FFA officers excited to call Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences home

UNIVERSITY PARK -- Six Pennsylvania State FFA officer team members for 2025-2026 will call Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences home beginning this fall as first-year students.

Sarah Firestone, president; Alexis Butler, treasurer; Jaylene Everhart, chaplain; Jonathan Bradshaw, sentinel; Leah Flinchbaugh, secretary; and Sam Parks, reporter, will all don the blue and white after hanging up their blue and gold FFA jackets.

"I am very proud to welcome these six students to our college, and I look forward to the impact they will have in and out of the classroom," said Troy Ott, the Peter and Ann Tombros Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, who spoke at the Pennsylvania State FFA Convention in early June. "FFA is not simply preparing young people for careers in agriculture; FFA is preparing them for lives in leadership, service and impact and that mission matters now more than ever."

FFA is a national youth development organization with local chapters that are led by chapter officers, in addition to state and national officers. From the time they are appointed as officers until the state convention the following year, the team works to promote FFA and agricultural education across the commonwealth, according to Thomas Gabel, executive director of the Pennsylvania FFA Association.

"I've had the joy of seeing this team of young professionals serve intentionally throughout the past year, and as a College of Agricultural Sciences alumnus myself, I am confident they will do well at Penn State," he said.

The six members have different reasons for choosing Penn State, with some common themes that center on the family-like support within the college, connections to careers and the opportunity for experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Five plan to pursue bachelor's degrees in agricultural and extension education with one pursuing a degree in animal science.

"Penn State has such an incredible community, and the people are really supportive here," said Flinchbaugh, of the Eastern York FFA Chapter.

"Yes, the University is big, but the College of Agricultural Sciences is like a family at the end of the day, where everyone is supported," said Flinchbaugh, of Hellam.

With a passion for leadership and a heart for service, Flinchbaugh said she hopes to inspire future generations to find their place in agriculture as an educator.

Firestone, of the Garden Spot FFA Chapter, who will be pursuing a degree in animal science, said she was drawn to the Penn State alumni base and the real-world examples of people who are putting their degrees to work.

"The alumni base that Penn State offers is unlike any other university," said Firestone, of Strasburg. "They are super supportive, and they find good jobs after graduation. I believe Penn State does an incredible job of creating a talent pipeline for students to follow."

She said her goal is to become a leader and advocate for agricultural literacy and youth empowerment across communities and policy.

Bradshaw, of the Greenwood FFA Chapter, said his FFA advisers were instrumental in his decision, as all three are Penn State alumni.

"My advisers talked about the many opportunities they had while students at Penn State, and I loved the stories they shared and really looked up to them," said Bradshaw, of Liverpool.

Inspired by the mentors and teachers who guided his own FFA journey, he said he hopes to one day empower students in the same way -- through leadership, learning and a strong connection to agriculture.

Parks, of the Williamsburg FFA Chapter, is following in the footsteps of his mother and grandfather, both of whom are alumni. He grew up as a fan of Penn State athletic teams and grew to appreciate the Lion culture.

"I had grown up keeping up with Penn State and their excellence, and my adviser got me into ag education," said Parks, of Williamsburg.

Butler, of Pine Grove FFA, said she chose Penn State to focus on teaching others about agriculture. As is typical of state officers, she spent what would have been her first year of college in classrooms across the commonwealth, teaching others about agriculture and leadership.

"Working with youth is just so unique because they have such an amazing outlook on life," said Butler, of Pine Grove. "They still have hope, they still have plans for their future, they have big dreams, and teachers play a huge role in that. Penn State felt like home to me and knowing that my other teammates are going to be here as well really means a lot."

Everhart, of State College and the State College Little Lions FFA Chapter, said she hopes to one day work with students and agricultural communities, helping others grow through connection, leadership and education.

"I chose to attend Penn State because it was close to home," said Everhart. "It also has a lot of amazing opportunities and networks for me to get involved with. One of my biggest pulls to the University is its alumni network."

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences offers undergraduate students a wide range of academic opportunities, including 17 bachelor’s degree programs and 25 minors that allow students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. The college also offers associate degrees and certificate programs for students seeking a more focused academic pathway with immediate career impact.

Beyond the classroom, students can enhance their education through undergraduate research, experiential learning opportunities, internships, study abroad programs, and more than 50 student clubs and organizations. The college awards more than $3 million in scholarships annually to support student success.