BROOKINGS, SD – Samantha Olson of the Northwestern Area FFA chapter (in Mellette) was elected South Dakota FFA President for the 2020-2021 year. Olson, a math major at South Dakota State University, says due to the pandemic they had to hold their convention on-line rather than in person but she hopes to get as many FFA members involved as possible this year in the organization’s activities.
“My number one goal is to get members together. But no one knows what the future holds. Even if we have to continue virtually, that’s what we will do.”
She says holding a virtual state convention helped get more families involved.
“I’ve visited with members who enjoyed competing on line,” says Olson. “And it defintely got a lot more family members involved.”
Olson says they have several events planned this summer and into the fall with many of them to be held on-line, although they’re still hoping to be able to have their state officers make chapter visits to the schools in the fall.
“Going to other schools, visiting with members and introducing state officers is important in sharing the FFA message.”
Serving with Olson on the 2020-2021 state officer team is Jackson McFadden of Milbank as Vice President, Hunter Eide of Gettysburg as Secretary, Elizabeth DeBoer of Deuel as Treasurer, Dirby Bawek of Doland as Reporter and Ryder Mortenson of Winner as Sentinel.
