from her written and verbal skills to her ability to facilitate classroom discussions. If selected, she will join the five other officers, traveling the country and promoting FFA to business and industry leaders, FFA members, government and education officials, and the general public.
Visit www.ffa.org to learn more about the National FFA Organization or www.inffa.org to learn more about Indiana FFA.
