Coopey

Age and school: 17, a junior at State College Area High School

Family: Parents, Megan and Jason Coopey; older sister, Emma; younger brother, Evan

Years involved with FFA: This is my third year as a member and second year being an officer of the State College Little Lions FFA chapter

Amount of time spent on FFA: On my projects, I spend at least 15 hours a week between working and animals, on FFA and agriculture classes, I spend 12-18 hours a week during school.

FFA projects: FFA and agriculture are a passion of mine, so I have been happy to spend countless hours in the past three years working on FFA and my projects, which include raising New Zealand market rabbits to exhibit at the Centre County Grange Fair and working at Way Fruit Farm, my parents’ store and farm.

Favorite FFA memory: In my FFA career, I’ve made countless memories, but by far the best have been at the FFA National Convention, from spending 14 hours stuck on a bus and getting to make new friends to wandering around the convention center with some of my best friends. And then best of all, meeting the influential Dr. Temple Grandin and listening to the amazing national officers. It was an amazing week from beginning to end and is one of my favorite memories.

FFA accomplishments: Some of my proudest accomplishments have been winning our Pennsylvania State FFA convention in Farm and Business Management with my amazing team; competing at National FFA convention in Farm Business Management and placing gold (40th place); taking my speech on the importance of family owned farms to the Pennsylvania State competition and placing eighth and holding the position of Reporter for our FFA chapter.

How has FFA prepared you for your future aspirations: In my opinion, I owe FFA more than I could ever give back; it has been a blessing to have as I navigate my way through high school and figure out what my future aspirations are. FFA has taught me public speaking skills, how to network and how to be a leader through becoming an FFA officer in our chapter and attending many leadership conferences. It deepened my understanding and love for agriculture and showed me that, one day, I want to be an agricultural education teacher to give back to other kids what I have received.

Special thanks: Thank you to all my friends and family, but I’d like to give a special thanks to my grandparents, who from the moment they heard I was joining, pulled out my grandpa’s old FFA jacket and let me try it on, and who are all always ready to sit and listen about an FFA event or show up to a banquet.

Quote: “FFA is farming and so much more; FFA is leadership and so much more. FFA is friendships and learning; FFA is competitions and problem solving. FFA is what you make it, so whether you’re a member, an alumni or a supporter, make it the best you can.”