Youth News
Congratulations! to Cole Eschete of Bokchito - Oklahoma's New State FFA President
Thu, 03 May 2018 14:47:48 CDT
In the final moments before the 92nd Annual Oklahoma State FFA Convention came to a close, the state officers that have served over the past year welcomed the next officer team, installing them one by one on Wednesday evening, which culminated with retiring State FFA President Ridge Hughbanks of Alva announcing which of his teammates would step into his shoes as the 2018-19 State FFA President.
Cole Eschete of Bokchito, Okla. was that lucky individual that heard his name called. Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Associate Farm Director Carson Horn spoke briefly with Eschete on the sidelines after recovering from the initial shock of realizing a lifelong dream. Listen to their complete interview by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below.
"It feels amazing - I'm just a small-town kid and this is just the best experience I could have ever imagined," he exclaimed. "It's been a dream for a long time and it's going to be a great year."
Eschete remarked on how much he has enjoyed his time serving as a state officer over the past year working alongside members and ag teachers across the state. He enjoyed it so much, in fact, he says he was simply not ready to give it up - believing he still had a lot more to give back to the association.
Joining him on this year's new officer team are Madelyn Gerken of Kingfisher as Secretary; Jake Landrum of Mannford as Reporter; Kenzie Cannady of Adair as Northeast VP; Makala Parson of Luther as Central VP; Drew Hardaway of Battiest as Southeast VP; Emily Kirk of Chattanooga as Southwest VP; and Shadelyn Nettles of Alva as Northwest VP. Eschete says he is very excited about serving with his new teammates, remarking on the quality of their collective talent.
In becoming State President this year, Eschete will have the unique and rare experience to have served under the direction and guidance of two State Executive FFA Secretaries, both Kent Boggs who is soon to retire from the position he has held for over three decades and this year under Trevor Lucas, an Edmond FFA ag teacher and former state officer himself.
"Mr. Boggs has been with us a very long time and he makes everything work," Eschete said about his mentor's departure. "That puts a lot of pressure on my shoulders but I know Mr. Lucas is in the same shoes. I feel like both of us having been under Mr. Boggs - we'll be able to get everything doing what it needs to be."
Eschete ended the interview articulating his mission for the coming year which will be to promote a positive self-image in the minds of his teammates and members, helping to teach others that to be liked and admired, one must only be true to one's own self.
Eschete is the son of Clay and Annie Eschete who raised him on the family's cattle operation, Lost Cajun Ranch, where his love for agriculture began. Eschete attended Rock Creek High School throughout his early FFA career during which he showed hogs and participated in various leadership development activities.
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