On June 16, the Bank of Springfield Center filled with Illinois FFA members in blue corduroy jackets ready to elect the 2022-23 Illinois FFA state officers. Five new leaders are excited to start their year of service dedicated to the Illinois Association FFA and agriculture education.
Elections began with 10 worthy candidates for five offices, and over 350 delegates voted at the convention center or online to elect the following new state officers:
President Rachel Hood, Rushville-Industry FFA Chapter
Vice President Derek Sample, Sesser-Valier FFA Chapter
Reporter Levi Maierhofer, Seneca FFA Chapter
Secretary Haley Bode, Waterloo FFA Chapter
Treasurer Kate Colgan, Princeville FFA Chapter
In 2021, the Illinois FFA Convention was hosted in a hybrid format — virtual business sessions and in-person award sessions and state officer elections were held in May and June. But this year, the state convention headed back to a traditional three-day event of business sessions, award recognitions, workshops and a career show from June 14-16.
“This organization means so much to me, and it has gotten me to the place I never thought I would be in my life,” Rachel Hood told FFA members after receiving the majority vote for president. “I can’t wait to see what it [FFA] will do for all of you.”
Hood is eager to start making connections with FFA members across the state and spearhead leadership events.
“I hope to be a role model for future students,” she said. “I’m just excited and ambitious to see what this year holds.”
Just as reality began to sink in for Hood, Derek Sample was elected the 2022-23 Illinois FFA vice president.