MSU junior appointed vice president of Future Farmers

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When Alexandria Henry found out she was named a vice president of the National Future Farmers of America, she couldn’t believe her ears.

“I kept saying, ‘I can’t believe this is happening,’” Henry said. “This is a huge goal and achievement. I was geeked, to say the least. It still hasn’t really hit me yet, but it will once we start training.”

Henry, an agriculture and natural resources communications and agriscience education junior, was elected last month to be the eastern region vice president of the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization.

Henry is the first woman from Michigan to be an officer. Jeffrey Armstrong, the dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said this is an honor and he is proud of Henry’s achievement.

“I think she will be a great ambassador for FFA and MSU because she is an excellent speaker and understands the issues (facing the agriculture industry),” Armstrong said. “She’s one of a kind and a top-level student.”

Henry was one of six students chosen out of 39 to represent the organization as officers. In order to fulfill this role, Henry will take a year off school. She said she is looking forward to the
experience.

“MSU will still be here when I get back,” Henry said. “I will be implementing what I’m learning about in my classes.”

Students were selected during the National FFA Organization’s National Convention held in Indianapolis.

Those selected as officers will travel more than 100,000 miles as they participate in workshops and conventions and act as spokespeople for the organization.

The application process began in the spring when students submitted applications before going through several interviews and completing an essay, said Crystal Hart, a program coordinator for the National FFA Organization. Hart said the students selected are the top from each state.

“It’s a competitive process,” Hart said.

During the announcement, Burton and Cheryl Henry, Elwell, Mich., residents, were in the stands cheering for their daughter.

“We are ecstatic because she’s worked hard over the years to put herself in the position to do it,” Burton Henry said. “When you get a chance to see your child achieve their dream, it’s fulfilling.”

Alexandria Henry said she will use this opportunity to help her decide which direction to take after she graduates from MSU.

“This is just a stepping stone of my life’s mission and my life’s work,” she said. “I’m just taking advantage of all the open doors that come
my way.”

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