FFA members attend Leadership Conference

Several members of the Meyersdale Area High School Chapter of FFA attended the Somerset County FFA Leadership Conference held October 4.

Several members of the Meyersdale Area High School Chapter of FFA attended the Somerset County FFA Leadership Conference held October 4. Hosted by the Somerset County Technology Center, the conference welcomed FFA Chapters from Meyersdale, Somerset, Shanksville, Rockwood, Salisbury, Central Westmoreland CTC and SCTC.

Following opening ceremonies, the slate of 2024-25 County FFA Officers were announced. The following students have been named officers for the Somerset County FFA Chapter: President – James Kretchman, Meyersdale; Vice President – Bailey Knotts, Meyersdale; Secretary – Lydia Sheeler, Somerset; Treasurer – Torianna Bowers, Shanksville; Reporter – Sidney Hutzell, Salisbury; Sentinel – Rylee Boone, Shanksville; Historian – Adria Spehar, Somerset; Parliamentarian – Pyper Lytle, Rockwood; Chaplain – Ben Barkman, Rockwood; and Student Advisor – Hailey Chonko, Berlin. MAHS Advisor Doreen Jamison also serves on the team of Somerset County FFA Advisors.

The keynote speaker for the event was Miss Erica Teagarden who is the current State Fair Queen. Teagarden resides in Claysville, Washington County. Agriculture and the Washington County Agricultural Fair have always been an important part of her life. She was an active member in the McGuffey FFA Chapter, serving as Reporter, Treasurer and President. She is currently attending The Pennsylvania State University majoring in agricultural and extension education with plans to pursue a career as a high school agricultural educator. She is also involved in Ag Advocates, TeachAg Avengers, PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter, and the Beta Sisterhood. Erica had the honor of serving three years as a Pennsylvania Farm Show Junior Committee Member, and will serve an unprecedented fourth year during her time as the 2024 PA Fair Queen.

County FFA officers along with business professionals and CareerLink led workshops in the morning and afternoon.

The 2024-25 officers for the Meyersdale Chapter include: President – Bailey Knotts; Vice President – James Kretchman; Secretary – Carrie Engle; Treasurer – Aidan Mosholder; Reporter – Natalie Trowbridge; Sentinel – Christopher Engle; Historian – Estella Friend; Chaplain – Abigail Ickes; Parliamentarian – Autumn Baker; and Student Advisor – Ryleigh Troutman.