The FFA State Convention in Ames proved to be a big event for the Knoxville High School chapter, and for Mickayla McGill, who has been elected to a state FFA office.

Mickayla is now the South Central State Vice President, and the first state officer to come out of Knoxville High School’s FFA chapter in 20 years.

She tells KNIA/KRLS News the FFA provides students with skills which go beyond agriculture, to encompass skills which they can use as adults.

“There’s a lot of leadership opportunities that students gain through FFA such as career development events that allow them to develop their communication and leadership skills,” Mickayla says.

“We’re able to prepare them for college and life outside of high school, skills they’re going to use for the rest of their life, while gaining agriculture knowledge so we can continue to sustain our world and agriculture.”

Mickayla is graduating this spring and moving on to DMACC; she will use her term as an FFA Vice President to visit the chapters in her district and help teach members the various skills and techniques they can put to use.

She also won a Gold rating in the Job Interview event, and says what she learned doing that helped her with the interview process to become Vice President, which was much more intensive.

Members of the Twin Cedars High School FFA chapter were also recognized during the State Convention, including:

Chapter Activity Display – Ali Mockenhaupt, Haley Hoch, and Hannah Jerkins (Silver)

Team Ag Sales – Kail Arkema, Carson Kelderman, Riley Kelderman, and Nathan Smith (Silver)

Ag Broadcasting – Anna Lopez (Bronze)

And the Pleasantville FFA chapter received Silver for Scrapbook and Team Ag Sales.