Learn More About the State Officers
“FFA has always been somewhere that I can challenge myself. I believe in the power of enrichment and doing more for the sake of growth of yourself and those around you. FFA provided me a place to expand on my interests and truly enrich my life. I look forward to continuing to seek enrichment and providing opportunities for members to work towards their full potential.”
– Ashley Chandler
Ashley Chandler
2021-2022 State President
HOMETOWN: Neodesha, Kansas
PARENTS: Eric and Jackie Chandler
CHAPTER: Neodesha FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Goat Entrepreneurship
COLLEGE & YEAR: Kansas State University, Sophomore
MAJOR(S): Agronomy
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
High School: 4-H, Student Council, National Honors Society, FBLA, FCCLA, Tennis, Catholic Youth Ministries. College: KSU Ag Ambassadors, KSU Wheat State Agronomy Club.
CAREER GOAL: Agronomist
“All my life, I have dreamed of inspiring change, whether that be through actions or through emotions, However, at times I would find myself lost on how to do just that. Meaningful or effective change isn’t always instant nor is it large-scale. Real impact can take months or year and making the world a better place often means bettering it for a few people at a time. Each time I change just one person’s world, I’m starting a butterfly effect with the potential to improve lives for generations to come. State FFA Office has given me a chance to be the change I wish to see in the world.”
– Rachel Sebesta
Rachel Sebesta
2021-2022 State Vice President
HOMETOWN: Wilson, Kansas
PARENTS: Mark Sebesta and Susan Kurz-Sebesta
CHAPTER: Ellsworth FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Agricultural Education
COLLEGE & YEAR: Kansas State University, Freshman
MAJOR(S): Agricultural Education
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
Wilson Winners 4-H Club, Girls Tennis, Math Relays, School Musical, Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council, Men’s Tennis Manager, Bearcat Pride Marching, Pep, and Concert Band
CAREER GOAL: High School Agricultural Educator
“FFA has provided me with so much in my life. Coming into high school, I lacked confidence and I was not interested in stepping out of my comfort zone. In my time in FFA I have experienced leadership opportunities, challenges, and learned about all my strengths. I was, through my time in FFA, able to improve my strengths, work on my weaknesses and become more confident in who I am. I will always be thankful for the opportunities and connections that FFA has offered me.”
– Eric Peterson
Eric Peterson
2021-2022 State Secretary
HOMETOWN: Clifton, Kansas
PARENTS: Greg and Karrie Peterson
CHAPTER: Clifton-Clyde FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Beef Production Entrepreneurship
COLLEGE & YEAR: Kansas State University, Sophomore
MAJOR(S): Animal Science and Industry
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
High School: Football, Basketball, FBLA, Scholars Bowl, Student Council, 4-H, Church Youth Group, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and National Honor Society. College: Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, Block and Bridle, and Collegiate Cattlemen
CAREER GOAL: Wildlife Firefighter and Cattle Rancher
“I first walked into the ag room when I was five and never wanted to leave. As I became more interested in growing up, I continued to imagine myself as a high school student and FFA member. Throughout the rest of my high school experience, serving this organization became my goal and I fell in love with the program more and more every day. With my year of service, I hope to positively inspire in any way I can to give Kansas FFA the experience I had as a member.”
– Jocelyn Dvorak
Jocelyn Dvorak
2021-2022 State Treasurer
HOMETOWN: Hiawatha, Kansas
PARENTS: Jason and Nancy Dvorak
CHAPTER: Hiawatha FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Specialty Animal Production
COLLEGE & YEAR: Missouri State University, Freshman
MAJOR(S): Agricultural Education
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
National Honors Society, Trap Club, Scholars Bowl, Forensics and Astronomy Club
CAREER GOAL: Agricultural Missionary
“FFA has always been a place where I could call home. There is a sense of belonging where I have always felt accepted and loved wholeheartedly. My desire is for members and people around me to feel needed, wanted, and appreciated. This organization has helped me to find my purpose and value and has taught me that I am part of something incredible; something greater than myself. I hope to create a comfortable environment and strive for inclusion so that everyone can discover their worth and find their belonging to fully live with love.”
– Lydia Watanabe
Lydia Watanabe
2021-2022 State Reporter
HOMETOWN: Arkansas City, Kansas, previously Aizu, Japan
PARENTS & GUARDIAN: Yoshitsugu and Christie Watanabe, Sue Myers
CHAPTER: Arkansas City FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Veterinary Science
COLLEGE & YEAR: Kansas State University, Freshman
MAJOR(S): Animal Science and Industry
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
National Honor Society, Cross Country, Track and Field, Global Youth Institute Kansas delegate and Ark City Church of Christ Youth Group
CAREER GOAL: Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarian
“I became a state officer so I can help members across the state. I remember the moment I signed up for FFA that I gained a family. I also know that I can count on my FFA family if I need a helping hand. I want to be someone that FFA members not only look up to but are not afraid to reach out to. I am here to help FFA members all across Kansas succeed and achieve their dreams.”
-Josey Schmidt
Josey Schmidt
2021-2022 State Sentinel
HOMETOWN: Tribune, Kansas
PARENTS & GUARDIAN: Todd and Judy Schmidt
CHAPTER: Greeley County FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Beef Cattle Entrepreneurship
COLLEGE & YEAR: Hutchinson Community College, Freshman
MAJOR(S): General Agriculture
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
4-H, Trap Shooting, Tennis, National Honor Society (NHS), Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
CAREER GOAL: Financial Advisor for Farmers and Ranchers