INA, Ill. (July 5, 2022) — Derek Sample of Sesser was recently elected as Illinois' Future Farmers of America (FFA) Vice President. The Rend Lake College sophomore and 2021 Presidential Scholarship recipient will serve the five districts and 25 sections of FFA within Illinois by contributing to the organization's leadership conference and state convention in ways that will inform, motivate and inspire FFA members, advisors, state staff, teachers, and others.
STATE OFFICERS: Illinois FFA members elected these five leaders on June 16 during the 94th Illinois FFA Convention in Springfield. They are (from left) President Rachel Hood, Industry; Vice President Derek Sample, Sesser; Reporter Levi Maierhofer, Seneca; Secretary Haley Bode, Waterloo; and Treasurer Kate Colgan, Princeville. (Photo Courtesy of Farm Progress)
Illinois FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The organization develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success.
"I was excited to come to Rend Lake College for many reasons," Sample said. "I was able to learn about things that I enjoy and even join the trap shooting team. I have always been into agriculture. I would spend days with my grandpa on the combine, green truck, or a tractor. I think that is why I like ag so much."
During his first year at RLC, Sample earned spots on the President's List during the fall and spring semesters by earning a 4.0 GPA.
"I will graduate from Rend Lake College with my associate degree in Ag Business, and then I plan to go to SIU for Ag Education," Sample added.
He plans to become a teacher at a local high school or community college once he completes his degree.
FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers; they also welcome members who aspire to careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners, and more. Their members are future chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers, and premier professionals in many career fields.
"My advice for someone wanting to work their way up in FFA is that it will take a lot of hard work and dedication to learn about the industry. Also, take every opportunity presented," Sample said. "You never know what you enjoy until you try it at least once. I like to say that you get out of the organization what you put in. So, I want to show members what they put into this organization they will get out.”
Sample looks forward to working to bridge gaps in the Illinois FFA. Coming from a small school district, he understands the value of providing the same opportunities across all chapters in FFA — large and small.
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