Every fall, thousands of FFA members flood Indianapolis for the National FFA Convention & Expo—and among them are the Wyoming FFA State Officers.
From the outside, it might look like a fun week of travel, selfies in blue jackets, and maybe a few too many trips to Steak-And-Shake. And admittedly, it’s a little of that. But behind the scenes, it’s a week packed with work, responsibility, and leadership in action.
Our state officers wear several hats while they’re there—sometimes all in the same day.
Delegates: Giving Wyoming a Voice
Each state association sends delegates to the National FFA delegate process, and Wyoming’s officers take that duty seriously. They serve on committees, debate issues, and vote on rule and policy changes that shape the future of the organization.
From membership initiatives to program funding, the decisions made in those meetings influence the entire FFA landscape. Sitting in those rooms, surrounded by peers from every state, reminds our officers that their voices matter—and that they carry the perspective of every Wyoming FFA member with them.
While serving as a delegate, I was reminded that we can always do small things with great love. My experience was full of small moments, like the networking dinner with other delegates and FFA corporate partners. When talking to a representative from Corteva Agriscience, I saw their great love and passion for FFA, an organization that Corteva has supported for over 75 years!
Hayden Hubbard, State Parliamentarian
Serving as a delegate at Nationals was an amazing experience. I learned how different states run their associations and saw just how diverse FFA truly is. My favorite part was meeting new faces from across the country, reconnecting with Wyoming members, and making memories with my state officer teammates who all sare the passion of FFA.
Tymber Eckley, State President
Attending national convention as a delegate was one fo the most inspirational and eye opening opportunities I’ve ever had. I got to experience the inter-workings of how decisions for the national organization are made and just how much student voice makes a change. My favorite part was getting to not only meet, but connect with members from all over the state and nation, as well as spending an incredibly fun week with my team!
Kaylee Rasnake, State Secretary
Being a delegate for the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo was a new experience that brought closer knit friendships, more abundant opportunities for connection, and a deeper understanding or our organization. I was able to discuss, debate, and lead meetings that allowed me and my fellow delegates to plan and present ways to better understand and utilize the National FFA organization in hopes to make our lives easier at the chapter, state, and national level. I am so thankful for the new members met, the discussions made, and the opportunities utilized.
Bridger Wolfley, State Reporter
Competitors: Taking the Stage (and the Ring, and the Lab)
Several of Wyoming’s state officers also earned their way to Indianapolis as competitors.
These students secured their spots by winning Agriscience, a Career Development Event (CDE), or a Leadership Development Event (LDE) at our state convention earlier in the year.
That means while most of the crowd is exploring the expo or shopping for new jackets, our competitors are deep in preparation—studying, rehearsing, and polishing the skills that got them there.
They compete proudly under their chapter name, representing both their hometowns and their state on a national level.
National Convention was a blast. But looking back, it’s not the days of competition that stand out the most — it’s the hours my (ag issues) team and I spent getting ready. The late nights, the early mornings, the research, and all the work that went into it. When I think about my favorite memories from National Convention, I think about the dedication and teamwork that got us there. I love convention, but I miss those times, too.
Brendan Nagy, State 3rd Vice President
Competing at National Convention and getting to watch other amazing Wyoming teams this year was not only a great way for me to elarn new things but also an opportunity to meet new people and gain new experiences. It was such a great time getting to expand my knowledge not only in my own contest but also through watching other competitive Wyoming teams.
Emerson Hornecker, State Sentinel
3. Wyoming FFA Support: Showing Up, Cheering Loud
When they’re not in meetings or competitions, our state officers are busy supporting others.
They attend sessions, cheer on Wyoming competitors, meet advisors and alumni, and represent the association at the career fair and other networking events.
They’re the friendly faces in the crowd when another Wyoming chapter walks across the big stage, the encouraging voices before a big interview, and the ones making sure no one from our state feels alone in that sea of blue.
I am so grateful to have been a cheerleader for Wyoming FFA members this past week at the National FFA Convention. Watching the hard work of our teams and individuals pay off was truly incredible. I was reminded just how special it is to stand behind people chasing their goals with everything they have. This past week was full of meaningful conversations, amazing connections, and core memories spent with my teammates. It left me beyond inspired to call Wyoming FFA home!
Amy Peldo, State Treasurer
The most significant impact national convention had on me this year was unity. I reconnected with multiple members who I had met two years ago but didn’t stay in contact with. The blue jacket on all of our backs is a glue that holds us together.
Colton Schick, Vice President
And Yes—They Have a Little Fun
Sure, they get a few well-earned breaks. State FFA Advisor Stacy Broda makes sure of that.
Between leadership duties, the officers enjoy some truly top-notch meals and local experiences—like an evening of harness racing at Hoosier Park or dessert at the legendary Cake Bake Shop, where the butter content is high and the smiles even higher.
But make no mistake: this trip isn’t a vacation. It’s work—meaningful, challenging, rewarding work that builds confidence, strengthens leadership, and connects our officers to something much bigger than themselves.
Why It Matters
By the time the Wyoming FFA State Officers head home, they’ve done more than attend a national event—they’ve helped shape it. They’ve carried Wyoming’s voice into national conversations, competed with excellence, cheered until they were hoarse, and represented our association with pride.
So when you see them post a few photos from Indy, know this: behind every smiling selfie is a student who’s been debating policy, volunteering, mentoring, or competing—all in the same week.
And maybe, just maybe, sneaking one more slice of cake before curfew.
Follow Along
Want to see what our state officers are up to year-round? Follow @WygFFA on Instagram and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and plenty of blue-jacketed adventures.
