New FFA state officers are, from left, President Corinne Ogle of Homer, Vice President Ben Blue of Homer, Secretary Emily Henkelman of Homer, Reporter Isaac Courson of Palmer, Treasurer Irene Fry of Palmer. (Photo courtesy Alaska FFA)

Alaska FFA Advisor Jeff Werner welcomed fifty students from the Mat-Su Borough School District, Homer, Kodiak, Fairbanks, and North Pole to the FFA state convention April 23 in Palmer. The event, with a theme of “lead out lead,” brought students together to explore the more than 300 career opportunities in agriculture and natural resources.

Students participated in mock job interviews and other specific career development events, such as prepared speaking and extemporaneous and creed speaking. In addition to the competitions, the students toured the Matanuska Experiment Farm and the Matanuska Creamery.

Lt. Gov. Craig Campbell and SNRAS Dean and AFES Director Carol Lewis met with the students. Also on hand were Rep. Carl Gatto, Rep. Bill Stoltze, and Rep. Jay Ramras.