Each Indiana FFA state officer will write a column for FFA Corner. These columns will reveal a lot.

Who are these seven young people who share one common bond — believing in Indiana FFA? So far, they’ve survived initial training, held camps, literally survived the Indiana State Fair and helped with a fundraiser at the Farm Progress Show. Now they’re traveling the state, visiting with chapters and inspiring FFA members.

Up close and personal
Recently, the team and Joe Martin, FFA program specialist, gathered to discuss their column assignments for Indiana Prairie Farmer. Here’s a sneak peek into what makes these seven young people tick.

• Claire Baney. This year’s state president may hold the record for the most FFA advisors who have influenced her. The Fishers native who attended Hamilton Southeastern High School was tutored by Tom Younts, Charity Keffaber, Sam Miler, Rich Bailey and Jay McCallister. None of them replace her parents, Steve and Cindy Baney. When she wasn’t busy with FFA, Baney was golfing for HSE or singing in the show choir.

• Owen Coon. The northern region vice president lives on a farm near Wingate and attended North Montgomery High School, guided by FFA Advisor Nancy Bell. Coon learned to drive on an International 1206, and also has spent time pulling carriages with his family’s Clydesdales for various events. He found plenty of time for FFA, but he is also a certified firefighter. His parents are Loren and Sherri Coon.

• Emily Kilmer. The state secretary lives near Remington and attended Tri-County High School. Her advisors were Travis Scherer and Ashley Steuer. Her parents are Jason and Patricia Kilmer. Kilmer enjoys farm life, 4-H and sheep, and found time for tons of FFA activities, plus student council, Students Against Destructive Decisions and Catholic Youth Organization.

• Wyatt Law. The southern region vice president hails from Bloomington and is a member of Heritage Hills FFA. His parents are Mark and Melissa Law, and his FFA advisor is Amy Remsburg. Attending the Hoosier Hills Career Center, Law is a certified welder and has no less than five Supervised Agricultural Experience projects! He still found plenty of time for other FFA activities.

• Cole Pearson. The state treasurer hails from Delphi FFA and Carroll County. His advisors include Doug Walker and Taylor Plank. Walker loves teaching students how to restore old tractors. Some of those tractors may have been sold by Pearson’s grandfather, who was an owner in a John Deere dealership. Pearson’s dad is still involved. His parents are Jason and Michelle Pearson. Despite all that exposure to equipment, Pearson turned swimming into an SAE program, and also was on the high school swim team. He was active in FFA and 4-H.

• Grant Sanchez. The state sentinel hails from New Pairs and Fairfield High School. The son of Scott and Michelle Sanchez, he was introduced to FFA in the eighth grade by a 4-H friend. His longtime FFA advisor, Kraig Bowers, recently became a teacher in Purdue University’s ag education program. His current advisor is Brandon Brunt. Sanchez played football and basketball and ran track in high school.

• Natalie Taylor. The state secretary calls Hope and Hope FFA home. Her advisor is Aleesa Dickerson, and her parents are Scott and Christy Taylor. A friend invited Taylor to the FFA pancake breakfast in eighth grade, and she’s been active in FFA ever since. She also found time for student council and SADD.