Learn More About the State Officers
“When I joined the organization as a timid seventh grader, I never believed I would gain the knowledge and appreciation for agriculture I now have. FFA has helped me find and utilize my voice, which has made me a confident leader. I am now blessed to serve Kansas FFA and encourage others to find their own confidence and love for agriculture.”
– Lillian Hulse
Lillian Hulse
2025-2026 State President
HOMETOWN: Culver, Kansas
PARENTS: Joshua and Melissa Hulse
CHAPTER: Minneapolis FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Agricultural Communications
COLLEGE & YEAR: Kansas State University, Freshman
MAJOR(S): Agriculture Education
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
National Honor Society, Pleasant Valley 4-H Club, Central Kansas District 4-H Council, Softball, Scholars Bowl, Science Olympiad, Math Relays, Book Club, Young Americans for Freedom, Ottawa County Farm Bureau Ag Ambassador, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Youth Group
CAREER GOAL: High School Agriculture Instructor
“From the day I was born, the blue corduroy jacket was well worn in my family. With my mom serving as a State Officer and my brother a District Officer, it was no surprise my path led to the blue and gold as well. Over the years, FFA has been foundational in my development and as I make my way through my year of service, I look forward to giving back to this great organization.”
– Dustin Denton
Dustin Denton
2025-2026 State Vice President
HOMETOWN: Blue Rapids, Kansas
PARENTS: John and Angie Denton
CHAPTER: Valley Heights FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Beef Production
COLLEGE & YEAR: Kansas State University, Freshman
MAJOR(S): Animal Sciences and Industry
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
Basketball, FFA, Golf, Kansas Association for Youth, Marshall County Farm Bureau Ambassador, National Honor Society, National Junior Hereford Association, National Junior Angus Association, Track, 4-H
CAREER GOAL: Large Animal Veterinarian and/or Embryologist
““FFA has allowed me to grow in my passion for agriculture and develop essential life skills, but more importantly has given me connections with members that I could not replace. “This year I am excited to continue to grow those connections and continue my agricultural education by now educating others.”
– Marisa Wasinger
Marisa Wasinger
2025-2026 State Secretary
HOMETOWN: Hays, Kansas
PARENTS: Todd and Amy Wasinger
CHAPTER: Hays FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Beef Production and Goat Production
COLLEGE & YEAR: Kansas State University, Freshman
MAJOR(S): Agricultural Education
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
Good Hope 4-H, FFA, National Honor Society, Water Ambassador, Yearbook Staff, Cross Country Team, Ellis Co. Farm Bureau Ambassador, Quill and Scroll Honor Society, Leadership Team
CAREER GOAL: High School Agriculture Instructor
“FFA has always been a major part in my life. I was so excited to join FFA I dressed up as an FFA Officer for Halloween when I was nine. When I got my first jacket, I knew I was home. I want to create that same excitement and feeling for the members of the Kansas FFA Association. I cannot wait to help members find their place in the organization.”
– Maggie Chandler
Maggie Chandler
2025-2026 State Treasurer
HOMETOWN: Neodesha, Kansas
PARENTS: Eric and Jackie Chandler
CHAPTER: Neodesha FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Beef Production, Goat Production and Agriscience
COLLEGE & YEAR: Kansas State University, Freshman
MAJOR(S): Agricultural Education
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
FFA, Future Business Leaders of America, Interact, Student Council, Tennis, Valley Victors 4-H Club, St. Ignatius Youth Group, National Honor Society, American Jr. Maine-Anjou Association Member, American Jr. Chianina Association Member
CAREER GOAL: High School Agriculture Instructor
“I have been surrounded by agriculture since I can remember, however, when I got to high school, I was unaware where I would fit in. At first, FFA seemed like a daunting place to step into, but after interacting with the officers, I knew I joined the right organization. FFA has the power to change lives. Sometimes all we need is commitment from others supporting us in our journey. I aspire to be that person and help FFA members find their passion and leave their mark on the organization.“
– Bricen Benyshek
Bricen Benyshek
2025-2026 State Reporter
HOMETOWN: Aurora, Kansas
PARENTS: Jeff and Kristi Benyshek
CHAPTER: Concordia FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Agriculture Education
COLLEGE & YEAR: Kansas State University, Sophomore
MAJOR(S): Environmental Engineering and Entomology
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
High School: Band, Tennis, Scholars Bowl, Key Club, Chess, Trap, National Honor Society, 4-H, Church Volunteer, Farm Bureau Ag Ambassador
College: Prosthetic Design Team, Catalyst, Engineering Leadership, Line/Swing Dancing Club, Silver Key Sophomore Honorary
CAREER GOAL: Environmental research with an emphasis in ecosystems
““FFA has been the stepping stone into shaping me into the person I am today. I have learned the true value of being pushed outside your comfort zone. The growth you will obtain will get you further than you might believe. Competing in multiple CDE’s, LDE’s, and applying for different leadership offices all pushed me outside my comfort zone. Additionally, the friendships, built and memories I have made along the way are ones I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
– Allyson Rietcheck
Allyson Rietcheck
2025-2026 State Sentinel
HOMETOWN: Gardner, Kansas
PARENTS: Michael and Jennette Rietcheck
CHAPTER: Eudora FFA
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE): Sheep Production and Agriculture Education
COLLEGE & YEAR: Kansas State University, Freshman
MAJOR(S): Feed and Pet Food Science
HIGH SCHOOL & OR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES:
4-H, FFA, National Honor Society, Volleyball, Basketball, Eudora Student Council, Student Government Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council, American Royal Ambassador, Johnson County Farm Bureau Ag Ambassador
CAREER GOAL: Feed Scientist