Schulz to lead state's FFA

KENNEWICK - The Washington FFA Association elected Reardan High School senior Andrew Schulz as state president at the 93rd Washington State Convention Saturday, May 13 at the Three Rivers Convention Center. Schulz will serve as president in 2023-24.

Schulz is the first student in the history of the Reardan chapter to land the top spot. He defeated nine other candidates, six of whom will now serve under his leadership as state officers.

He is the third member of his extended family to serve the FFA as a state officer.

Schulz decided to run for office after participating in last year's national convention.

"The national convention was such a positive experience," he said. "It made me appreciate everything FFA has done for me."

Candidates for the state office must apply, submit a resume, answer essay questions, successfully complete two interviews, extemporaneously answer questions before a panel of judges and then give a speech to approximately 2,000 people. His speech was on "the importance of teams," and the lessons he has learned about teamwork.

"Andrew did an outstanding job," FFA advisor Rick Perleberg said. "He will be a great president."

Schulz's goal is to get high school students excited about their school's agriculture programs and to encourage greater participation in FFA.

"Everybody should be in FFA," he said. "It is not just for traditional farm kids, it's for every student. Everyone will benefit from their participation and will learn something."

Schulz will graduate from Reardan High School on June 10 and will assume his responsibilities shortly thereafter. In 2023-24, he will be an ambassador for FFA by visiting state chapters, hosting workshops and networking with members and advisors.

He will also have a major role in next year's state convention and will represent the Washington FFA Association at the national convention.

"FFA will prepare you for life," he said. "It is something that every student should experience because they will develop new skills and will experience a wonderful sense of belonging."

Following his term as president, Schulz plans to attend college and then pursue a career in broadcasting.