Learn More About the State Officers
“Kansas FFA has given me many opportunities and experiences that have been life changing. Serving Kansas FFA is an honor and I am excited to meet with members, open new doors of opportunities and continue advocating for agriculture.”
– Christian Peña
Christian Peña
2023-2024 State President
HOMETOWN: Sublette, Kansas
PARENTS: Cesar and Sonya Peña
CHAPTER: Sublette FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Landscape Management
COLLEGE & YEAR: Kansas State University, Freshman
MAJOR(S): Agribusiness
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
Class Officer, National Honor Society, Student Council, Golf, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 4-H, Knights of Columbus, S-Club
CAREER GOAL: Return and run my family business, S & S Rock Crushing, Inc.
“FFA has made an astronomical impact in my life; making me into who I am today. As a state officer, I strive to be a positive difference maker in members’ lives, just as officers before me.”
– Payton Ryba
Payton Ryba
2023-2024 State Vice President
HOMETOWN: Cheney, Kansas
PARENTS: Tyler and Nicole Ryba
CHAPTER: Cheney FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Agricultural Education
COLLEGE & YEAR: Cloud County Community College, Freshman
MAJOR(S): Agricultural Education
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
Girls Golf Team, Softball Team, Student Council, Band, Tri M, Glee
CAREER GOAL: High School Agricultural Education Teacher
“FFA has become my second home over the past four years. Through this organization, I have had the opportunity to build connections and relationships with others. I look forward to serving Kansas FFA members throughout the next year and learning more about everyone’s experiences and passions within our organization.”
– Cecillia Newby
Cecillia Newby
2023-2024 State Secretary
HOMETOWN: Oswego, Kansas
PARENTS: Dr. David and DeRhonda Newby
CHAPTER: Labette County FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Beef Production – Placement and Veterinary Science
COLLEGE & YEAR: Kansas State University, Freshman
MAJOR(S): Animal Sciences and Industry, Pre-Law
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
4-H, Kansas Junior Simmental Association, American Junior Simmental Association, National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Varsity Cheerleading, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Math Club, KAY Club
CAREER GOAL: Agricultural Attorney
“Having the opportunity to serve Kansas FFA is a privilege and an honor. I am excited to work with members across the state and have meaningful conversations. FFA has provided me with experiences and opportunities that I am looking forward to sharing with fellow members.”
– Karli Neher
Karli Neher
2023-2024 State Treasurer
HOMETOWN: Pfiefer, Kansas
PARENTS: Jeff and Jesica Neher
CHAPTER: Hays FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Goat Production
COLLEGE & YEAR: Colby Community College, Freshman
MAJOR(S): Agricultural Education
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
4-H, Church Vacation Bible School, Mennonite Brethren South District Kids Camp Counselor
CAREER GOAL: High School Agricultural Education Teacher
“As an 8th grader entering high school without an FFA chapter or agricultural education program, I quickly recognized an opportunity to advocate for the addition of these programs for my classmates and me. Since then, I have reaped the benefits of personal growth and development that FFA offers and identified a passion for advocating for the agricultural industry and education. I hope to be of service to young people, who when making the decision to join FFA, are making the decision to reap benefits that will last a lifetime.”
– Sage Toews
Sage Toews
2023-2024 State Reporter
HOMETOWN: Canton, Kansas
PARENTS: Flint and Alice Toews
CHAPTER: Canton-Galva FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Agriculture Education, Equine Science, Diversified Livestock, and Agriscience Research.
COLLEGE & YEAR: Kansas State University, Freshman
MAJOR(S): Agriculture Economics
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
Basketball, 4-H, Kansas High School Rodeo, Class Vice President
CAREER GOAL: Agricultural Lobbyist
“Growing up in a rural community, I have always been drawn to the agricultural industry as well as the people within. When I was shown the many opportunities within FFA, I felt right at home. Throughout this year, I will strive to be intentional with FFA members and people within the ag industry. I hope that together, we can make the world of agriculture better, one step at a time.”
-Kai Cox
Kai Cox
2023-2024 State Sentinel
HOMETOWN: Long Island, Kansas
PARENTS: Bradly and Ann Cox
CHAPTER: Northern Valley FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Beef Production – Placement
COLLEGE & YEAR: North Central Kansas Technical College, Freshman
MAJOR(S): Technical Studies
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
Teens For Christ Ministry Team, National Honors Society, Football Team, Basketball Team, Track and Field Team, Northern Valley Student Council, Norton Legion Baseball Team, NCC Upper Room Youth Group Ministry Team, Forensics
CAREER GOAL: Carpenter & Electrician