Youth News
State FFA President Ridge Hughbanks Shares Exciting Agenda Being Lined Up for State Convention
Wed, 07 Mar 2018 14:33:44 CST
With less than two months left to go before the 2018 Oklahoma State FFA Convention, State Association President Ridge Hughbanks is spending a lot of time reflecting on his FFA career. He shared some of those thoughts looking back over the years recently with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays in our new studios located at the Historic Oklahoma City Stockyards. Listen to their complete conversation by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of the page.
"The second time around has just been absolutely incredible," Hughbanks said about his second term as part of Oklahoma's state officer team. "The first year was dynamite and brand new. But, me coming back this second year with that one year under my belt- I've been a lot more comfortable and just the experiences and my ability to go through all the different programs that the state officers do, has been second to none. It's been a rollercoaster of emotion but I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Together, Hughbanks and his teammates are counting the days down to convention when all but one will retire their blue and gold corduroy jackets. One of the most exciting things on tap though for convention this year, is hosting the Association's first-ever Presidential cabinet member at the event.
"We're so excited that Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue is getting to come down," he said, mentioning some other highlights as well. "We're also really excited about a partnership with Eskimo Joe's. We're going to have a customized Eskimo Joe's FFA T-shirt and the money and proceeds of that is going to go back into the organization in the form of scholarships for students."
In addition to the planned activities, longtime State FFA Executive Secretary Kent Boggs will be retiring from his position making this the last FFA convention he will oversee. Hughbanks says the team has some surprises in store for Boggs to honor his 30+ years of service to the organization and its members, though he admits - it is hard to keep them a secret from the man who runs the show.
"My words can't do enough justice for the things he's done and the teams prior that have had him," he said. "So, we're very honored for everything he's done, but in the spirit of progress and moving forward, we're also really excited to see where the organization is going to go."
Most importantly, Hughbanks says the past year's accomplishments of members statewide will be celebrated and highlighted for all to see.
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